MXC Wellness Center Practicum Details

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This program is designed to support your growth as a clinician. We focus on building your clinical skills which include: proficiency in basic assessment and therapeutic techniques. The clinical training program applicants we are looking for should have the following skills:

1. Cultural Competency: Ability to engage effectively with students from diverse backgrounds.
2. Professionalism: Commitment to ethical standards and maintaining appropriate boundaries.
3. Emotional Intelligence: Strong self-awareness and interpersonal skills for effective communication.
4. Openness to Learning: Willingness to adapt, accept feedback, and grow as a clinician.

 

Malcolm X College’s training program emphasizes comprehensive supervision and hands-on consultation. Each trainee is paired with a primary supervisor for one-on-one supervision for an hour each week. Additionally, trainees attend weekly group supervision sessions on Tuesdays from 9am-11am with two rotating supervisors and their cohort, which includes a mix of didactic training and case discussions.

 

Trainees also have access to secondary supervision (1-2 hours per month), and a consultation model is in place with a licensed supervisor available at all times during the training day. Supervisors bring diverse theoretical orientations, encouraging trainees to develop their own approach. Evidence-based practices include CBT, Solution Focused Therapy, DBT, ERP, ACT, and existential therapy.

 

 

Jenniffel Ramirez: is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a Master’s Degree in Community Counseling from Argosy University, Chicago. With over fourteen years of experience in the mental health field, including five years at Malcolm X College, Jenniffel brings a wealth of expertise in providing compassionate care and professional guidance. In her current role as Clinical Director, Jenniffel is dedicated to training and supervision, utilizing a developmental and collaborative approach to guide emerging professionals in the field. She emphasizes building a strong therapeutic alliance with clients to support them in achieving their goals, fostering healing, empowerment, and personal growth. In her clinical work she provides supportive counseling in a safe and nurturing environment, helping students address life’s challenges. 

 

Latoya Cole: Is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor.  She holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Concordia University-Chicago and a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Psychology from Roosevelt University-Chicago.  Latoya’s personal goal is to give people the tools to lead successful lives and to discover their full potential.  Her supervising style is described as “the open door policy.”  In her words “no question is a bad question.”  Latoya’s clinical orientation is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

 

Norma Castrejon: Is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am a first generation college graduate and proud Latina. I earned my bachelors in social work from Northeastern Illinois University  and masters degree in Social Work from Dominican University. My professional experience spans over several years and includes work with a variety of clients including children, adolescents, adults and families. Throughout my career I have gained invaluable experience working in many different roles. In the past I’ve worked as a case manager in a non-profit setting, therapist in a nonprofit setting and as a Supervisor at a crisis helpline. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) framework viewing patterns that develop from one’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. As your supervisor I hope to provide a warm, supportive and accepting environment. 

 

Dr. Tracy Bibbs: is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a passion for helping individuals navigate their mental health challenges and build fulfilling lives. She holds a Master’s Degree in Community Counseling from Chicago State University and earned her Doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision from Governor State University.  With a deep commitment to her clients’ well-being, Dr. Bibbs draws on years of academic training and clinical experience to guide people through issues related to fear, anxiety, and relationships. Her work is rooted in evidence-based practices, and she approaches therapy with a compassionate, client-centered mindset. As a mental health counselor, Dr. Bibbs focuses on empowering her clients to discover their strengths and overcome the obstacles that hold them back. Whether working with individuals or couples, she strives to create a supportive and non-judgmental environment where open communication and personal growth can flourish. Dr. Bibbs’s philosophy emphasizes the importance of practical tools and strategies that lead to long-lasting change. Her goal is to help each client achieve their full potential, one step at a time.

 

Jenniffel Ramirez, LCPC
Clinical Director of  Malcolm X College Wellness Center