Program

Train in the therapeutic approach that helped shape modern Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, learning directly from experienced REBT practitioners and trainers at the Institute founded by Albert Ellis.

Albert Ellis Institute offers a distinctive predoctoral clinical externship for doctoral students seeking comprehensive clinical training in Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), one of the original forms of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Externs have the opportunity to learn directly from the Institute’s experienced core faculty trainers while developing the clinical knowledge and skills to effectively apply REBT across a broad range of psychological concerns.

This immersive training experience combines intensive instruction in REBT theory and practice with meaningful, hands-on clinical experience. Externs provide psychotherapy to individuals, couples, and families; conduct psychological and psychoeducational evaluations; and co-lead weekly therapy groups. Through these experiences, externs develop greater proficiency in case conceptualization, clinical assessment, treatment planning, and the application of REBT interventions to a diverse range of emotional and behavioral challenges.

Training includes:

  • Specialized REBT Training: In-depth instruction and experiential learning in REBT theory, principles, and clinical interventions, led by the Institute’s core faculty trainers.
  • Diverse Clinical Experience: Opportunities to provide psychotherapy and conduct psychological and psychoeducational evaluations with a diverse clinical population presenting with a wide range of psychological and behavioral concerns.
  • Group Therapy Experience: Opportunities to co-lead weekly therapy groups and develop skills in facilitating therapeutic change in a group setting.
  • Individualized Supervision: A minimum of three hours of individual and group supervision each week, providing ongoing opportunities for clinical guidance, feedback, and professional development.
  • Didactic Training: Two hours of monthly didactic instruction to deepen clinical knowledge and strengthen the integration of REBT theory and practice.
  • Research Involvement: Opportunities to participate in research activities and engage with the Institute’s ongoing commitment to advancing the understanding and application of REBT.

The Institute’s approach emphasizes the integration of sound psychological theory with practical, evidence-informed clinical interventions. Externs gain experience working with a wide range of clinical presentations while developing the ability to apply REBT flexibly and effectively to the needs of individual clients.

Schedule and Commitment: Externships are part-time appointments. Candidates must be available during daytime hours on either Tuesday or Wednesday, as well as one additional evening per week (excluding Fridays). Psychotherapy and psychological evaluations are conducted in person at the Institute’s clinic.

Albert Ellis Institute externship provides doctoral students with an opportunity to develop a strong foundation in REBT, gain substantial hands-on clinical experience, and cultivate skills that can enrich their professional practice well beyond the externship year.

Certificate
Successful completion of all requirements will result in Fellowship status of Albert Ellis Institute.

Application:

Externship application window: December 1, 2026 – January 22, 2027

Download the application here.

For further information, please contact us at info@albertellis.org

2027-2028 Externship Start Date:

July 7, 2027

2027-2028 Externship End Date:

July 5, 2028