At Tompkins and Associates, we value high-quality training for graduate students enrolled in Psy.D./Ph.D. programs.
Clinical Training
We provide trainees with the opportunity to work with children, teens, and families for individual therapy, family therapy, and parent coaching services. Most clients present with concerns about anxiety, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, depression, mood disorders, and interpersonal issues.
We prioritize the use of evidence-based therapy interventions, including Play Therapy, CBT, ACT, and DBT. Trainees receive an immersive experience in which they learn about these theories and implement their strategies with children and teens. We also use evidence-based parenting interventions such as Parent Management Training and Co-Regulation Therapy.
In addition to clinical skills, trainees are expected to develop high-quality documentation skills through completing intake assessments, case notes, treatment plans, and discharge summaries. Trainees will occasionally be asked to provide treatment summaries to support clients’ services in other settings. When appropriate, trainees will engage in consultation and case management with other providers in the community,y including physicians/pediatricians, psychiatrists, school staff, and mental health providers.
Assessment Training
Clinical Psychology trainees also have the opportunity to conduct comprehensive neuropsychological assessments with a pediatric population. Trainees will gain experience administering, scoring, and interpreting a wide range of tests, including:
- WISC/WAIS
- WIAT
- GORT
- MIGDAS 2
- CPT/CATA
- DKEFS
- Nepsy 2
- Bailey 4
- MACI 2/MPACI
- PAI A
- BRIEF 2
- Conners CBRS
- MASC 2
- Projective measures (TAT, Rorschach, drawings)
Additionally, trainees are trained to write comprehensive and integrative reports that prioritize case conceptualization, diagnostic accuracy, and digestible information that is helpful and easy for parents, educators, and other providers to understand and implement recommendations.
Supervision
Our supervision model is highly supportive, educational, and professional. We pride ourselves on training the next generation of excellent child and adolescent psychologists. As such, supervision typically begins with a focus on intensive training in clinical theory and skills including:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
- Developmental Theory
- Attachment Theory
- Family Systems Theory
We utilize a variety of media in supervision, including didactic training, reading books/articles, and experiential learning through sessions and supervision. We prioritize case conceptualization skills during the training years because we strongly believe that accurate conceptualization leads to the best-designed treatment plans, interventions, and client experience.
Trainees can expect to receive regular feedback from their supervisor through both formal and informal channels. We believe in providing timely feedback on all areas of professional development to best support the trainee’s growth toward independent practice.
Trainee Extern Expectations
Clinical Psychology externs are expected to comply with all requirements of their graduation program as well as all office policies for Tompkins and Associates. We ask trainees to be available 2-3 days per week, and trainees are required to offer evening and/or weekend appointments to accommodate client schedules.
Trainees will:
- See 8- 12 clients per week
- Conduct 1 psychological assessment per month
- Receive 1 hour of individual supervision from a fully licensed clinical psychologist
- Receive 1 hour of group supervision, including all clinical psychology trainees and licensed clinical psychologists in the office
- Participate in professional development offered, as available
- Engage in clinical training evaluation at least 2 times during the training year