Philosophy, Goals

Philosophy and Goals of Training

The basis of the UCC postdoctoral training program is an apprenticeship model that promotes the independent practice of the fellow to competently perform in positions in which advanced level psychologists function. To this end the postdoctoral fellowship is tailor-made to accomplish the following objectives:

Add to competencies already established by rounding out training (i.e., increasing one's depth and breadth of brief treatment) and develop one's level of teaching and supervising to a level commiserate with that of an already established psychologist.

Develop a specialized area of expertise

First in recognition of postdoctoral fellows already established competencies in the basic skills required of an entry-level psychologist, the UCC program is tailored to each fellow's unique professional needs and abilities. In consultation with the Director of Training and other supervisory faculty, fellows select training experiences that add to their overall level of competence (i.e., advanced learning of time-limited treatment, increased competence as a supervisor/teacher etc.). Fellows are expected to teach a year long Clinical Seminar and to supervise two to three graduate students per week.

Second, fellows will select and work closely with a research or clinical mentor during their tenure at UCC. Together, they will develop a one to two-year plan replete with goals, objectives, methods, outcomes (etc.) that will guide fellows' development. The fellow may want to choose a clinical specialty outreach area or scholarly endeavor in which to develop further expertise. This may result in a paper submitted for publication, presentation at a relevant conference, or in establishing a program. Possibilities are numerous, and are determined in conjunction with one's mentor.