» Practicum Collaborations

Through a collaborative partnership with Crean College's Department of Physical Therapy, students learn to provide therapeutic services to the caregivers of stroke survivors.

"Stroke Boot Camp was a unique experience in which I was afforded the opportunity to collaborate with various other healthcare professionals within clinical teams, which I know will enhance my resume when I begin to look for a job. It was exciting to get a sneak peek at what working as a medical MFT might be like in an experience unparalleled in typical practicums available to MFT trainees. Through SBC, I was able to work with not only stroke patients, but their caregivers as well. I found that working with these courageous and hard-working clients was highly personally and professionally rewarding." - Jessica Idoine, Class of 2021

See the Daily Pilot article to learn more about this program's impact on the local community.

In this collaboration, students engage with local non-profit agency, The Wooden Floor, to provide psychoeducation and empowerment groups for at-risk youth and their families.

"Wooden Floor was such as amazing experience and I could not be more grateful to be part of this wonderful program. I am grateful of the relationships I've built with the families, students, and the staff as I am very passionate about helping those in community especially families who identify as Latinos. This experience allowed me to gain more insight on how to support families in the community. The staff is wonderful, supportive, and passionate in helping these families and I am grateful that the Chapman community can be part of this journey." - Polline Villalobo, Class of 2021

Learn more about Chapman's partnership with The Wooden Floor.

In collaboration with Crean College's Department of Physical Therapy, students have the opportunity to facilitate support groups for caregivers of children with cerebral palsy.

"Balanced Families was a powerful and humbling experience. We met weekly with parents who impressed and moved us with their strength, resilience, resourcefulness and humor. We were honored that they not only allowed us to accompany them for this short part of their journey, but invited us to share in their ongoing challenges and triumphs. Additionally, we felt supported and encouraged by our supervisors who imparted in us the knowledge and confidence to lead our sessions together. Co-facilitating the Balanced Family support group was absolutely one of the highlights of my Chapman experience." - Ben Benjamin, Class of 2020

In collaboration with Crean College's Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, students provide support groups to spouses of clients with Primary Progressive Aphasia and clients with traumatic brain injury.

"The Communication Sciences and Disorders collaboration was an immensely impactful experience for me during my final year of the MFT program. I got the chance to run two different support groups: one for the spouses of adults impacted by primary progressive aphasia and the other for women who have acquired brain injuries. I feel grateful to have learned how to run these two unique groups as an adjunct to my clinical experience during my time at Chapman. I gained incredibly valuable professional skills through consulting with the Communication Sciences and Disorders students to provide the best care possible for our group participants. I found my experience to be particularly rewarding as I witnessed relationships forming between the group participants as a result of their shared experiences. To be able to facilitate these groups, provide a safe space for the participants to connect with each other, and learn more about primary progressive aphasia and acquired brain injuries was truly a highlight of my time here at Chapman!" - Jane Gilchrist, Class of 2024