Not just a theoretical degree

Webster’s counseling program provides essential, hands-on practice through a variety of means.

• Practicum: 100 hours of closely supervised, intensive, unpaid counseling work, 40 of which must be in direct service that leads to the development of counseling skills. This experience provides a valuable bridge to becoming an entry-level professional in your area of interest. Past practicum placements in Geneva included:
  • International School of Geneva
  • Webster Counseling & Career Counseling Service
  • MentalFitness
  • ASK (All Special Kids)
  • College du Leman
  • Fondation les Oliviers
  • Geneva Hospital (Belle Idee clinic)
  • Yabonga HIV / AIDS center in South-Africa

Some students have undertaken their practicum work in other countries, for example at an HIV/AIDS non-governmental organization in South Africa and a mental health clinic in Denmark. In some cases, practicum work can become a job following graduation.

• Internship: 600 hours (can be paid) Two classes that require 300 hours of credit each of experience for a total of 600 Internship hours. When added to the Practicum this results in a total of 700 hours of clinical experience. The internship ratio requires 240 hours of direct provision of services that lead to the development of counseling skills. The classroom hours count towards the time allotted for non-direcrt provision of services. Students also accrue hours from seminars, lectures, reading, meetings attended and training at the facility they are working.
  
  
• Peer counseling: You will meet with your classmates in small groups to discuss your ongoing counseling practice. The reflections, input, and diverse experiences of your multicultural classmates foster creativity and new ways of looking at problems, and will broaden your understanding of different cultures and viewpoints.
  
  
• Role play: A valuable learning instrument, role playing allows you to practice different counseling models and helps build empathy for the client’s perspective. As with peer counseling, feedback from your classmates and professors provides valuable tools and insights into how to best approach different situations.

You will also be exposed to current counseling issues and practical examples through:

• Expert professors: Your professors don’t just teach theory – they also bring real-life examples from their extensive experience as practicing therapists.
  
  
• Guest speakers: Key psychologists and psychotherapists invited to various classes and to give public lectures provide different perspectives and insights.
  
  
• Case studies: You learn about current counseling issues through analysis of relevant case studies.

“It’s a big leap to go from being a student to being a practicing therapist. The program prepares you for this by providing valuable practical experience. Hearing the experiences of the professors is also very helpful, particularly given their very diverse backgrounds, nationalities, and specialties.”

Sally Storr
MA in Counseling student