Train in a rigorous, relational, and supervision-rich environment at one of the nation’s leading family therapy institutes. Ackerman’s Practicum supports advanced students in developing clinical skills grounded in family systems theory.
Fall 2026 Placement Now Open
The Ackerman Institute for the Family offers a clinical practicum experience for advanced graduate-level students seeking rigorous, relationally grounded clinical training. Rooted in family systems theory and reflective practice, the practicum supports students in developing clinical skill, professional identity, and thoughtful engagement with individuals, couples, and families.
Ackerman’s practicum is designed for students who value depth, supervision, and clinical learning within a training environment that attends to relational complexity, cultural context, ethics, and professional accountability.
The clinical practicum is intended for students who:
- Are enrolled in an accredited MFT graduate program
- Are seeking an intermediate or advanced practicum experience
- Have completed foundational clinical coursework, including ethics
- Are interested in systems-oriented, relational, and context-informed clinical work
- Value reflective supervision and ongoing professional development
Practicum placements are offered based on readiness, alignment with Ackerman’s training model, and institutional capacity.
Practicum students participate in a structured clinical training experience that may include:
- Direct clinical work with individuals, couples, and families
- Ongoing individual and/or group supervision
- Engagement with family systems and relational frameworks
- Attention to issues of culture, power, identity, and social context in clinical practice
- Integration of theory, self-reflection, and applied clinical skill development
The specific structure and scope of each practicum placement may vary based on student readiness, program requirements, and available supervision resources.
Supervision is a principal component of the Ackerman practicum experience. Students receive supervision from experienced clinicians committed to reflective practice, ethical development, and professional growth.
Supervision may include:
- Live, recorded, or case-based supervision
- Individual and/or group supervision formats
- Ongoing feedback focused on clinical skill development, self-awareness, and professional responsibility
Academic Partnerships
Ackerman works collaboratively with universities and training programs to support students in meeting academic and clinical training requirements. Formal affiliation agreements, evaluations, and documentation are completed as required by the students’ academic program.
The Institute values clear communication and partnership with academic supervisors and field coordinators throughout the practicum period.
Application & Selection Process
Ackerman’s practicum selection process is designed to support thoughtful matching and clear communication.
The process typically includes:
- Completion of a short Practicum Interest Form
- Invitation to submit a full Practicum Application
- Review of materials for readiness and alignment
- Interview, if applicable
- Placement decision and coordination with the academic program
Submission of an application does not guarantee placement.
Placement Parameters
- Practicum placements are limited and offered based on institutional capacity
- The practicum is a training experience and does not constitute employment
- Availability, supervision resources, and students readiness are carefully considered in all placement decisions
Individuals interested in future practicum opportunities are encouraged to complete the Practicum Interest Form. The admissions team will follow up with guidance on next steps as opportunities become available.