A Guide to Practicum and Internship for School Counselors-in-Training

Our review of A Guide to Practicum and Internship for School Counselors-in-Training finds it an essential, practical resource for counseling students preparing for supervised fieldwork. Written for those entering school-based practicum and internship placements, the book's single biggest strength is its clear, step-by-step orientation to real-world roles and relationships in schools, helping trainees move from theory to practice with confidence. The review highlights how activities, case studies, worksheets, and images reinforce learning and ensure alignment with professional standards.

Key Features

• Comprehensive coverage: Explains the full practicum and internship lifecycle, from initial contact with supervisors to detailed descriptions of the student counselor role.
• Standards-aligned content: Material is consistent with the CACREP 2016 Common Core and School Counselor Entry-Level Specialty Areas, which helps students meet accreditation expectations.
• Practical learning tools: Each chapter includes activities, case studies, and worksheets to translate concepts into hands-on skills for school settings.
• School culture focus: Offers guidance to develop an awareness of school culture, aiding trainees in adapting interventions to the school environment.
• Guidance for professional identity: Helps readers form an individualized philosophy of school counseling through reflective exercises and examples.

Who It's For

This book is aimed squarely at graduate students in school counseling programs who are preparing for or currently enrolled in practicum and internship placements, and for university supervisors seeking a classroom-ready companion. It is useful for trainees who want a clear, applied roadmap to the roles and expectations they will encounter in K-12 settings.

Practicing licensed counselors looking for advanced therapeutic techniques or specialists outside school counseling may find the scope narrower than their needs; similarly, readers seeking a brief pamphlet rather than a comprehensive field guide should consider more concise handouts instead.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Consistent alignment with CACREP 2016 standards supports training and accreditation requirements.
• Chapter activities, worksheets, and case studies make it easy to apply concepts during placements.
• Detailed discussion of school roles and culture helps trainees understand placement expectations.

Cons

• The focus on school counseling field experiences means it is not tailored to non-school counseling specialties.

Specifications

Title	A Guide to Practicum and Internship for School Counselors-in-Training
Author/Brand	Aaron H. Oberman
Edition	Third edition (updated and expanded)
Scope	Practicum and internship experience for school counselors-in-training
Includes	Activities, case studies, worksheets, and images
Standards	Consistent with CACREP 2016 Common Core and School Counselor Entry-Level Specialty Areas

Our Verdict

A Guide to Practicum and Internship for School Counselors-in-Training is a practical, standards-aligned field manual that trainee school counselors and supervisors will find good value for practicum and internship preparation. Its applied activities and clear treatment of school roles make it especially useful for those who want structured, accreditation-consistent guidance during fieldwork.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this edition follow CACREP 2016 standards?
Yes, the content is described as consistent with CACREP 2016 Common Core and School Counselor Entry-Level Specialty Areas.

Are there practical exercises included?
Yes, each chapter contains activities, case studies, worksheets, and images to support applied learning.

Is this book suitable for practicing non-school counselors?
The focus is on school counseling field experiences, so those outside school settings may find it less applicable.