Graduate Internships
At Ensemble Therapy, we are committed to creating an environment where emerging clinicians feel supported, valued, and inspired. As a graduate student, you’ll join a team that prioritizes both client care and clinician well-being, with a strong network of support from all sides — our community, our clients, each other, and you.
If you’re seeking your final internship placement, we’d love to connect with you! Ensemble Therapy internships are designed for graduate students entering their final internship experience and are not available for practicum placements. We intentionally reserve these opportunities for advanced students who are ready for a deeper level of clinical involvement, autonomy, and professional growth within our practice community.
To create a grounded and supportive learning experience for both interns and the families we serve, this role includes a two-semester commitment. We ask that graduate interns come in with a foundational understanding of play therapy, meaning a graduate-level play therapy course must be completed prior to the start of the internship (rather than taken concurrently).
To support the needs of our community, graduate interns are expected to be available for at least one weekday during afterschool hours and Saturdays.
We look forward to learning more about you and supporting your next step in the counseling profession!
OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE
Ensemble Therapy is a child- and family-focused practice committed to serving children, teens, families, and caregivers in the greater Austin area. As a graduate student, you’ll be welcomed into a supportive environment where learning, growth, and balance are prioritized. You’ll have opportunities to observe, co-facilitate, and practice skills while being supported by experienced clinicians who use a variety of evidence-based practices and play therapy modalities.
We know that counseling can sometimes feel like an isolating profession, which is why we prioritize community, connection, and collaboration. You’ll be part of a team that values open dialogue, case consultation, and ongoing mentorship, ensuring that you never feel alone in your journey toward becoming a counselor.
Our ideal graduate student is curious, reflective, and eager to learn. We value students who bring inclusivity, courage, and strong ethics to their work with clients and their relationships with peers. If you are excited about joining a collaborative team, growing your clinical skills, and making a meaningful impact in our community, we would love to support you in this stage of your professional journey.
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Graduate Interns must have completed either a graduate-level play therapy course or equivalent play therapy training prior to the start of the internship (rather than taken concurrently).
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Equivalent play therapy training consists of at least 30 hours of live instruction provided by an APT-approved provider. Training should cover the foundational philosophy, theory, and practical application of child-centered play therapy, as well as advanced clinical skills and implementation.
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No - development courses do not fulfill this requirement. Applicants must complete a graduate-level play therapy course or equivalent play therapy training.
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At Ensemble Therapy, approximately 80% of referrals are for children ages 10 and under. Graduate Interns should have the appropriate play therapy training and feel comfortable working with this age demographic.
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We are always open to establishing new university partnerships. If you apply, please be prepared to outline your program's site approval process, including the required steps, timeline, and any documentation needed for both the placement site and site supervisor.
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Graduate Interns are required to commit to at least two consecutive internship semesters.
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Graduate Interns are expected to see clients at least one weekday during after-school hours and on Saturdays.
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Clients are scheduled in recurring weekly appointment slots, meeting on the same day and time each week.
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Graduate Interns should expect to complete a minimum of 8 - 10 direct client hours and at least 2 direct intake hours per week, in addition to time for documentation, administrative responsibilities, supervision, and meetings.
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Play therapy and adolescent sessions are conducted in person. Parent consultations and adult sessions are offered in a hybrid format, either in person or virtually.
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In addition to providing direct client services and supporting intake, Graduate Interns are expected to:
Attend weekly supervision
Participate in monthly meetings, including team meetings, group consultation, and internal presentations
Assist with marketing and community outreach initiatives
How to Apply
After reading through the core responsibilities and expectations of the position, select the Apply button to send us your information:
Resume showing relevant work experience
3 clinical references or relevant professional references
A copy of your transcript showing completion (or current enrollment) of at least one graduate level play therapy course
Cover letter that summarizes:
Why you are interested in an internship with us
Your specialty, including any certifications/training/previous experience that informs us about your ability to work with our population or as part of our team
How your skills will positively influence the play therapy community and the greater Austin community
Your personal and professional Anti-Racism work and experiences that demonstrates a deep understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Have Questions?
Reach out to us at hello@ensembletherapy.com and we’ll be in touch shortly!