Practicum Training Program

At River’s Edge Counselling Centre, we believe that professional excellence and compassionate care are strengthened through a vibrant learning community—one that values reflection, collaboration, and ongoing professional development.

Each year, River’s Edge Counselling Centre welcomes up to five graduate-level students who are completing a master’s program in psychology or counselling. Students receive individualized supervision, mentorship, and rich clinical experience within a supportive, collegial, and trauma-informed environment.

Our program emphasizes an integrative, holistic approach to psychotherapy—blending evidence-based theory with deep respect for each person’s lived experience. Students are matched with one of our experienced clinical supervisors to ensure a strong learning fit and alignment with their professional goals.

Students commit to a minimum of two clinical days per week, providing counselling to adults and teens (and, where appropriate, children or couples), along with an additional half-day for seminars, supervision, and a reflective process group. The practicum runs from early September for one full year.

In addition to their clinical work, students:

• Facilitate a community Wellness Matters talk
• Participate in monthly team case conferences
• Contribute to our collaborative team culture of learning and care

Most students exceed their university’s minimum requirements for direct client hours and supervision, completing over 325 direct counselling hours.

This practicum is well-suited for students who wish to:

• Develop a strong professional identity as a therapist
• Integrate theory and practice in a relational, reflective setting
• Engage in advanced supervision and mentorship
• Work with clients longer-term and as part of a multidisciplinary team

Students from graduate programs in psychology or counselling pursuing registration as a Registered Psychologist or Canadian Certified Counsellor are encouraged to apply.

The River’s Edge training program also serves an important role in the St. Albert community by offering accessible, low-cost counselling through our student counsellor services. These sessions are provided on a sliding-scale basis for individuals who may not have insurance or access to private therapy.

All student counselling is closely supervised by qualified, experienced therapists, ensuring ethical, high-quality care that benefits both clients and students. This model reflects our belief that growth, connection, and service are at the heart of professional development.

Thank you for your interest in completing your practicum with River’s Edge Counselling Centre in St. Albert!

Each year, we welcome a small group of graduate students who are eager to grow, not only in knowledge and skill, but in presence, reflection, and authenticity as developing therapists. Our full-year program offers integrative, trauma-informed training with enhanced supervision, advanced learning opportunities, and a supportive, collaborative team culture. Our next open cohort runs September 1st, 2027, to August 31, 2028. (Note that we do not accept new students at other times in the year).

Please submit the following materials:

• A current résumé or CV, and
• A cover letter outlining your interest in the practicum and what draws you to River’s Edge.

Your cover letter can be brief (no more than one page) and should highlight your graduate program, relevant experience, and what you hope to gain from this training experience.

We carefully review each résumé and cover letter. Applicants who move forward will receive a link to a brief video interview (approximately 15–20 minutes).

The interview consists of six questions and will take about 20 minutes to complete.

Following review of video interviews, selected candidates will be invited to an in-person interview  to discuss the program in more depth and explore readiness and fit for our program.