About Our Intern Counsellors
Family Services of the North Shore has been committed to training expert counsellors for decades. With our team of Intern Counsellors, we have been able to increase accessibility to counselling services, reduce wait times, and lower costs for our North Shore community.
The reputation of our Internship Program, in terms of learning and quality of experience, means we receive applicants from accredited universities across British Columbia. Our recruitment process is competitive which allows us to be selective in offering placements to competent and skilled individuals with varied work and life experiences.
Intern Counsellors are with our agency for 10-month placements (September to June), during which time they are supervised by our Registered Clinical Supervision Team. Interns engage in regular supervision for learning and guidance on their work with clients.
To request to work with one of our Masters-level Intern Counsellors, please click the button below to contact our Intake Counsellor, or call 604-988-5281, or email intake@familyservices.bc.ca
Contact Our Intake Counsellor
If you are a Graduate student interested in applying for our Internship Program, please click below, or contact us at internship@familyservices.bc.ca.
Apply for Internship Program
Frequently Asked Questions about Working with Intern Counsellors
What are Masters-level Intern Counsellors? And what is their level of experience and training?
Intern Counsellors are graduate student counsellors completing their practicum / internship placement at Family Services of the North Shore as a part of their Masters degree in Counselling, Social Work, or related fields. The Intern Counsellors come from accredited universities across British Columbia. Intern Counsellors are held to the same standards of confidentiality and ethics as our staff Counsellors.
What issues can Intern Counsellors work with?
Our Intern Counsellors come with significant experience in the field and have the capacity to address the following issues:
- Gender-based violence
- Anxiety
- Mild to Moderate Depression
- Grief and loss
- Life transitions
- Self-esteem
- Relationship conflict and concerns
- Communication issues
- Emotion regulation
- Parenting
- Stress
- Work or school-related issues
Is counselling with an Intern Counsellor as effective as with a licensed Counsellor?
Yes, Intern Counsellors are knowledgeable about the latest research and counselling methods. Along with the supervision they receive, Intern Counsellors can be effective in helping clients work towards their goals. Intern Counsellors also make accessing counselling more affordable, which allows clients to have more regular sessions. Our experience indicates that consistency of counselling helps build a trusting relationship that is the foundation for making positive changes.
Do Intern Counsellors offer in-person or remote sessions?
Yes, Intern Counsellors can offer both in-person sessions or virtual/remote sessions.
Is there a fee for counselling with an Intern Counsellor?
Yes, we offer a reduced fee of $30 per hour to work with an Intern Counsellor. To view more information on fees, click here.
Is counselling with an Intern Counsellor eligible for third-party benefits?
Intern Counsellors are unregistered graduate students who are not typically covered under third-party or extended health benefit plans. Please reach out to your third-party or extended health provider to confirm. Intern Counsellors are supervised by a Registered Clinical Counsellor.