About the Internship

The Groundswell Community Project Clinical Internship offers emerging clinicians the opportunity to deepen their therapeutic practice through somatic, eco-, and expressive arts therapy. Interns receive training and supervision in the Groundswell Surf Therapy™ model, with in-person opportunities to co-facilitate small group surf therapy programs serving diverse communities.

To learn more about our roots and evolution, we invite you to read our Groundswell Review & Groundswell History.

Who This Internship Is For

Groundswell Surf Therapy Interns are individuals in their associate or practicum season working toward licensure as an LMFT, LCSW, or LPCC. Interns come from diverse educational, cultural, and lived backgrounds that reflect the communities Groundswell serves. We value curiosity, humility, and a commitment to embodied, community-centered healing.

Internship Structure & Commitment

Virtual

As a Groundswell Surf Therapy Intern you will take part in our 6 month Groundswell Surf Therapy Provider Level 3 training cohort with clinicians from around the world. The cohort meets virtually Monday evenings 5:30-7:30pm PST. 

In-Person Component (April–October)

Interns co-facilitate surf therapy programs and attend in-person supervision.

• Time Commitment: 4–15 hours/week

• Primary Location: Ocean Beach (with potential opportunities in Encinitas, La Jolla, and Pacific Beach)

• Compensation: Supervision provided at no cost; interns provide their own surf equipment

Surf Therapy Intern Role Responsibilities

• Attend all trainings and supervisions prepared, present, and on time

• Co-facilitate surf therapy programs for groups of 6–10 participants

• Complete intake, pre-, and post-program telehealth calls

• Support session setup, breakdown, and team debriefs

• Assist with surf gear preparation and ritual supplies

• Hold trauma-informed, safe, and brave space

• Support research and data collection

• Complete and submit post-session notes

• Maintain participant confidentiality

• Track internship hours and communicate needs clearly

• Cultivate open, respectful communication with supervisors and co-facilitators

• Stay curious and engaged in ongoing learning

Intern Requirements

• Groundswell’s Surf Therapy for Trauma Recovery Training (level 1) Live or Self Paced

• Current water safety certification (Lifeguard, BRWAG, ISA, or CPR/First Aid; team training available)

• Currently registered as an associate or practicum-level clinician working toward LMFT, LCSW, or LPCC licensure

Compensation

This is a non-paid volunteer clinical internship. The program is designed to support interns in maintaining outside employment or clinical placements while receiving high-quality training, supervision, and hands-on experience in surf therapy.