Clinical Supervision and Student Practicums Toronto
Clinical supervision is the cornerstone of ethical and effective psychotherapy. The College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) requires all newly registered psychotherapists to complete a set number of supervised hours before they can practise independently.
At Fruits from the Roots, we provide CRPO-approved clinical supervision to psychotherapists and mental health professionals across Toronto and Ontario.
Led by Dr. Darlene Cyrus-Blaize (Ed.D., M.A., RP), an established supervisor and educator, our program not only fulfills regulatory requirements but also helps you build a strong professional identity and consistently deliver high standards of client care.
Why Clinical Supervision Matters in Ontario?
Clinical supervision is critical for professional growth and public safety:
- 94% of psychotherapists in Ontario report that ongoing supervision has improved their clinical skills and decision-making (CRPO Annual Report, 2023).
- Regular supervision reduces burnout rates by up to 30% among mental health professionals (Canadian Psychological Association, 2022).
- According to the CRPO, supervision is mandatory for all Qualifying RPs, with a minimum of one hour of supervision for every four to five hours of client contact.
What this means for you:
Whether you’re an RP(Q) working toward independent practice or a seasoned psychotherapist seeking reflective support, our program meets all CRPO supervision requirements and elevates your practice.
You may book a 15-minute consultation for more information about clinical supervision.
Meet Your Future Clinical Supervisors
Darlene Cyrus-Blaize, Ed.D, M.A., RP
Practice Owner | Clinical Supervisor | Psychotherapist | Educator
Dr. Cyrus-Blaize is an experienced clinical supervisor and educator, teaching graduate psychology courses at City University of Seattle (Canadian campus) and chairing qualifying exam panels for clinical practice. She is actively involved in providing leadership and expertise at the CRPO as a Panel Chair for the Inquiries, Complaints, and Reports Committee and a Case Writer and Peer Circle Contributor with the Quality Assurance team.
Supervisees benefit from her direct, actionable guidance and deep knowledge of professional standards.
Krystal Dodd, M.A., RP
Clinical Supervisor | Psychotherapist
Krystal brings a wealth of clinical knowledge having worked in the field of mental health for 15 years. Her experience and lens are ones based on lived cross-cultural International and Canadian experience.
Krystal has supported supervisees’ in developing an anti-oppressive and strength-based lens using interventions and techniques like REBT, SFBT, CBT, DBT, EFFT, Positive Psychology and Mindfulness.
As a registered psychotherapist, educator, and mentor, Darlene and Krystal recognize the importance of clinical supervision as a crucial component in ensuring client welfare and adhering to professional best practices.
Key Benefits of Clinical Supervision
Clinical supervision at Fruits from the Roots is designed to help you grow as a safe, skilled, and confident therapist.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Better Client Safety
Regular supervision gives you a second set of eyes on your cases. This means fewer mistakes and stronger protection for your clients. Discussing challenging situations with an expert helps you avoid ethical problems and approach challenges effectively.
- Stronger Professional Identity
Supervision helps you understand your strengths as a therapist and identify areas for improvement. You’ll get honest feedback, learn new approaches, and build the confidence you need—whether you’re just starting or have years of experience.
- CRPO Compliance—No Stress
All supervision hours here are CRPO-approved. We ensure you’re fully covered for both your initial registration and ongoing membership. You don’t have to worry about missing any requirements.
- Stay Up to Date
You’ll always be learning the latest best practices and new research in the field. Dr. Cyrus-Blaize shares up-to-date knowledge from her work in education and with the CRPO, so you are informed about important updates.
- Support for Every Stage of Your Career
Whether you’re a student, a new RP(Q), or an experienced therapist, you’ll get support that fits your level and goals.
With Fruits from the Roots, supervision isn’t just about meeting the rules—it’s about becoming the best therapist you can be.
Types of Clinical Supervision
You can choose from three types of clinical supervision: individual, dyadic and group.
Individual Clinical Supervision
In an individual clinical supervision session, you can discuss your cases, approach, and concerns in a confidential setting with your supervisor. These 50-minute sessions enable you to ask questions and explore specific areas of interest. Your supervisor will provide feedback tailored to your specific circumstances and needs.
Dyadic Clinical Supervision
Dyadic supervision involves two psychotherapists and a supervisor. You’ll present your questions and share your techniques with a peer who can provide a second opinion. You can share your own experiences to help your peer navigate their challenges. Your supervisor will help guide the conversation and provide insight in this open forum.
Group Clinical Supervision
In a group supervision setting, you will join several other psychotherapists. Under the guidance of your supervisor, you can share any difficulties you’ve encountered in your practice with a group of peers. You can also provide your opinions and insights to assist your fellow therapists in their practice and approach.
Group supervision begins the first week of May and September and takes place weekly for 8 weeks (excluding holidays).
If you are interested, please fill out the application form.
Who Can Apply for Clinical Supervision?
We welcome:
- Registered Psychotherapists (RPs) and RP(Q)s seeking CRPO-compliant supervision
- Graduate students in counselling psychology or related programs
- Social workers, counsellors, and other allied mental health professionals in Ontario
Over 45% of our supervisees are BIPOC or from underrepresented backgrounds, reflecting our commitment to inclusion and cultural competence.
All sessions are available virtually to practitioners throughout Toronto and the province of Ontario.
If you are interested please fill the application form.
You may book a 15-minute consultation for more information about clinical supervision.
Student Practicum: Real-World Experience for Future Therapists
Our Student Practicum is built for graduate students in psychology or counselling programs who want hands-on, real-world clinical experience in Toronto and Ontario.
This practicum bridges the gap between classroom learning and professional practice, providing you with the tools and confidence to launch your career.
What the Practicum Offers:
- A two-week orientation to prepare you for client work and clinical settings
- Weekly group supervision sessions where you learn from peers and discuss cases
- Weekly individual or dyadic supervision, offering focused feedback and support
- Two hours per month of experiential professional development, so you can build practical skills
- Training on how to start and manage a private practice caseload
- The chance to design and lead your own mental health workshops
Flexible Schedule
We know students have busy lives. You can set your own working hours, but plan to dedicate 10–15 hours per week for practicum activities. This includes client sessions, supervision, meetings, and record-keeping.
Pathway to Associate Therapist
At the end of the practicum, top-performing students may be invited to join our team as Associate Therapists. In this paid role, you’ll take on your own caseload, continue receiving clinical supervision, and grow as a professional.
Start building your future in mental health with expert support and practical experience that truly prepares you for independent practice.
How to Apply for the Student Practicum
We welcome applications from graduate students enrolled in counselling psychology or related programs who are ready to gain supervised clinical experience.
To apply, send us:
- Your resume
- Your contact details
- Your preferred practicum start date
- The names and contact information for two professional or academic references
In your application, please include a brief statement that answers:
- Why do you want to join our team?
- What are two strengths you bring to the practicum?
- What is one area where you’d like to grow further?
Application Deadlines:
- Winter Term (January start): Apply by October 15
- Spring Term (May start): Apply by February 15
- Fall Term (September start): Apply by July 15
Once we receive your application, qualified candidates will be invited for an interview. We look forward to learning more about you and helping you take the next step in your professional journey.
Successful applicants will be notified within a week for an interview. Interviews are typically scheduled within the two weeks following an application submission. Please apply early as spots are competitive and fill quickly.
Disclaimer: All students participating in our clinical training program will be required to pay a one-time Onboarding and Hosting Fee. This fee supports the essential administrative, technological, and supervisory resources needed to offer a high-quality practicum experience.
As a training site, we are committed to providing students with a structured, ethical, and supportive environment that reflects real-world professional expectations. To maintain this standard, the onboarding process includes:
- Orientation to our clinical policies, procedures, and documentation systems
- Secure setup and ongoing maintenance of student access on our Owl Practice client management platform
- File creation, storage, and compliance processes aligned with confidentiality, consent, and clinical documentation standards (including note-keeping requirements and secure PHI management)
- Oversight and monitoring to support student adherence to professional, ethical, and regulatory expectations
- Administrative support throughout the placement
- Space, tools, and resources required for students to participate fully in client services
This fee ensures that the infrastructure supporting your learning remains strong, secure, and sustainable. It allows us to continue offering a training environment that prioritizes best-practice clinical care, robust supervision, and student readiness for professional practice.
However, please note that we Do Not Charge students for the weekly clinical supervision required during placement, as we consider it unethical to expect remuneration in exchange for an evaluation. Please note; however, that students are expected to obtain their own professional liability insurance and provincial professional regulatory/association registration fees.
If you have questions about the fee or onboarding process, please reach out to our administrative team.
Let Us Be a Part of Your Professional Journey
We believe diversity and representation are vital in the field of mental health and well-being. Applicants from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Please note that both student placements and clinical supervision in Toronto and across Ontario are competitive programs and are offered virtually. Each applicant is thoroughly screened and carefully considered for suitability.
We thank you for your interest and look forward to working with you.