We Supervise Masters Level Student Interns!

The Nicole Docksteader Internship Program

June 15, 1990 - July 10, 2023

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Our internship program is dedicated to the loving memory of Nicole Docksteader, a remarkable individual whose life was dedicated to helping others. As the first ever associate at Brown Counselling, Nicole was a beacon of compassion and empathy, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of those fortunate enough to have crossed her path.
 
Despite being a new graduate at the time, Nicole embodied the essence of empathy, creating a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to explore their innermost thoughts and emotions. She possessed an innate ability to connect with people from all walks of life on a profound level, demonstrating genuine care and understanding for each individual's unique journey.
 
Nicole's approach to psychotherapy was characterized by a rare combination of wisdom, warmth, and humility. She had a gift for active listening, making clients feel heard and validated. Compassion was Nicole's guiding principle, and clients often spoke of her as a source of strength during their darkest moments.
 
These qualities that Nicole possessed and demonstrated so well during her time with us are what we are looking for in our clinical interns. Her client-centered approach is what we aspire to instill in our students through the provision of knowledgeable and supportive supervision. It is our hope that through this internship program, we will continue to celebrate and honour Nicole's life through the training and development of other like-minded psychotherapists.

Meet Your Supervisor


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Jaime Sharma

I am registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and hold a Masters Degree in Counselling from the University of Ottawa.
 
I have a background in working with individuals experiencing a variety of issues in their lives such as anxiety, depression, stress, relationship issues, work-related issues and individuals experiencing crisis. I use an individualized approach to psychotherapy, drawing on various therapeutic models or approaches such as (but not limited to) CBT, ACT, EFT and Brainspotting.
 
In my work with students and interns, my goal is to provide constructive feedback, to foster a positive learning environment and promote ethical and evidence-based practices. I am dedicated to helping supervisees enhance their clinical skills and achieve their professional goals.
 
I look forwarding to supporting you in your learning and development!

Meet Your Peer Supervisor

Alannah Radburn

I am registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and hold a Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology from Athabasca University.
 
My professional experience has involved supporting a variety of individuals, including neurodiverse and LGBTQ+ populations, teenagers, and individuals navigating trauma, dissociation, depression, anxiety, and identity exploration.
 
I place a strong emphasis on fostering autonomy, self-regulation, and distress tolerance, while supporting clients in developing skills that feel accessible, meaningful, and sustainable for them. I draw from a range of modalities, including IFS, ACT, and DBT, adapting my approach to best fit what each client needs in the moment, while working from an overarching client-centred lens.
 
In working with interns, my hope is to provide a supportive and creative space that prioritizes safety and wellbeing while exploring clinical skills, learning and growth, ethical care, and the experiences that come with entering the field.
 
I value curiosity, diversity, collaboration, and making room for the uncertainty that can be part of becoming a therapist. I am so looking forward to supporting you in building confidence, developing reflective practice, and finding your own path as a clinician!
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Brown Counselling and Therapy Services is happy to contribute to the development and training of future therapists. We offer student internship placements to students completing their Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology (or equivalent). The start dates for student practicums are January, May, and September. Please note, our student interns do see clients in-person at our office in Orleans. We are unfortunately not able to offer a virtual/ remote internship.

What we offer:

  • One hour per week of supervision with one of our Registered Psychotherapists that meets the supervision requirements for both your school placement, as well as the CRPO
  • 2-3 additional hours per month of peer intern support led by one of our associates
  • Two additional hours per month of group supervision led by a Registered Psychotherapist
  • The ability to utilize and learn the therapeutic modalities that you are interested in, while maintaining client-centred care
  • Office space for three shifts per week
  • A caseload of approximately 10-12 clients per week
  • Access to a secure, easy to use online booking and filing system
  • Administrative support
  • A collaborative team environment

Our ideal interns:

  • Love people, and are passionate about providing therapy
  • Are willing and able to provide more than the minimum requirements for their degree to contribute to the team and help support our busy practice
  • Will ask for help when they need it, and are passionate about learning
  • Are confident in their role as a helping professional
  • Have a thorough knowledge of, and abide by, all of the ethical standards and guidelines for providing therapy
  • Have strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Are able to see clients in-person at our office in Orleans, as well as virtually when needed
  • Are client-centred, and tailor their approaches to meet the needs of their clients

If you are a student seeking a practicum placement and think you would be a good fit for our team, please send your cover letter and resumé to info@browncounselling.com, and indicate what start date you are looking for.