Programs and Initiatives for Students and Clinicians
Advanced Training Opportunities
Volunteer Opportunities for Licensed Mental Health Clinicians
Advanced Training Opportunities
RTR Society welcomes graduate counselling students who are passionate about social justice, trauma-informed care, and working with populations that are often overlooked within traditional counselling systems. Practicum placements with RTR Society provide a unique opportunity for clinicians-in-training to develop meaningful clinical skills
RTR Society welcomes graduate counselling students who are passionate about social justice, trauma-informed care, and working with populations that are often overlooked within traditional counselling systems. Practicum placements with RTR Society provide a unique opportunity for clinicians-in-training to develop meaningful clinical skills while supporting justice-involved individuals and their families.
Under the supervision of our Executive Director, Dr. Shauna Burns-Thomson, Registered Clinical Counsellor, practicum students receive consistent mentorship, clinical consultation, and professional guidance throughout their placement. Students participate in regular consultation and training opportunities designed to support ethical practice, clinical confidence, and the development of trauma-informed therapeutic skills when working with complex client presentations.
Through this experience, practicum students gain exposure to the emotional, relational, and systemic challenges faced by justice-involved individuals and their families. Students learn to approach this work with compassion, accountability, and a deep understanding of the role trauma, stigma, and systemic barriers can play in shaping people’s lives.
In addition to direct counselling experience, practicum students may have opportunities to participate in advanced training through the Reimagining Rehabilitation: A Trauma-Informed Approach to Working with Justice-Involved Clients who have Sexually Harmed program, developed by Dr. Burns-Thomson to support clinicians in providing ethical, relational, and trauma-informed care within justice-related contexts.
Because practicum placements with RTR Society tend to generate significant interest from graduate students across multiple programs, applicants are encouraged to apply early to secure their preferred practicum term. Placements are offered based on a combination of training, relevant experience, readiness for clinical practice, and alignment with the mission and values of RTR Society.
We are particularly interested in supporting clinicians-in-training who are committed to trauma-informed care, relational healing, and socially responsive counselling practices when working with justice-involved populations.
For students seeking to building a career rooted in healing, accountability, and social change, a practicum with RTR Society offers a supportive environment to grow both professionally and personally while contributing to meaningful work making communities a safer place to be.
For more information or to indicate interest, please contact Dr. Shauna Burns-Thomson at shauna@rtrsociety.com
Supportive Community
Volunteer Opportunities for Licensed Mental Health Clinicians
Advanced Training Opportunities
We understand that working in this field can often feel isolating, leaving clinicians to navigate complex situations on their own. The RTR Society is dedicated to providing advanced training opportunities and fostering a clinician support community. Our platform encourages those who have participated in our trainings to come together to n
We understand that working in this field can often feel isolating, leaving clinicians to navigate complex situations on their own. The RTR Society is dedicated to providing advanced training opportunities and fostering a clinician support community. Our platform encourages those who have participated in our trainings to come together to network, share resources, and celebrate successes in trauma-informed care!
Volunteer Opportunities for Licensed Mental Health Clinicians
Volunteer Opportunities for Licensed Mental Health Clinicians
Volunteer Opportunities for Licensed Mental Health Clinicians
RTR Society welcomes licensed mental health professionals who are interested in offering pro bono counselling support to justice-involved individuals and their families. Many of the individuals we serve face significant barriers to accessing mental health care, particularly due to financial limitations, stigma, and the complexities of nav
RTR Society welcomes licensed mental health professionals who are interested in offering pro bono counselling support to justice-involved individuals and their families. Many of the individuals we serve face significant barriers to accessing mental health care, particularly due to financial limitations, stigma, and the complexities of navigating life during or after involvement with the justice system.
Volunteer clinicians play an important role in expanding access to compassionate, trauma-informed counselling for those who may otherwise go without support. By contributing their time and expertise, clinicians help create opportunities for healing, accountability, relational growth, and successful reintegration.
Clinicians volunteering with RTR Society may provide short-term counselling, mentorship to practicum students, or support specialized populations such as partners and family members impacted by incarceration. Volunteers are welcomed into a collaborative community of practitioners who share a commitment to ethical practice, social responsibility, and meaningful change.
This opportunity is particularly suited for clinicians who value trauma-informed care, relational approaches to healing, and the importance of supporting populations who are often underserved within traditional counselling systems. For more information or to indicate interest, please contact Dr. Shauna Burns-Thomson at shauna@rtrsociety.com