Nourish Play Therapy’s Clinical Internship Program offers Master's-level students intensive training in trauma-informed play therapy, culturally responsive practices, clinical documentation, and ethical clinical care. Our curriculum is structured to integrate theoretical application and ethical decision-making across all areas of learning.
Program Benefits:
- Hands-on experience with a variety of client presentations
- Rich exposure to play therapy, expressive arts, and trauma-responsive approaches
- Opportunities for professional networking and letters of recommendation
- Individualized mentorship and professional development planning
- Potential for employment opportunities post-graduation
Internship Structure:
Time Commitment:
- 600 total internship hours across two consecutive semesters
- At least 240 hours must be direct client contact (individual, family, or group therapy sessions)
- Remaining 360 hours will include indirect services such as:
- Session documentation
- Treatment planning
- Case consultations
- Administrative tasks/duties
- Mandatory attendance at weekly staff meeting
- Attendance of Nourish Clinical seminars specifically designed for Master’s Level Intern Students
Typical Weekly Schedule:
- Approximately 16–20 hours per week combining direct and indirect activities
- Consistent availability required across both semesters
Clinical Experience:
- Carry a caseload of individual child, adolescent, adult, and/or family clients
- Co-facilitate a therapy group (curriculum, support, and supervision provided)
- Present a formal case conceptualization each semester during group supervision
- Gain direct experience with trauma-informed play therapy and cultural humility practices
- Develop clinical documentation skills (intakes, progress notes, treatment planning)
Training & Supervision:
- Weekly 1:1 individual supervision with a licensed supervisor (in alignment with licensure board requirements)
- Weekly group supervision with fellow interns and staff
- Access to specialized training in play therapy, attachment-based therapy, and trauma recovery
- Support in professional identity development, self-reflection, and ethical practice
Schedule Requirements:
- Must be available to work two evenings (until 7 PM) or Saturday each week
- Mandatory participation in weekly staff meetings
- Commit to the internship across two consecutive semesters
- Completion of 240 direct client contact hours by internship end
Summary of the Core Numbers:
- 600 total hours required
- 240 direct client hours minimum (120 per semester)
- 360 indirect service hours (180 per semester)
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must:
- Be enrolled in a Master's program in Counseling, Social Work, or Marriage and Family Therapy
- Have successfully completed coursework in:
- Ethics and Professional Practice
- Multicultural Counseling or Culture and Diversity
- Play Therapy, Child Assessment, or Child Development. If your program does not offer a formal play therapy class, you may still be eligible for an internship with us. Please send us a message so we can learn more about your education and experience. We would strongly encourage you to complete your practicum or pre-internship class with us so we can train you in play therapy and prepare your for the internship semesters. The practicum or pre-internship opportunity at Nourish is not a paid position.
- Be in good academic standing
- Demonstrate strong communication skills, openness to feedback, and a commitment to cultural humility
Application Process:
Interested students should submit:
- Resume
- Letter of Interest (detailing clinical goals and fit with our program)
- Two academic or professional references
- Unofficial graduate transcript
- University practicum/internship coordinator contact information
Application Deadlines:
- Summer Semester Start: May 15, 2025
- Fall Semester Start: Jul 15, 2025
- Spring Semester Start: Dec 1, 2025
Interview Process:
- Candidates will have a 30 minute screening call with Antoinette Martinez, LPC-Supervisor
- Selected applicants will be invited to participate in a one hour virtual or in-person interview
- Finalists will meet with the Nourish Team for a panel interview virtual or in-person
Yes, this is a PAID position!
- $15 per hour first semester
- $17 per hour second semester
- The internship is a part time employment position
- You will not have to pay extra for supervision
- Other benefits included with this position: individual Nourish email and phone number, inclusion on our website, EHR, and more!