Building on the knowledge gained in our Specialist Course in Integrative Couple Therapy, this internship provides you with extensive practical experience working with couples under the guidance of experienced clinical supervisors. Designed for graduates ready to transition into professional practice, our 12-month program combines hands-on casework with comprehensive industry training, preparing you to work confidently and ethically as a couple therapist.
Through a structured caseload of 4-5 clients per week, weekly individual clinical supervision, and access to essential professional development, you'll develop the practical skills and confidence needed to establish yourself as an effective couple therapy practitioner.
Upon completing the internship, you will have gained the comprehensive practical experience, supervision hours, and industry-specific training needed to work as a couple therapist in private practice or organisational settings. This internship can be taken as an accredited study unit of the Swinburne University Master of Social Science (Couple Counselling), enhancing your professional credentials and career opportunities.
12 months part-time, including standard holiday breaks. This includes weekly client sessions, individual clinical supervision, and completion of core industry training modules.
We accept applications on a rolling basis throughout the year. Internship placements run for 12 months from your allocated start date. Contact our training team to discuss current availability and placement options at your preferred location.
To apply, you must:
Applications are assessed individually. You will be notified of the outcome of your application following our review process.
Register to watch our introductory course video and join an experienced course facilitator for a free, one-hour Q&A webinar. The webinars are a relaxed and informative way to learn about the course, placement programs, and accreditation pathways. We'll answer your questions to help you decide about applying.
The webinar for this course is coming soon. Stay tuned for the launch date and access details.
"The support and supervision I received enabled me to learn and develop my skills so that by the time I completed my internship, I was confident that I would continue that work in my own private practice."
— 2022 intern
"My experience and practice has developed in regard to holding client issues and relationship dynamics, which has directly impacted the work I am currently doing in the counselling space."
— 2023 intern
"Completing my placement at Melbourne Specialist Relationship Counselling Clinic (MSRCC) has been a perfectly delicate balance of challenge and support. The opportunity to work in private practice with couples has been a profoundly transformative experience and I've watched my skills move from a purely theoretical space to a more rich, practical space in a short period of time. With the kind and wise support of Susan Lackner as my supervisor, I have been able to hone my theoretical knowledge while being encouraged to find my own unique therapeutic voice. I'm grateful for all I have learned and become at MSRCC."
— 2024 intern
This internship offers a comprehensive blend of supervised clinical practice, individual mentoring, and professional development training, ensuring a dynamic and supportive learning experience that prepares you for independent practice.
Supervised clinical placements
Internships are primarily undertaken at RAV centres, with some placements available through other appropriate providers as organised by RAV. We work with interns to secure suitable placements at locations that meet your professional development needs.
Individual clinical supervision
Each intern is allocated a supervisor who is a currently practising couple counsellor. Your supervisor is responsible for your induction into the organisation, allocation and day-to-day direction of all casework, and providing weekly individual supervision sessions that include reviewing audio and/or video-taped clinical sessions.
Core industry training
We've incorporated an extensive range of core industry training into the internship, providing everything you need to be job-ready. Training areas include Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), PREPARE/ENRICH couples' program, Family Violence MARAM Framework, child safety, mental health awareness, vicarious trauma management, and professional documentation standards.
Practical caseloadYou'll work with 4 to 5 clients per week, with a minimum of 2 after-hours appointments, gaining hands-on experience primarily through couple counselling. There may also be opportunities to work with individuals experiencing relationship difficulties.
This internship can be taken as an accredited study unit of the Swinburne University Master of Social Science (Couple Counselling). Upon completion, graduates are equipped to establish themselves in private practice or organisational settings as couples therapists.
For ongoing professional development and peer support, consider our Clinical Supervision and Workplace Practice Program.
This internship can be taken as an accredited study unit of the Swinburne University Master of Social Science (Couple Counselling). Upon completion, graduates are equipped to establish themselves in private practice or organisational settings as couples therapists. For ongoing professional development and peer support, consider our Clinical Supervision and Workplace Practice Program.
More information to come shortly.
The internship fee is $6,500, which includes the 12-month fully coordinated and supervised clinical placement, extensive core industry training, and government-mandated course placement fees. Instalment payment arrangements are available for an additional $150 administration fee. Full fee details and payment plan options will be shared during enrolment.
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