PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
At CCA, we are creating a community dedicated to providing effective and life-enhancing services grounded in the principles of client-centered therapy as originated by Carl Rogers and carried forward by his students. Our senior trainers first met at the Chicago Counseling and Psychotherapy Center (CCPC, open from 1971-2001), which was an outgrowth of the original University of Chicago Counseling Center founded by Dr. Rogers in 1945.
Our deep roots in the client-centered tradition anchor us in knowing the critical importance of providing our clients with unconditional positive regard, of honing our communication of empathic understanding, and of attending diligently to the self and world awareness required to be a congruent participant in any therapeutic relationship. Our experiences in our own therapy and ongoing education reinforce our beliefs in rigorous and supportive training and supervision to developing therapists. Having completed our first decade, we are pleased to count over fifty thoughtful and compassionate interns and fellows as members of our learning community.
We collaborate with the Chicago Women's Health Center to provide and share expertise in our internship programs, and we encourage your participation in the larger international community of client-centered therapists and educators.
Feel free to reach out to any of us to discuss our programs.
Our continuing education programs are open to psychotherapists, supervisors, human service professionals, teachers, students, and anyone interested in new developments in client-centered / person-centered theory and practice. We offer opportunities to develop clinical skills and to expand theoretical understanding through practice, group discussions, and individualized consultations. Participants join a community of client-centered therapists that has thrived in Chicago for over seventy-five years. Amongst many well-loved colleagues, we wish to specially credit our mentors Dr. Barbara Temaner Brodley, Dr. Garry Prouty, and Dr. Nat Raskin for wisdom and guidance over the years.
Programs include:
GRADUATE INTERNSHIPS
CONSULTATION GROUPS
POST GRADUATE FELLOWSHIP
Practicum in Client-Centered Psychotherapy
Teaching AND SUPERVISORY STAFF:
Erin Ekeberg, LCSW
Jane Flotte, LCSW
Todd Odell, LCPC, LMFT
Susan Pildes, LPC
Blue Roth, LCSW
Carolyn Schneider, LCPC
Marjorie Witty, Ph.D.
General Details:
Programs are currently in a hybrid of in-person and remote settings. When in person, we meet in our Lincoln Park offices. This office is near CTA el and bus services and street parking is available.
Advance registration is required and fees are charged for consultation groups and continuing education programs. Internships and post graduate fellowships require formal applications and an interview process. There are no fees for internships, and fellowships are generally paid positions.
For further information, please call 773-281-7200 or email info@cca-cct.com
Graduate Internship Program
Our internship program offers advanced training for students completing Master’s degrees in counseling, psychology, and social work. Students receive intensive training in client-centered therapy and the person-centered approach, and work with a wide range of clinical issues and populations. In addition to having extensive client-centered clinical practice, our supervisors offer particular expertise in trauma work, affirmative LGBT practice, treatment of depression and substance abuse, and partners and family therapy. We collaborate with the Chicago Women’s Health Center to offer expanded didactic and clinical training opportunities.
Schedule and caseload
Interns work with a wide range of individual clients in an office setting or via telehealth. Clinical work with partners and families can be arranged. Students participate in training seminars, group consultation, and program development.
Positions require a twenty hour weekly commitment, with the expectation that students will meet with ten clients per week. Students attend individual and group consultation weekly. Friday morning meetings are required.
Areas of specialization
Interns are expected to develop at least one area of concentration during the year. Sample concentrations include: group work, intimate partner therapy, affirmative support for gender expansive clients, affirmative LGBTQ identity development.
Application Information
Please submit a letter of intent, resume or c.v., and two letters of reference by February 15th for consideration for a July through August start date. Selected applicants will be asked to interview with our staff members. Please email or call Carolyn Schneider for details: cschneider@cca-cct.com or 773-281-7200 x 1.
Consultation Groups
New clinicians consultation group
This group is for new clinicians hoping to better navigate the stresses and challenges of beginning to practice psychotherapy. Through case presentations and group discussions, we will consider such topics as: managing anxiety and developing confidence as a therapist, clarifying one’s theoretical stance and creating a consistent practice, understanding self-disclosure, identity, and boundaries, and learning how to respond to challenging situations. This group is facilitated by CCA supervisors. Sessions are held once per month from October through June. We ask for a three month commitment. Please email info@cca-cct.com for more information.
Working in and with the Gender Expansive Community
This group is for therapists seeking support and information in their work with transgender and gender non-conforming clients and their families. Our once monthly meetings will include instruction and case consultation addressing such topics as supporting client autonomy, identifying support systems, managing family and community response, recognizing bias, and handling self-disclosure. This group is facilitated by Blue Roth and Carolyn Schneider who together bring years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families navigating gender exploration and transition. Sessions are held monthly from October through June. Please email info@cca-cct.com for information.
Deepening a client-centered practice
This group is for post graduate clinicians who have prior training in client-centered / person-centered theory seeking community to develop their non-directive practice. Our once monthly meetings will include time for case consultation as well as discussion of theory. We welcome individuals in private or group practice as well as agency settings, and focus primarily on adolescent through adult age populations. Groups are led by practitioners who each bring over twenty-five years of client-centered teaching and practice to their work with you. Email info@cca-cct.com for information. Meetings will be offered once per month.
Post Graduate Fellowship and Continuing Education Programs
Barbara Temaner Brodley Post Graduate Fellowships
We offer two to three paid post graduate positions annually to individuals interested in furthering their study and practice of client-centered therapy. Therapists in this program are expected to hold 10 to 20 client sessions weekly and are provided with individual and group supervision, access to our continuing education and in-house training program and the opportunity to train in supervisory skills. Applicants should have completed their graduate school program, be in process or possession of a preliminary license and be available to work evenings and weekends. We do not anticipate any openings for the summer or fall of 2024 at this time. If you wish to keep an application on file, please submit a letter of intent, resume, and list of references. Later start dates and part time unpaid fellowships may be available. Please contact Carolyn Schneider for details at cschneider@cca-cct.com or 773-281-7200 x 1.