Tampa Bay Center of Relational Psychology

Postdoctoral
Psychology
Training at TBCRP

Why TBCRP For your Postdoctoral Training?

The Tampa Bay Center for Relational Psychology (TBCRP) is a thriving practice of two dozen independent psychologists and mental health clinicians who provide clinical services to individuals, families and couples in the rapidly expanding north and northeast areas of Tampa Bay, Florida. Services include individual, couples, family, and group therapy as well as assessment and workshops. The Center also maintains a website, FB and Instagram presences and produces periodic blogs and quarterly mental health education newsletters. The Center is active in training Psychology Fellows and Advanced Doctoral Students and has a ten-year history of creating successful Post-Doctoral training experiences within a warm, supportive, and collegial environment. 

Description of the Fellowship

Post-doctoral psychology fellowships are two years in length. All post-doctoral Fellows will earn hours and supervision for licensure while obtaining advanced clinical training and professional guidance. All Fellowship experiences are organized around four main pillars: refinement of general professional and clinical skills; acquisition of specialized skills & knowledge in an empirically-supported model often leading to certification or professional recognition; supervision and training opportunities; and individual guidance in practice development.  

During the 2024 year, TBCRP will be offering post-doctoral residency for four training tracks. Applications can be made to the specific track and primary supervisor assignment is based on the Fellow’s choice of track. Applicants may apply to a maximum of two tracks. The start date for the positions is flexible and may be negotiated at the time an offer is extended.

Trauma Recovery – Supervisor: Kelsi Clayson, Psy.D.

The focus of the Trauma Recovery Fellowship is working with adults, adolescents, and couples who have experienced trauma (e.g., childhood abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, combat, etc.) and present with varying levels of posttraumatic stress and related issues (i.e., anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties, relational issues, substance use). There will be opportunity to receive training in a diverse array of trauma-focused treatments including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), Emotionally-Focused Individual & Couple Therapy (EFIT & EFCT), and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). Although there will be an emphasis on trauma cases, Fellows will also have the opportunity to gain experience treating other clinical issues (e.g., affective, relational, personality, health-related concerns) to build a well-rounded foundation for independent practice. There may also be opportunity for the delivery of group therapy and supervision of a practicum student depending on availability and Fellow interest. The Fellow will also participate in:

  • Clinical Approaches to Trauma Seminar: once monthly meeting focused on the application of trauma-focused interventions and clinical case review. The format includes didactics, case discussion, open Q & A, and reviews of tapes/materials. This seminar is led by Dr. Clayson and attended by TBCRP staff and trainees.
  • Emotionally-Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) Seminar: once monthly meeting focused on the application of EFIT principles and interventions to clinical cases. The format includes didactics, case discussion, open Q & A, and reviews of tapes/materials. This seminar is led by Dr. Richardson and attended by TBCRP staff and trainees.
  • Individual supervision: weekly individual supervision is expected to encompass issues above and beyond trauma-focused therapy and will be tailored to meet the needs of the Fellow and each client’s individual symptom profile. There will be a focus on helping the Fellow develop competence and confidence in his or her own theoretically-driven model of treatment. This model may draw from multiple theoretical orientations and integrate the Fellow’s existing knowledge base, but is expected to integrate an attachment-based and emotionally-focused lens. Supervision is designed to meet the Fellow at her or his current level of understanding of the clinical models offered and to develop both case conceptualization and intervention skills. Supervision will also focus on increasing awareness of one’s own emotional responses with the goal of assisting the therapist to be fully attuned and present with clients.
  • The Trauma Recovery Fellow will have the option to pursue professional training in a trauma-focused treatment (i.e., EFIT, EDMR) that will advance both skill and knowledge of trauma work throughout the Fellowship. This training is typically started early in the Fellowship to provide a strong conceptual foundation from which to draw. It is expected that the Fellow will possess special expertise in one or more models of trauma-focused therapy by the completion of the Fellowship.

Primary Supervisor: Jeanne Peterson, Psy.D.

The main focus of the Emotionally-Focused Clinical Track is on working with couples, however EFIT (Emotionally-Focused Individual Therapy) and EFFT (Emotionally-Focused Family Therapy) supervision is also possible. A wide variety of couple cases are available including clinical work with married, unmarried, heterosexual, LGBTQ/non-binary adults. Usual presenting problems include communication difficulties, betrayals, lack of conflict resolution, and lack of intimacy; many cases are complicated by the partners’ past histories of trauma or abuse. The Fellow’s caseload would likely be comprised of 20-25% couples. While periodic testing may be completed to facilitate clinical treatment, the focus of the Fellowship is on treatment rather than assessment. The Fellow will participate in:

  • Weekly (one-hour) Couples Consultation Group focused on the application of EFT principles and interventions to clinical couple cases. The format includes video tape review, role plays, case reviews, open Q & A and reviews of tapes/materials by national experts. The group is led by Dr. Peterson and typically has 8-9 participating clinicians.
  • Assisting with Hold Me Tight® (HMT) Workshops – HMT workshops, originally developed by Dr. Susan Johnson, founder of the EFT model, teach couples about the science of love and attachment and offer specific skills for de-escalating conflict, facilitating communication about sensitive and emotional subjects, forgiving injuries in the relationship and building greater intimacy. Workshops are held several times a year at the practice; the Fellow assists at the level of her or his preparation – in observing, facilitating breakout couple sessions, or co-presenting.
  • Individual supervision (one+-hour) is expected to encompass issues above and beyond the EFT-model and will be tailored according to the Fellow’s needs, client presenting concerns/goals, and the Fellow’s preferred style. It is expected that the Fellow will develop an integrated model that blends attachment and emotionally-focused approaches with other, previously learned interventions. For cases with an EFT-focus, supervision is designed to meet the Fellow at her or his current level of knowledge and skills in the model and to develop both case conceptualization and intervention skills. Given the nature of the EFT model, much of that supervision will incorporate a focus on the person of the therapist and increasing awareness of one’s own emotional responses with the goal of assisting the therapist to be fully attuned and present with clients.
  • Ongoing participation in the local and national EFT communities – Both Dr. Peterson and other members of the practice are active in the Tampa Bay Community, with three staff having served as Board members and several others serving as training assistants and in other leadership positions. Attendance to the monthly EFT Peer Consultation group sponsored by the EFT Tampa Bay Community and additional participation in community activities for the purpose of networking as well as learning the EFT model is possible and encouraged.

It is the Fellow’s option to pursue certification as an EFCT-Certified Therapist through this fellowship. Supervision from the primary supervisor would count towards that outcome. Details concerning needed outside training (ICEEFT-sponsored Externship and Core Skills) and the process of certification can be discussed, as desired. It is the expectation that the Fellow would attain the level of skill requisite for the certification by the conclusion of the Fellowship.

Supervisor: Jennifer Richardson, Psy.D.

The focus of the DBT track is working with adolescents and adults who are struggling with emotion dysregulation, interpersonal conflicts, life threatening behaviors, self-injury, and/or past trauma. In addition to weekly supervision with Dr. Richardson, the Fellow will participate in:

  • Weekly (1.5 hour) DBT Consultation Group focused on the application of comprehensive DBT with clients in the practice. The group is led by Dr. Richardson and typically has 5-7 participating clinicians.
  • Facilitating/co-facilitating one of the DBT skills groups for adults and/or multi-family group for adolescents. If Fellow has prior DBT experience, there will be opportunities to co-lead a group or to start a new DBT skills group. If Fellow is new to DBT, there will be an opportunity to observe a current group for a full round prior to co-leading/and or teaching skills.
  • For Fellows interested in the application of DBT for specialized populations including children/adolescents, substance use disorders, complex childhood trauma, or eating disorders-additional training opportunities can be provided as part of the fellowship.
  • Individual supervision is expected to encompass issues above and beyond the DBT model and will be tailored to the needs of the Fellow and presenting client symptoms and treatment plan. For cases with a DBT focus, supervision is designed to develop both case conceptualization and intervention skills from a DBT lens while integrating other treatment models/interventions according to the needs of client(s) and include but are not limited to compassion focused therapy, emotion focused individual and family therapy approaches, internal family systems, and exposure and response prevention approaches.
  • Monthly participation in the Clinical Approaches to Trauma Seminar: meeting focused on the application of trauma-focused interventions and clinical case review. The format includes didactics, case discussion, open Q & A, and reviews of tapes/materials. This seminar is led by Dr. Clayson and attended by TBCRP staff and trainees.

In this track, the Post-doctoral Fellow defines his or her own area of interest and concentration towards the goal of having a well-developed specialty area of practice. At the completion of the Fellowship, it is the goal that the Fellow will have acquired both the skills/knowledge and credentials to allow the Fellow to present themselves as a knowledgeable and experienced specialist in this sphere. The primary supervisor serves as a mentor and coach for this process, providing guidance for the experience and contributing content expertise, as possible. The elective specialty is developed collaboratively with the primary supervisor during the first three months of the Fellowship, when a formal plan of study is laid out. Relevant advanced training in the new model or population will be identified and completed.

The specialty focus will encompass approximately 25% of the Fellow’s caseload. Given the fullness of the practice’s referral base, with many different populations and presenting problems seen, there is ample room for defining a specialization of interest to the Fellow. Previous trainees have selected specialty areas in the supervision of mental health clinicians, dialectical behavior therapy, substance abuse-related work, parent-child therapies, Emotionally-Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) or in tailoring clinical services to address the needs of a select cultural population, as a few examples. Tailored guidance in integrating the new specialty into a private practice business model will be offered.

In addition to training and clinical work in the specialty area, the Fellow will have the opportunity to refine his or her clinical skills and develop a well-rounded presence in all professional and clinical areas. The Fellow will participate in the weekly seminars offered (described below) and will be able to benefit from professional interactions with a wide range of Fellow trainees and licensed professionals throughout the practice.

Individual supervision (one+-hour) will be tailored according to the Fellow’s needs, client presenting concerns/goals, and the Fellow’s preferred style. A collaborative and supportive environment, offering the security needed to fully explore remaining areas for growth and change, is a valued aspect of supervision. It is expected that the Fellow will develop an integrated therapy model that blends previously learned interventions with the new area of study. Additionally, supervision will incorporate a focus on the person of the therapist and increasing awareness of one’s own emotional responses with the goal of assisting the therapist to be fully attuned and present with clients and able to facilitate therapy that is culturally-sensitive.

Postdoctoral Training at TBCRP

Fellows attend one seminar a week in addition to the case consultations held for each specific track. Currently, the following 1.25 hour seminars are held monthly:

  • Emotionally-Focused Individual Therapy – includes discussion of the steps and stages of the EFIT model and application of these principles to clinical cases. Complex clinical scenarios are explored and participants work together to find creative applications of the model.
  • Clinical Approaches to Trauma – this seminar serves as a platform for integrating numerous approaches to the complex presentations to trauma often seen clinically. EMDR, EFT, CPT and PE approaches are considered and applied in service of tailoring effective services for clients.
  • Practice Development – clinicians are exposed to the fundamental principles and habits of a successful practice, including developing a vision and goals, adopting an entrepreneurial mindset, protecting your practice from harm, acquiring and retaining clients, accounting and business practices, personal growth as a private practitioner and developing the habits of success.
  • Special Topics in Psychology – rotating topics are developed in response to staff interest; recent topics have included a series on Honing our Cultural Sensitivity/Understanding and Working with Diverse Populations, Identifying and Treating Substance Abuse, Understanding Medical Necessity and Legal Complications in Couples Therapy. 

Specific attention is paid, through both supervision and seminar training, to the Fellow’s development of a successful practice. In addition to participating in a monthly practice development seminar, structured guidance is provided in all areas of developing a successful practice, including: marketing/advertising, establishing professional relationships and networking, using electronic medical records and billing, setting and collecting fees, and managing third-party payors/insurance, among other topics. More information about topics covered in the seminar is available above. A multi-stage approach to practice development is utilized.

Dr. Jeanne Peterson is a former faculty member and Dean of the APA-accredited Clinical Psychology program at The Florida School of Professional Psychology. She is an experienced supervisor and trainer; she has previously taught doctoral coursework in Interventions, Integrative Psychotherapy, Couples and Family Assessment, Couples and Family Therapy, and Clinical Supervision. She is familiar with, and able to supervise, multiple models of therapy. Dr. Peterson has an extensive family and couples’ therapy background. She is an EFT-Certified Therapist and Supervisor and holds additional credentials as an AAMFT Clinical Fellow and Approved Supervisor. She previously served as the Chair of the Couples and Family Therapy program at FSPP and at North Carolina State University. In addition to training in EFT, Dr. Peterson has extensive training in structural-strategic and problem-solving family therapies. She has mentored approximately 25 clinicians in the process of entering private practice and uses a supportive supervisory approach tailored to the individual Fellow’s professional needs. Dr. Peterson supervises Fellows in the EFT and Elective Specialty track.

Dr. Jennifer Richardson has extensive training and experience in providing evidence-based treatments including Dialectical Behavior Therapy, DBT for Complex PTSD, Emotion Focused Individual, Couples, and Family Therapy and Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy for OCD and anxiety disorders. Over the past ten years, she has been integral at TBCRP in starting a comprehensive DBT program that includes all four components: individual DBT therapy, weekly DBT skills groups for teens and adults, skills coaching and a weekly DBT consultation group. Dr. Richardson has worked in a variety of settings including community mental health: inpatient and outpatient; a university-based anxiety disorders clinic, and private practice settings doing both assessment and therapy. She has worked as an adjunct professor at a local APA-accredited Clinical Psychology program and taught doctoral coursework in Clinical Interviewing and advanced practicum seminars. Her approach in supervision is supportive and tailored to the supervisee’s professional needs. Dr. Richardson supervises Fellows in the DBT Track.

 

Dr. Kelsi Clayson is extensively trained in women’s mental health and the evidence-based treatment of sexual, combat, and complex interpersonal trauma. In addition to emotion-focused and relational therapies, she has training in and experience supervising a variety of second- and third-wave therapies including traditional cognitive-behavioral therapy, acceptance-based therapy, exposure therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy. She is passionate about continually advancing her knowledge of trauma-focused therapies and is most recently pursuing training in therapies utilizing bilateral stimulation (i.e., EMDR, ART). Dr. Clayson completed her internship and postdoctoral training in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs specializing in Women’s Mental Health and Trauma with additional training in comprehensive DBT and emotionally-focused therapy for couples and individuals. Dr. Clayson has experience working with diverse clinical populations across a range of settings outside of the VA and private practice. She has previously provided clinical services in a community mental health clinic, a county drug court program, a university counseling center, and within a major U.S. military installation. Dr. Clayson recently developed a practicum placement for advanced clinical psychology doctoral students from the University of South Florida and currently supervises one 4th year student. Her approach to supervision is collaborative, open, and individualized to the professional and personal goals of the Fellow. Dr. Clayson supervises Fellows in the Trauma Recovery Track.

Fellows are employees and are issued a W-2 each year. The fellowship operates on a fee-split arrangement, with the Fellow earning 50% of all collected fees for her/his services.

Salary – Past history suggests that a Fellow completing the standard number of sessions required will earn in excess of $60,000 each year. Fellows are expected to maintain a full-time caseload of 22-26 clinical hours per week and to work five days each week. Highly motivated Fellows have earned significantly more, at their own initiative.

Referrals – The Practice initially provides the majority of referrals needed to fill/supplement the Fellow’s caseload, however some independent acquisition of cases is also expected as the Fellowship progresses and the Fellow’s reputation and engagement skills grow.

Vacation and Holidays – Fellows may take up to three weeks of time off each year. Additionally, Fellows are allowed five Federal holidays, as specified by the site.

Health Insurance Stipend – The Fellow will receive $125/month towards his or her health insurance costs

Training Funds – The Fellow may accrue up to $100/monthly towards training expenses that supplement their specialty (ex – DBT, EFT, EMDR or other pre-arranged training).

EPPP Preparation – One dedicated hour weekly for exam preparation for a period of six months and $200 to apply to exam preparation materials.

Guaranteed Starting Income – To assist Fellows with establishing a steady income and ameliorate the financial impact of the initial caseload build-up, we offer a structured program that ensures a minimum income for the first four months; our experience shows that Fellows are easily able to be self-supporting after that time. More details of the income-leveling plan and caseload development/income expectations will be shared at the point of a Fellowship offer.

Applicants must hold a Doctoral degree in Psychology from an APA-Accredited Program prior to beginning the Fellowship. Prior experience from Practica and Internship should lay a solid foundation for success at the advanced level of training offered on Fellowship and the applicant’s history should demonstrate an interest in the chosen specialization. The applicant must be willing to become licensed in the State of Florida.

Successful previous applicants have shared the staff’s strong interest in learning and enhancing their professional skills, as well as being open about personal growth and self-awareness. The atmosphere of the practice reflects kindness and compassion towards clients and colleagues and successful Fellows have exhibited those traits, as well. Finally, we have found that applicants with a degree of self-confidence, a strong work ethic, and willingness to take initiative are the most successful in building their caseloads quickly and in taking advantage of all the professional opportunities provided at our site.

Required materials for the application include:

  • A cover letter expressing the applicant’s interest in the training and specifying the track to which they are applying.
  • An updated CV
  • Three letters of recommendation from prior supervisors and/or faculty. Please also include phone and email contact information for each recommender as we may wish to contact them for follow-up information.
  • A work sample including a case conceptualization, diagnosis, treatment plan and description of the course of treatment for a clinical case – required prior to a second interview

There are two ways to submit materials – through the portal on this site or via email to [email protected]

If you have questions about the application, you may contact the track supervisor directly and we will be glad to answer your questions:

Dr. Jeanne Peterson – [email protected]

Dr. Jennifer Richardson – [email protected]

Dr. Kelsi Clayson – [email protected]

We look forward to meeting you!

Welcome to the Tampa Bay Area

Please submit your application here.
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