Why We Choose to Train the Next Generation of Psychologists

At Ebb & Flow Psychological Associates, training future psychologists is an important part of who we are as a practice. Each year, we typically welcome one to three doctoral psychology students for a year-long practicum experience, from July 1 through June 30.

Most of our trainees come from Dr. Collins and Dr. Brookland’s alma mater, the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM). Having completed our own doctoral training at PCOM, we know firsthand the quality of its education, clinical preparation, and expectations for developing psychologists. Over the years, we have been fortunate to work with excellent students who bring enthusiasm, fresh perspectives, and a genuine desire to learn to our practice.

Students are often drawn to Ebb & Flow because our training site is primarily virtual and offers specialized experience in women’s health and reproductive psychology. Their learning is intentionally progressive: trainees begin by reviewing intake materials and pre-charting, observing psychologist-led sessions, taking clinical notes, and assisting with report writing. Through these experiences, they gain exposure to infertility, pregnancy and postpartum mental health, pregnancy loss, third-party reproduction, and the many emotional complexities that can accompany family building. As their knowledge, skills, and confidence develop, trainees may progress to leading certain services, such as an intended parent consultation, with a licensed psychologist present for the entire session. The supervising psychologist provides live supervision and contributes whenever needed to ensure clients continue to receive a high-quality consultation. This model also allows us to offer a reduced-rate option for clients with financial need, expanding access to our specialized reproductive psychology services.

Our hands-on training of our students would not be possible without the openness of our clients. We are incredibly grateful to the Ebb & Flow clients who allow our doctoral students to observe and participate in sessions as part of their training. We always discuss trainee involvement in advance and prioritize each client’s comfort level; having a trainee involved is entirely optional. We deeply appreciate the clients who choose to be part of the learning process and, in doing so, help us prepare the next generation of psychologists.

Clinical training is only one part of what our students gain at Ebb & Flow. They also have the opportunity to learn what it is like to work within a women-owned and women-led private practice. Beyond developing their clinical skills, our trainees are exposed to practice ownership, business development, marketing, professional networking, practice operations, and program development—important aspects of being a psychologist that are not typically covered in depth during doctoral coursework. We value giving trainees this broader view of the profession and the opportunity to see what it takes to build, lead, and grow a psychology practice.

One of the most rewarding parts of our training program has been seeing these relationships continue beyond the practicum year. Two of our earliest trainees, Ryanne Schaad (now Dr. Ryanne Schaad) and Gabriella Bevacqua-Collins, have remained part of the Ebb & Flow team as they work toward independent licensure. Both have become invaluable members of our practice, providing clinical support while also contributing to the administrative and operational responsibilities that keep a growing practice running.

Dr. Schaad has also taken on an important role in supporting our current doctoral students. She provides peer supervision and mentorship, reviews reports, offers feedback, and serves as another resource as our trainees develop their clinical and professional skills. We love that our training program has evolved in this way, with former trainees now helping to mentor the students coming behind them. It creates a collaborative learning environment and a wonderful sense of continuity within our practice.

As psychologists, we believe we have a responsibility to invest in the next generation of our profession. Excellent clinical training requires more than coursework—it requires mentorship, supervision, opportunities to ask questions, and meaningful real-world experience. Taking on doctoral trainees gives us the opportunity to share what we have learned while also benefiting from the curiosity, energy, and fresh perspectives they bring to our team.

Our newest doctoral trainees, Alexis Rosen and Bernadette Bautista, joined us in July and have already impressed us with how quickly they learn and adapt. They are curious, hardworking, receptive to feedback, and eager to take on new challenges—all qualities we value highly in our trainees.

We are excited to have Alexis and Bernadette with us for the 2026–2027 training year and look forward to watching them continue to develop as future psychologists.

We had to take advantage of having our students together with Dr. Collins, Dr. Brookland, and Dr. Schaad in our Philadelphia office yesterday for a few photos!

Group supervision with Dr. Brookland at our 1500 Walnut Street Philadelphia office.