About the Training Program
Q: Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your training program at Tobinworld and what motivated you to start it?
The inspiration behind our training program comes from our desire to help train the next generation of therapists who can best serve the complex needs of our clients. Clinic Director Janie Strasner recruited me to create the program based on her recognition of a need and my prior experience as a training director.
Q: What are the core goals or outcomes you want participants to achieve through this program?
Our training program at Tobinworld aims to:
- Develop skills in general assessment, diagnosis, and a variety of treatment approaches, including long- and short-term individual therapy, play therapy, group therapy, crisis intervention, family therapy, and parenting support.
- Provide understanding and experience with political, legal, ethical, cultural, and personal issues that impact professional practice in a community mental health setting.
- Educate students on professional, ethical, and legal standards in psychology while offering a variety of supervision experiences with competent and ethical professionals as role models.
- Encourage participation in community mental health in an outpatient setting, helping trainees conceptualize individual mental health in the broadest terms.
Q: How is your training program structured, and what can participants expect from the overall learning experience?
The program is a year-long commitment for graduate students. Training begins with a month-long orientation covering onboarding procedures, the history of community mental health, clinic operations, crisis protocols, and an introduction to play therapy interventions. Following orientation, trainees receive weekly sessions covering topics such as art therapy, child abuse treatment, sand tray therapy, and trauma-informed care. Participants can expect to be well-trained, challenged, encouraged, and supported throughout the year.
Q: Who is the training program best suited for—new therapists, experienced clinicians, or a mix of both?
It is designed for a mix of both new and experienced therapists.
Q: What makes your training program unique compared to other trauma-focused or clinical supervision programs?
As a small LADMH provider serving a complex client population, we offer a supportive environment where supervisors are seasoned professionals who genuinely love training clinicians. The combination of expertise, care, and dedication makes our program distinct.
On Trauma and Clinical Practice
Q: How do you approach teaching therapists to work effectively with trauma and child sexual abuse survivors?
Therapists need a strong foundation in child abuse treatment before moving on to specific trauma interventions. Effective treatment considers the client’s functioning prior to trauma, their support system, and motivation for treatment. Children may not always live in safe, long-term homes, which affects their ability to take risks in therapy. Much of treatment is trauma-informed, regardless of the client’s readiness to discuss their trauma. Developing a trusting, safe relationship with a therapist is critical for healing.
Q: What are some common challenges new therapists face when working with trauma, and how do you address these in your training at Tobinworld?
New therapists often feel they are not doing enough if the client does not directly discuss trauma. Normalizing this experience and explaining the significance of their work is reassuring. Therapists also struggle with wanting to avoid trauma discussions to prevent client discomfort. I emphasize that acknowledging trauma is important; clients often sense secrecy, which can be reinforced if therapists avoid the topic. Patience, awareness, and encouragement are key.
Q: How do you incorporate real-world clinical cases into your training curriculum?
I weave clinical examples throughout both training sessions and supervision meetings, helping trainees connect theory to practice.
Q: What role does self-awareness and therapist wellness play in your training approach?
Self-awareness is critical. Therapists must recognize when to take a break or seek help, particularly when working on emotionally demanding cases.
Supervision and Mentorship
Q: What qualities define an effective supervisor?
An effective supervisor views supervisees developmentally. Newer therapists often need more direction and reassurance, while experienced clinicians may require a more consultative approach. Supervisors should actively listen, ask questions, check in on well-being, and be consistently available.
Q: How do you foster growth and confidence in trainees handling difficult clinical issues?
In challenging situations, I provide guidance by outlining specific steps, addressing reservations, modeling communication, and offering direct support when needed. Follow-up is essential to ensure both client and trainee are supported.
Q: Can you share a memorable moment from your time supervising therapists?
While no single story stands out, I cherish moments when a trainee initially struggles with a difficult case but, by the end of the year, recognizes their growth and finds it hard to leave the case. Witnessing that transformation is immensely rewarding here at Tobinworld.
Program Impact and Future Vision
Q: What kind of feedback have you received from past participants, and how has it influenced the program?
Feedback has been invaluable. One key insight, which I still use today, was to intensify training at the start of the year and taper it as students complete their degrees. Trainees often describe the year as demanding but feel supported and cared for, which reflects the program’s ethos.
Q: How do you see the field of trauma therapy evolving, and how is your program adapting?
Trauma therapy has evolved significantly. While the core idea that clients must process trauma remains, there is now greater sensitivity to individual processing styles, especially for children. Structured approaches like TF-CBT are effective, but complex cases often require a flexible, trauma-informed approach.
Q: What advice would you give therapists considering joining your program at Tobinworld?
Immerse yourself fully in the training experience. Learn as much as possible, ask questions, and embrace complex, difficult cases. Graduate school offers extra support, and taking on challenging cases during this time can significantly accelerate growth and skill development.
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