Training & Supervision

at PCSSS

Developing Compassionate and Skilled Professionals

Pastoral Counseling Services of the South Shore (PCSSS) offers a comprehensive training and supervision program for students, clinicians, and early-career professionals dedicated to integrating psychotherapy with a respect for spirituality and holistic well-being. Our program equips trainees with the clinical skills, insight, and ethical grounding required to provide meaningful, compassionate care. Through hands-on experience, professional supervision, and a collaborative learning environment, participants cultivate a therapeutic approach that honors the mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of healing.

PCSSS offers both Practicum and Internship opportunities, each tailored to meet the developmental needs of students at different stages in their clinical journey. These programs are led by seasoned clinicians who are committed to fostering growth, skill development, and professional confidence.

Programs

Training and Supervision Opportunities at PCSSS

Practicum

Building a Foundation in Integrative Psychotherapy

The Practicum program at PCSSS is crafted for students beginning their clinical training, offering a foundation in therapeutic practice and theory. Practicum students engage in supervised client work to develop essential skills in client rapport, assessment, and treatment planning. Through direct client interactions, case reviews, and both individual and group supervision, students learn to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings.

Practicum students at PCSSS receive close mentorship from experienced supervisors, creating a supportive, structured environment for learning. Our program emphasizes the integration of psychological principles with spiritual understanding, helping students explore how these elements intersect in therapeutic practice. Practicum placements include opportunities for individual therapy and observation, allowing students to build core competencies and gain confidence in a holistic, client-centered context. At PCSSS, we are dedicated to helping Practicum students lay a strong foundation for their growth as future mental health professionals.

Internship

Advanced Clinical Training and Professional Development

The Internship program at PCSSS provides an immersive, in-depth experience for students who have completed a Practicum or advanced in their clinical training. Interns take on more substantial clinical responsibilities, managing a personal caseload under consistent supervision to support effective and ethical practice. Through weekly supervision and feedback, Interns enhance their therapeutic approach, refine treatment skills, and expand their knowledge of integrative, client-centered psychotherapy.

Interns at PCSSS are actively involved in all stages of client care, including intake assessments, case management, and individualized treatment planning. This program emphasizes professional growth and self-awareness, guiding Interns to explore their clinical identity, recognize their therapeutic strengths, and navigate the complexities of client relationships. With a combination of individual and group supervision, Interns learn to apply evidence-based techniques within a framework that respects each client’s spiritual and cultural context. At PCSSS, our Internship program is designed to empower emerging clinicians with the confidence and capability to succeed.

Post Graduate Individual Supervision

Fellowship

Individual supervision addressing all clinical areas is also available for post-graduates working toward Massachusetts licensure.

Should you be interested in arranging clinical supervision with a clinician seasoned in religio-spiritual interests and concerns, please contact us.

Get in touch.

Please complete the form to receive information about training & supervision opportunities at PCSSS.

The Training Program of PCSSS offers internship opportunities for candidates in advanced degree programs in psychology, marriage and family therapy, pastoral care, holistic counseling, and related fields, from accredited institutions. For a minimum of nine months, interns become a working part of the PCSSS staff.

Students are supported and encouraged to individualize their internship in areas of their own special interest while receiving a well-rounded experience in active client work. In the past, our interns have focused on couples/marriage work, children, adolescents, the elderly, domestic violence, and mindfulness training, as well as general therapy. Interns with PCSSS create and run groups, maintain a small client caseload, and are expected to participate fully in the activities of PCSSS. Interns are provided with weekly individual clinical supervision, group supervision several times a month, on-call access to supervisors and senior clinicians, and other learning opportunities.

Interns develop their own schedule and caseload, learn clinical record-keeping responsibilities, and hone their skills in realistic situations. The Training Director and Clinical Director are in communication with the degree-awarding school. Our master's and doctoral level interns have come from, Boston University, Eastern Nazarene College, Loyola of Maryland, William James College (formerly Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology), Salve Regina University, and Andover Newton Theological School.

To request an interview for internship opportunities, please send a resume and cover letter to

Rev. Rachel Fisher, Executive Director, at r_fisher@islpma.org.

Individual Supervision

Individual supervision addressing all clinical areas is also available for post-graduates working toward Massachusetts licensure.

Should you be interested in arranging clinical supervision with a clinician seasoned in religio-spiritual interests and concerns, please contact the Main Office by phone at 781-826-0011 x108, or by email at pcsss@islpma.org.