PERSONAL and PROFESSIONAL GROWTH ACTIVITIES
At the heart of an effective training program in Counseling Psy chology is the opportunity to develop the personal insights and skills necessary for empathic interaction in a wide range of settings. In order to meet this need, the Rosemead Graduate School of Psychology has developed a planned sequence of experiences designed to pro mote personal growth and competency in interpersonal relations. Beginning in the first year of study students participate in a variety of activities designed to promote professional awareness and personal growth. Included are observation of varied modes of professional service on and off campus, seminars to assess and facilitate interper sonal skills, and one year of group didactic therapy. With the second year the student commences his practicum. Indi vidual readiness, needs and interests are taken into account as stu dents are placed in such professional facilities as outpatient clinics, hospitals, college counseling centers, public schools and community health organizations. These experiences are individually supervised by either our own full-time faculty, or qualified professionals working in the field and holding adjunct faculty appointments. Practicum training is viewed developmentally. At its conclusion students should be ready for the more extensive internship phase of their professional training. About the third year most students will begin their individual didactic therapy. Although the distinction between therapy as a learn ing experience and as personal growth will vary according to points of view, experience in the client-student role is seen as a unique and essential educational experience for the future counseling psycholo gist. Between 50 and 200 hours of individual didactic are required. Such issues as the exact timing, choice of therapist and specific goals will be determined by the student in conjunction with his advisor and the professional training committee. When a student reaches his fourth year most of his time is spent in independent study, electives and practicum experiences. This step by-step progression gives the student personal experiences with a wide range of personalities in both church-related and secular institu tions. It is intended to give students broad experiences and prepara tion which serve as a solid basis for future postdoctoral specialization.
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