Counselling Internship and Practicum Placements in Ontario
Supervised by Christina Janiga, RP, Clinical Supervisor · Burlington and virtual across Ontario
Next Available Internships: January 2027, May 2027, September 2027
| Intake | Placement runs | Applications close |
|---|---|---|
| January 2027 | Jan–Aug 2027 | October |
| May 2027 | May-Dec 2027 | February |
| September 2027 | Sept 2027-April 2028 | June |
Places are limited to 1-2 students per intake. We review applications as they arrive and often fill an intake before the closing date, so early applications are strongly encouraged.
Counselling Internship at
Christina Janiga Psychotherapy
Christina Janiga Psychotherapy (CJP) is proud to offer counselling internships for Master’s-level graduate students, making affordable, supervised counselling and psychotherapy services accessible to adults 18+ across Ontario.
Our internship program began with a focus on the perinatal phase and has grown into a broader commitment to supporting women’s mental health through strong community partnerships. Together, we:
- Support local shelters for homeless women in the perinatal phase (pregnant and/or postpartum)
Collaborate with agencies helping those impacted by human trafficking
Partner with organizations guiding individuals in recovery from substance use
Work alongside OBGYNs to provide counselling during perimenopause and menopause
We continue to offer medically-evidenced care for symptoms of anxiety, depression, relationship changes, the transition to parenthood, hormonal changes, and healing from past or current trauma. Whether in our Burlington office or through secure virtual sessions anywhere in Ontario, our goal is to provide compassionate, evidence-based care while giving future psychotherapists the opportunity to learn and grow.
Supervision for your Internship is provided by Christina Janiga and includes:
- 1 hour weekly individual/dyadic supervision
- Group supervision
- Case Consultation
- Review of record keeping/progress notes
- Therapeutic Modality Education
- Training
- Ethical Guidelines
- Average of 6-10 clients a week
- Shadowing opportunities
Applicants for our Internship Program
You are a committed student who is looking to learn the critical skills of becoming an ethical and skilled Psychotherapist in Ontario. You take your ethical responsibilities seriously and practice evidence-based care, within the scope of your skills and knowledge.
You are available for at least 3 days a week (Mon & Thurs 10am-5pm and Tuesdays 1pm-5pm to start).
Minimum Requirements for our Counselling Internship Program
- Minimum Masters-level education in related field.
- Seeking registration with an Ontario Ministry of Health regulated College for the purposes of providing Psychotherapy.
- A trauma-informed lens is important and if not yet trauma certified, must be willing to complete a trauma certification within 6 months. *Must complete graduate level trauma course.
- Must be very comfortable with technology and willing to use technology in daily practice.
- Must have your own student liability insurance.
- Must have access to consistent high-speed internet, a private home office space, and the ability to conduct teletherapy sessions.
- Interest and demonstrated continuing education is crucial.
- You support and contribute to a healthy work place that embraces lifelong learning, diversity, clinical teamwork, privacy, and adherence to professional standards of practice.
- Assets: Experience and/or further Certifications in perinatal mental health, trauma, CBT, DBT, IPT, IFS, Brainspotting, or *EMDR.
* as a student intern we are aware that you cannot practice EMDR but you will be provided opportunity to learn the AIP model, observe sessions, and EMDR consultation groups.
How to Apply to our Internship Program
Please send your cover letter, resume, and 2 letters of reference w/contact information to: admin@christinajaniga.com
AND complete our Counselling Internship Questionnaire.
Cover letters can be addressed to Christina Janiga, RP, Clinical Supervisor and Chloe Hull, RP, Internship Coordinator
Cover letters must address your skills related to your experience and skills with the following:
Self-management skills:
- Time management
- Attend monthly (virtual) meetings/supervision of the group practice.
- Participate in weekly supervision.
- Ability to prioritize, monitor progress on learning goals.
- Schedule and organize your own appointments through Jane (our electronic health record).
Administrative skills:
- Complete the necessary documentation, in advance, to qualify for participation in practicum.
- Take direction from the Clinical Supervisor in all aspects of the practicum.
- Complete record keeping/progress notes daily.
- Answer emails from clients and staff within 48 hours via the email that is provided by the site.
Therapeutic skills:
- Develop a set of goals for your practicum, based on your therapeutic interests and the needs of the practice site.
- Understanding and implementation of basic counselling skills such as reflection of feeling, reflection of meaning, paraphrasing, and active listening.
- Demonstrate and understand cultural competence and social/political issues clients may face including low income, discrimination, racism, and language barriers in order to work with a variety of clientele, in addition to higher socioeconomic status clients.
- An established self-care routine.
Ethical skills:
- Acting in accordance with provincial regulatory (CRPO) ethics and professional behaviour at all times throughout your practicum.
- Recognize the limits and competency of your training.
- Commitment to work through the practicum as a professional commitment.
Other:
- Vulnerable sector Criminal Record Check.
- 2 past work references – Letter & contact info.
Supervisor Overseeing the Internship Program
Christina Janiga, Registered Psychotherapist, provides clinical supervision to Masters-level students as well as practicing psychotherapists. Christina is an independent practitioner, has completed 45+ hours of clinical supervision training, and meets all CRPO Clinical Supervisor requirements. For more information about Christina Janiga and her post graduate training, see her personal description page.
Christina is also an Approved Practicum Supervisor within the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) program in the Faculty of Behavioural Sciences at Yorkville University. She is committed to the growth and development of the MACP Practicum students as they navigate their practicum journey and build upon their clinical competencies and shaping the next generation of mental health professionals.
Internship Coordinator
Chloe Hull, Registered Psychotherapist, is our Internship Coordinator and Peer Support for all practicum students completing their internship with Christina Janiga Psychotherapy.
A special note from Chloe:
As an alumni of the MACP program (Graduated in August, 2022) with Yorkville University as well as a past intern at Christina Janiga Psychotherapy, I remember feeling overwhelmed and nervous when I began my clinical internship. I had so many questions!!
Now, I support all new interns in a non-evaluative group setting, where we are able to share our genuine therapist feelings, biases, and thoughts. I support intern’s growth as new therapists and am here to support all the many questions you may have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the internship paid?
No this internship is not paid.
How many direct client contact hours will I complete? You will carry an average of 6 to 10 clients per week across a placement of 8-12 months, which is approximately 200 direct client contact hours.
Which universities do you accept students from? If your program is not listed, contact us — we are experienced with the affiliation agreement process and will work with your placement coordinator.
Can I complete the placement entirely virtually? Our current schedule requires in-person availability in Burlington on Mondays and Thursdays. The other hours can be completed virtually.
Do I need trauma certification before I start? No, but you must be willing to complete a trauma certification within six months of starting, and to complete a graduate-level trauma course.
What is the weekly time commitment? At least three days a week — currently Mondays and Thursdays 10am–5pm and Tuesdays 1pm–5pm — plus weekly supervision and monthly practice meetings.
Will I be able to practise EMDR? Not as a student intern. You will learn the Adaptive Information Processing model, screeners & assessments for EMDR therapy, observe EMDR sessions, co-facilitate EMDR preparation groups, and attend EMDR consultation groups.