Reed Counseling and Consulting wants to be sure that the next wave of therapists are well-informed about the field before they decide to apply for a graduate program or choose psychology as a profession. Shadowing a practitioner helps candidates learn about the roles and responsibilities of therapists and “try on” the career informed by real-world experiences.

Volunteering with children, conducting clinical research, and working in schools are all great ways to develop a broader understanding of child development and the field of education. However, they are NOT the same as shadowing a trained professional.

Shadowing provides an opportunity to observe practicing therapists engaging with children and colleagues in the school setting. By observing our team at work, students can see how they communicate and make decisions in complex situations. Students will also develop a more realistic understanding of what therapists can and can’t do for children and their families. If you shadow more than one therapist, you will learn to see how context influences practices and also may observe how practice changes at different age levels.