Counselling Volunteership Program
The Sandham Psychological Services Counselling Volunteership Program provides psychology students and recent graduates with an opportunity to learn more about the profession of psychology and gain practical exposure to the work that happens behind the scenes in a private psychology practice.
This is a volunteership is designed for individuals who are considering a future career as a psychologist and are interested in pursuing graduate-level training in counselling or clinical psychology.
What You’ll Learn
The volunteership is designed to help you develop practical skills while gaining a better understanding of psychology as a profession and the operation of a private practice.
Throughout the program, volunteers may have opportunities to develop skills in:
- Research and professional writing
- Mental health education and communication
- Social media and digital content development
- Ethical and professional practice
- Teamwork and communication
- Workshop development
- Private practice policies and procedures
Volunteers also participate in regular progress meetings to discuss their work, receive feedback, ask questions, and continue developing their skills.
What You’ll Work On
Depending on the needs of the practice, volunteership activities may include researching mental health and psychology topics, developing educational content for social media, assisting with workshop materials, contributing to practice resources, and supporting the development of policies and procedures.
Volunteers may create content for platforms including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Google and work with tools such as Canva, Word, and Excel.
This volunteership does not involve providing counselling or psychological services to clients.
Who This Program Is For
This program may be a good fit if you:
- Are currently enrolled in or have completed a psychology degree program from a post-secondary institution that follows the scientist-practitioner model
- Are in good academic standing
- Are considering becoming a psychologist
- Intend to pursue a graduate psychology program that follows the scientist-practitioner model
- Have strong writing and communication skills
- Have experience with social media and Canva
- Are comfortable using Word and Excel
- Can work both independently and collaboratively
- Are open to feedback and interested in learning
Time Commitment
The volunteership is a one-year commitment of approximately five hours per week, including participation in biweekly progress meetings.
A Volunteer Learning Opportunity
This is an unpaid volunteer position focused on learning, mentorship, and gaining exposure to the field of psychology and the operation of a private practice.
Volunteers who successfully complete the program may be eligible for a professional reference based on their participation and performance throughout the volunteership.
Volunteership Application
If you are interested in the Sandham Psychological Services Volunteership Program, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your interest in psychology, your educational background, and why you are interested in the program.