Sparks and Associates Practicum Program
Guiding Students Towards Purposeful Practice
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This Work Matters
At Sparks and Associates, we believe that psychology is both a passion and a calling! We believe in the blend of science, empathy, and human connection. This belief is at the heart of everything we do, from practicum training to patient care. Our team is dedicated to training clinicians who not only demonstrate clinical excellence but also approach their work with authenticity, curiosity, and compassion.
Through personalized supervision, collaborative learning, and exposure to diverse therapeutic and assessment experiences, we aim to nurture clinicians who engage deeply and practice with integrity. We are proud to guide the next generation of mental health professionals as they develop the skills, confidence, and self-awareness to make meaningful contributions to the lives of those they serve.
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We're Committed to Your Growth as a Clinician and Individual
Founded by a mother–daughter team, Sparks and Associates Counseling Services embodies the values of connection and collaboration. We know what it means to treat our trainees like family by providing not just supervision, but genuine mentorship that continues beyond the practicum year. We view our students as emerging colleagues, each bringing unique strengths, perspectives, and aspirations to the clinical community we’re building together.
Our training model is intentionally designed to offer exposure to diverse clinical frameworks across psychology, counseling, and social work. This interdisciplinary approach allows trainees to broaden their understanding of human behavior and integrate multiple perspectives into their developing clinical style. We believe that effective training goes beyond skill-building, but integrates personal self-discovery with a strong sense of professional identity.
At Sparks and Associates, our goal is for every trainee to leave with greater confidence, clarity, and compassion for the people they serve. You will leave better knowing yourself and the impact you hope to make in the lives of others.
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An Immersive Training Experience
At Sparks and Associates, students gain hands-on experience working with clients of all ages and backgrounds through a trauma-informed, integrative approach. Our training draws on cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, DBT, IFS, somatic, family systems, experiential, and mindfulness-based techniques. We also offer students hands-on experiences with psychological assessment, group work, and community engagement. You won’t leave this program with "impostor syndrome!”
Trainees who thrive in our program value authenticity, attunement, and relational depth, and leave with enhanced clinical skills and the ability to use “soft skills” to support meaningful client change. This immersive experience prepares students to grow as confident, reflective, and compassionate clinicians.
CURRENT PROGRAMS
We currently offer practicum experiences for master’s and doctoral students at Wayne State University in Clinical Psychology and Counseling Psychology. We accept 1-2 students per year. Applicants must be in advanced standing. Doctoral applicants must have obtained their TLLP. All students will have the opportunity to receive comprehensive training in psychotherapy, integrative psychological assessment, and the application of the science of psychology to real-world problems.