UHN – Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Two-year Mixed Psychotherapy and Research Practicum
Year 1 and Year 2 Practicum, January 2026 to April 2027
Name of Practicum Site, Unit or Program:
Two-year Mixed Psychotherapy and Research Practicum
Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network
Location:
610 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4
Description of the practicum site and student activities:
Master of Social Work Practicum at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. Join one of the world’s top cancer centres for a unique two-year practicum that blends psychotherapy and research. The Department of Supportive Care at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre brings together experts from various fields to provide comprehensive assistance as a specialty program within the Department of Supportive Care, Centre for Psychological Care in Cancer (CPC-C) focuses on specialized psychosocial oncology initiatives. Central to our program is CALM (Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully), a psychotherapy intervention developed and studied here at CPC-C. We collaborate nationally and internationally on research and training initiatives.
Program Focus. This practicum provides a two-year immersive experience exclusively for Master of Social Work students at the University of Toronto. Students are offered meaningful opportunities to shadow experienced clinicians, receive extensive psychotherapy training, provide psychotherapeutic support to individuals living with advanced cancer, contribute to impactful research projects, and learn from global leaders in psychosocial oncology. In addition to their work within the Centre for Psychological Care in Cancer (CPC-C), students may also engage in clinical learning through our team’s private clinic, Talk and Health Space, which provides exposure to psychotherapy work in a community-based setting. Our interdisciplinary environment supports the development of advanced clinical skills and fosters research that directly benefits patients and families facing cancer. Students spend approximately two-thirds of their time in direct clinical care, with the remaining third dedicated to research initiatives.
Duration. The placement spans two distinct phases: Year 1 concentrates on learning and practicing basic psychotherapeutic principles and psychosocial assessment, while Year 2 shifts focus to learning and applying more complex psychotherapeutic interventions. Throughout the two years, students will engage with ongoing research and may be offered the possibility to conduct an independent project. Students are required to commit for their Year 1 and Year 2 placements.
Patient Population. Students will work with two distinct populations: 1) adults facing advanced cancer and their primary caregivers; and 2) parents of children diagnosed with cancer receiving treatment at the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). Please note that students will not work directly with children.
Training Methods. Students receive diverse training, including didactic teaching, direct observation by field instructors, feedback on video-recorded sessions conducted by students, review of other video-recorded material, direct observation by clinicians in the department, case presentations during interdisciplinary supervision meetings, access to research and clinical rounds, workshops, and training programs in cancer-specific therapeutic modalities (e.g., Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully), and shadowing other professionals in the cancer center. Students are required to video-record their encounters with clients, with the clients’ consent.
About the Field Supervisors. Students will be learning with the social work supervisors who are proud FIFSW alumni with diverse backgrounds. Together, we bring strong skills in psychotherapy and research, along with a commitment to the populations served in this hospital. We are dedicated to creating a warm, supportive and enriching learning environment for social work students.
Resume Submission Instructions. Please submit a detailed resume that provides a comprehensive overview of your academic background, relevant professional or volunteer experiences, and any relevant certifications. Highlight any prior involvement in healthcare settings or related fields.
Cover Letter Submission Instructions. In your cover letter, please address the following points:
- Alignment: Clearly articulate how this practicum aligns with your academic and career goals. Highlight what draws you to this opportunity and discuss the unique perspectives or skills you believe you can contribute.
- Desired Qualities: Demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively, your commitment to self-directed and reflective learning, and your comfort with navigating emotionally charged topics. Provide specific examples that illustrate these qualities.
- Relevant Experience: Highlight past experiences, coursework, or training that showcase your ability to provide empathetic support in challenging situations. If applicable, share experiences working directly with clients to emphasize your readiness for this role.
Conclusion. We invite you to join us on this deeply rewarding journey, where your dedication and compassion can profoundly impact the lives of those facing cancer. Given the limited number of placements and the high volume of applications, we encourage you to apply with sincere enthusiasm. We look forward to receiving your application and the possibility of welcoming you into our close-knit community of committed practitioners.
Practicum Requirements:
(Click on all the boxes that apply.)
☒ Immunizations per PHA Guidelines
☒ N95 Respirator/Mask Fitting
☒ Covid Vaccinations
☒ Influenza Vaccination (Flu shot)
☒ Police Reference/Vulnerable Sector Check
☐ Driver’s License
☐ Use of Own Car
☐ Travel by public transportation between home visits, or satellite offices, or community meetings, etc.
☒ Comfort working with the population being served
☒ Comprehensive report writing and documentation
☐ Lived experience/Current member of the community being served
☐ Evening attendance
☐ Weekend attendance
☐ Changing shift attendance
☐ Language (specify in field below)
Other requirements:
We seek candidates who embody a collaborative mindset and demonstrate a strong commitment to self-directed and reflective learning. Our ideal students are those who can comfortably engage with patients facing mortality, delving into existential concerns, and processing profound emotions. Given the complexity of the challenges faced by our patients and their families, we highly value individuals who can offer empathetic, grounded support and who thrive in an environment where compassion and resilience are paramount.
Does your practicum require any previous experience?
(If yes, please specify.)
Previous experience with counselling is not required but is considered an asset.
Is this practicum in-person, remote or hybrid?
Hybrid
Will this practicum involve direct work or a mix of direct and indirect?
Mix of direct and indirect
Number of practicums offered:
3-4
Field Instructor name and credentials:
Lisa Klekovkina, MSW, RSW
Laura Foran, MSW, RSW
Junie Baek, MSW, RSW, RP
Kate Hunt, MSW, RSW
Application deadline:
October 3, 2025
Do you require a resume? Or resume and cover letter?
Resume and Cover Letter (see instructions above).
Accessibility Considerations:
- Will the student have access to a private space for notes or computer use? No
- Are there breaks between clients/patients/meetings? Yes
- Is the practicum considered fast-paced? Medium
- Is there a high noise level in the practicum? Low
- Is the site wheelchair accessible? Yes
- What are the physical demands of the practicum? Attendance at in-person meetings, in-person sessions with clients, and in-person research activities
- Are there any other accessibility considerations that potential applicants with disabilities should be aware of? No
To apply for this practicum, please send a cover letter (see instructions above) and resume to leah.potash@utoronto.ca by 4:00PM on October 3, 2025. Applications will be sent to the site.