Mentorship Program

What is our Mentorship Program?

Our Mentorship Program is designed for counseling students pursuing a master’s degree and offers a supportive and nurturing environment as they navigate their internship. Rooted in attachment theory, this program emphasizes the importance of having a secure attachment figure to help student therapists feel grounded and confident. We believe that when student therapists feel safe and supported, they can reach their fullest potential, providing more effective care for their clients and growing as professionals.

By fostering a strong, secure relationship with experienced mentors, student therapists will experience what it means to work in an emotionally safe and collaborative space. This supportive mentorship mirrors the very principles of attachment theory, allowing interns to develop the skills, resilience, and confidence they need to thrive in their clinical work. Through this program, we aim to create a learning experience that goes beyond technical knowledge, providing emotional and professional support every step of the way.

Our Mentorship Program recognizes that the transition from student to student therapist is both exciting and challenging. During this period, students are often confronted with uncertainties about their abilities, ethical dilemmas, and the complexities of working with diverse clients. By providing consistent mentorship rooted in the principles of attachment theory, we offer a stable and reliable resource that student therapists can depend on. This helps build their self-assurance and emotional resilience, enabling them to navigate challenges with greater ease and fostering a deeper understanding of themselves as emerging therapists.

Additionally, our Mentorship Program provides more than just clinical guidance. It is designed to foster personal growth and self-reflection, encouraging student therapists to explore their own emotional experiences and attachment styles. We believe that when student therapists can reflect on their own attachment patterns, they are better equipped to form healthy, therapeutic relationships with their clients. Our mentors offer a space for these reflections, promoting a deeper sense of self-awareness, empathy, and emotional intelligence, which are essential qualities for effective counseling.

Attachment-Based Supervision

Our approach to supervision draws deeply from the principles of attachment theory, which emphasizes the importance of secure relationships. We believe that for supervisees to truly flourish, they need to feel emotionally safe within the supervisory relationship. In our supervision, we focus on creating a secure, dependable bond with each supervisee, allowing them the freedom to be vulnerable, ask questions, and explore their uncertainties. This foundation of safety helps foster open dialogue, encouraging deeper learning and growth.

In addition to building a secure relationship, we work with supervisees to develop a robust conceptual understanding of therapy and various theoretical frameworks. By exploring different therapeutic models, we help students build a strong theoretical foundation, which is essential for effective clinical practice. However, we also recognize that therapy is not just about intellectual knowledge. It's equally important to learn how to integrate these theories into real-world practice in a meaningful way.

To enhance this integration, we use experiential interventions in supervision, enabling students to not only learn cognitively but also through their nervous systems. Experiential learning offers a more embodied understanding of the therapeutic process, allowing supervisees to engage more fully in the moment and retain knowledge on a deeper level. By actively participating in these experiences, students often find they can apply theoretical concepts with greater confidence and clarity when working with clients.

Finally, we explore the "self of the therapist" as part of our supervision process, encouraging supervisees to reflect on their own emotional responses and personal experiences. This self-exploration is crucial for identifying any potential blocks or biases that may arise in the therapy room. By processing these blocks in a safe, supportive environment, supervisees gain greater self-awareness and emotional intelligence, both of which are essential for providing effective, empathic care to their clients.

Weekly Group Supervision

Our group supervision meets once a week online, providing a consistent and accessible space for students to connect, learn, and grow together with their site mentors. Each session begins with time for general questions, allowing students to voice any concerns or challenges they are facing in their therapy work. This open forum promotes collaboration and mutual support, where students can learn from one another’s experiences and receive guidance tailored to their specific needs.

A key component of our group supervision is the alternating video presentations, where students take turns sharing recorded therapy sessions. This approach offers a valuable opportunity for peers and supervisors to provide feedback in a safe, nonjudgmental environment. We focus on creating an emotionally secure space where students feel comfortable sharing their work, knowing they will receive feedback that is both supportive and growth-oriented.

Our goal is to foster an environment where students can openly explore their clinical work and develop their skills through collaborative learning. Group supervision encourages deeper reflection and offers diverse perspectives, which can illuminate new ways of thinking and approaching therapy. The collective experience helps students feel connected and less isolated in their journey toward becoming skilled therapists.

By participating in group supervision, students not only gain practical feedback but also strengthen their professional identities. The group setting cultivates a sense of belonging, where each student’s growth is supported by a community of peers and supervisors who are invested in their success.

Live Supervision

In our Mentorship Program, we offer live supervision as a dynamic way for student therapists to receive immediate, real-time feedback during their sessions. Live supervision involves the site supervisor either sitting in the therapy session with the student therapist or utilizing “bug-in-ear” technology to observe remotely. With the “bug-in-ear” method, the supervisor can provide live guidance and suggestions through a discreet earpiece, allowing the student to make adjustments on the spot.

This hands-on approach to learning is incredibly powerful, as it allows student therapists to apply feedback and refine their techniques in real time. We believe that experiencing and practicing in the moment is one of the most effective ways to deepen learning. Live supervision accelerates growth by enabling students to immediately incorporate their supervisor's insights, which enhances their confidence and skill development.

Additionally, live supervision benefits clients by offering a transparent view of the therapeutic process. As student therapists receive feedback and discuss their choices during the session, clients gain a better understanding of why certain interventions are being used. This openness can help demystify the therapeutic process and foster trust between the client and therapist.

By integrating live supervision into our program, we aim to create a rich learning experience that balances immediate practical application with theoretical understanding. This real-time approach helps student therapists grow in a way that’s both experiential and supportive, ensuring they gain the skills necessary to provide effective therapy.

Live Therapy Observation

In addition to live supervision, our Mentorship Program offers opportunities for students to observe therapy sessions conducted by both their student peers and licensed therapists. This is the "show" component of our "tell-show-do-review" learning model, where students can watch experienced professionals in action and see how various therapeutic techniques are applied in real-world situations. By observing these sessions, students can bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.

Watching live therapy provides invaluable insights into the flow of a session, the therapist-client dynamic, and the subtle decision-making that happens moment-to-moment. These observations help students understand how to manage different scenarios, apply interventions effectively, and build rapport with clients. It's an opportunity to witness the nuanced aspects of therapy that are often hard to grasp solely through textbooks or classroom discussions.

Observing other student therapists also offers a sense of camaraderie and shared learning. Students can see different approaches to similar challenges, broadening their perspective on how therapy can be conducted. This reflective practice helps students gain confidence in their own abilities while appreciating the diverse ways therapy can unfold.

Overall, Live Therapy Observation enhances the experiential learning process, giving students the chance to witness therapy in action before they apply what they've learned in their own sessions. This step is key in solidifying their understanding and preparing them for the "do" phase of their training.

Peer Consultation

Peer consultation is an essential part of our Mentorship Program, held every other week to provide students with an additional layer of support and learning. This meeting offers a unique opportunity for students to ask questions not only to their site supervisors but also to licensed therapists who work at Fortis. Engaging with these experienced professionals gives students diverse perspectives on clinical work, enriching their understanding of therapy practices.

This collaborative environment allows students to seek advice on challenging cases, explore different therapeutic approaches, and gain clarity on any professional or ethical dilemmas they may encounter. The insight provided by seasoned therapists who have navigated similar challenges in their careers is invaluable, offering practical tips and deeper reflections on the therapeutic process.

In peer consultation, students are encouraged to share their own experiences and learn from the collective wisdom of their peers and the licensed professionals in attendance. This exchange helps foster a sense of community and connection, which is vital for developing a strong professional identity as a therapist.

By participating in these consultations, students gain not only technical knowledge but also the confidence and competence to approach their clinical work with greater assurance. The diverse feedback they receive helps them grow into well-rounded and adaptable therapists.

Monthly Team Training Day

On the third Friday of each month, we dedicate time to expanding our knowledge through Monthly Team Training sessions. These trainings cover a wide range of topics that are crucial to the development of well-rounded therapists. From mastering proper documentation to exploring specialized therapeutic approaches, each session is designed to enhance both the clinical and practical skills of our student therapists.

The trainings often dive into modalities such as play therapy and attachment-based models like Emotionally Focused Therapy, offering a deeper understanding of how to apply these approaches in practice. We also introduce somatic experiencing techniques, which help therapists tune into the body’s role in processing trauma and emotions. These trainings ensure that our students are exposed to a variety of therapeutic styles, enriching their toolbox and preparing them to meet diverse client needs.

Each training is led by the practice owners and students are encouraged to actively participate, ask questions, and engage in discussions. This interactive approach reinforces the material and promotes a collaborative learning environment. Whether focusing on documentation best practices or exploring innovative therapeutic techniques, the goal is to provide comprehensive, hands-on training that equips students for real-world application.

Monthly Team Training is an essential part of the Mentorship Program, offering structured, ongoing education that ensures our student therapists stay up-to-date on best practices and emerging trends in the field. It’s a valuable opportunity for continuous learning and professional development.

Exploration of Self-of-the-Therapist

No therapist's development is complete without a deep exploration of the self. In our Mentorship Program, we emphasize the importance of understanding one's own emotional responses and how they affect the therapeutic process. We dedicate time to exploring how therapists can become emotionally activated during sessions, looking at the triggers behind these reactions and why they occur. This self-awareness is critical for becoming a more effective and attuned therapist.

By reflecting on these emotional activations, therapists gain insights into their personal attachment patterns, biases, and unresolved emotions. This exploration allows therapists to identify how their own responses might influence their interactions with clients, whether through countertransference or emotional withdrawal. The process helps uncover blind spots and fosters greater emotional intelligence.

Once we have identified these emotional patterns, we focus on how to manage them differently in future sessions. We provide tools and strategies for emotional regulation, ensuring that therapists can remain present and grounded even when challenging emotions arise. This self-regulation is key to maintaining a healthy, balanced therapeutic relationship with clients and delivering high-quality care.

By incorporating the "self-of-the-therapist" work into our program, we help student therapists build the emotional resilience and self-awareness needed to navigate the complex emotional landscapes of therapy. This ongoing reflection and growth is what enables therapists to not only help their clients heal but to evolve as professionals themselves.

Supportive Staff

At the core of our Mentorship Program is a team of dedicated and supportive staff members who handle many of the day-to-day administrative tasks, ensuring that student therapists can focus on their growth and development. Our staff is available to take calls and respond to emails from clients, manage scheduling, and ensure that intake documents are sent out in a timely manner. This allows student therapists to concentrate on their clinical work without being overwhelmed by administrative duties.

In addition to client coordination, we have staff who are responsible for managing billing, ensuring that all financial processes run smoothly. This attention to detail helps create a stress-free environment for both students and clients. Moreover, we have a team member who handles consistent marketing efforts, helping to maintain a steady flow of clients and making sure our practice remains visible in the community.

By taking care of these critical operational tasks, our supportive staff allows student therapists to dedicate their time and energy to learning how to be effective therapists. With the administrative aspects well-managed, students can focus on honing their clinical skills, participating in supervision, and building their confidence as emerging professionals.

Unlimited Reassurance, Validation and Empathy

One of the core values of our Mentorship Program is providing student therapists with unlimited reassurance, validation, and empathy throughout their journey. We understand that the process of becoming a therapist can be both rewarding and challenging, filled with moments of doubt and uncertainty. Our mentors and supervisors are here to offer consistent support, ensuring that each student feels understood and encouraged as they develop their clinical skills.

Reassurance is key to building confidence, and we believe that every therapist-in-training deserves to feel secure in their abilities. We take time to validate the emotional experiences of our students, whether they are navigating difficult sessions or wrestling with complex therapeutic concepts. This validation is not only affirming but also helps students feel grounded and connected to their work.

Empathy is at the heart of what we do. We recognize that the path to becoming a therapist is deeply personal, and we strive to create a nurturing environment where each student’s feelings and experiences are met with compassion. Through our mentorship, we model the empathy that is essential to effective therapeutic practice, ensuring that students feel supported both personally and professionally.

By providing an environment rich in reassurance, validation, and empathy, we foster the emotional safety necessary for students to take risks, grow, and thrive in their development as therapists. This unwavering support is what makes our Mentorship Program a space where student therapists can truly flourish.

Unlimited Support and Encouragement

In our Mentorship Program, we believe that unlimited support and encouragement are essential for fostering the confidence and growth of our student therapists. From the very beginning of their journey, we are dedicated to providing continuous guidance and motivation, helping students navigate the complexities of clinical work with assurance. Our team of mentors, supervisors, and staff is always available to offer support, no matter how big or small the challenge may be.

We understand that the process of becoming a therapist can feel overwhelming at times, and that’s why we prioritize creating an environment where students feel consistently uplifted. Whether it’s navigating a difficult client case, mastering a new therapeutic technique, or simply needing reassurance along the way, we are here to offer encouragement at every step. This continuous positive reinforcement helps students build their confidence and trust in their growing skills.

Our commitment to providing unlimited support extends beyond the classroom and supervision settings. We make ourselves available to students when they need additional help, feedback, or even just someone to talk to about their experiences. We believe that this kind of ongoing encouragement not only fosters skill development but also helps students maintain their passion for the work they are doing.

With the backing of a supportive and encouraging community, student therapists are empowered to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them in a safe, nurturing space. Our goal is to ensure that every student feels bolstered by the consistent encouragement they receive, enabling them to grow into confident and capable therapists.

Systems and Processes in Place for Smooth Operations

Our Mentorship Program is supported by well-established systems and processes that ensure smooth operations, allowing student therapists to focus on their training without worrying about logistical challenges. From client intake to billing and scheduling, we have streamlined every aspect of our practice to create a seamless experience for both students and clients. These systems are designed to reduce administrative burdens and provide a strong foundation for efficient practice management.

Our intake process is automated and organized, ensuring that clients receive necessary forms and documentation without delay. Scheduling is managed by our supportive staff, who coordinate appointments with ease, making sure that students' calendars are optimized for both learning and clinical work. Additionally, our billing process is handled with precision, so financial matters are consistently addressed, removing the need for students to worry about payment issues or insurance paperwork.

We also have systems in place for marketing and client outreach, ensuring that a steady flow of clients is maintained for our student therapists to work with. This guarantees that students have consistent opportunities to apply their learning in real therapy sessions, furthering their development. These operational processes are designed to enhance the overall experience of both students and clients, providing reliability and structure.

By having these robust systems and processes in place, we create an environment where everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. This allows student therapists to focus on what matters most—building their clinical skills, deepening their therapeutic knowledge, and growing as professionals in a supportive, efficient setting.

Opportunity for Employment Post-Graduation

One of the unique benefits of our Mentorship Program is the opportunity for employment post-graduation. We value the time and dedication our student therapists invest in their training, and we are always looking to expand our team with talented, passionate individuals who have completed their internship with us. Upon graduation, students have the chance to apply for a position within our practice, allowing them to seamlessly transition from student to licensed professional.

Staying on as a therapist at our practice offers continuity in professional development and the ability to grow within a familiar, supportive environment. Our program ensures that student therapists graduate with a deep understanding of our practice’s approach, values, and therapeutic models, making them well-prepared for a long-term career with us. This pathway provides stability, continued mentorship, and the opportunity to further refine clinical skills while building a client base.

We take pride in nurturing the next generation of therapists, and offering employment opportunities post-graduation is one way we ensure that our graduates have a clear path toward success in their careers. By joining our team, former students can continue to contribute to the community they've helped build, furthering both their professional growth and the impact they have on clients.

Listen to Our Past Student Therapists: