Free Clinical Skills Group for New Therapists

A free monthly virtual space to learn core clinical skills, practice them with peers, and build confidence in the room.

Starting out as a therapist can leave you wondering what you’re supposed to do after an intake.

This free monthly virtual group gives new therapists a place to learn core clinical skills, practice them with peers, and build confidence in the room. Each session focuses on one skill, starting with case conceptualization.

Reserve Your Spot

Free Skills Group

Free · Virtual · Monday October 26, 2026 at 12pm EST · Limited to 8 seats

Register Here →

This month's session

You Got a New Client. Now What?

Case Conceptualization Basics

You've finished the intake and you have a diagnosis, or at least a working idea. Now you need to make sense of the client and decide where to start. In this session, I'll walk you through a simple, repeatable way to conceptualize a new client, and then you'll try it yourself with a hypothetical case in small groups.

What You'll Learn and Practice

  • A four-question framework for understanding a new client

  • How to hold a diagnosis loosely and see the person behind it

  • How to notice what a client's symptoms and behavior might be protecting

  • How to choose one clear first step for your next session

  • A free one-page template you can keep and reuse

Who it's for and how it works

Who This Group Is For

This group is for grad students, interns, and new therapists who want more confidence in their clinical work, whether you've just started seeing clients or are still building your caseload. You don't need any special training or background. If you've ever left a session unsure what to do next, you're in the right place.

How the Group Works

Each session runs 60 minutes and follows the same simple shape:

  1. A short teaching on the month's skill

  2. Hands-on practice with peers in small breakout groups with modeling and feedback provided

  3. Time for questions and discussion

  4. A free handout to keep

Attendees are welcome to bring an anonymous case to present to the group, or we can use a hypothetical case. A new skills topic is offered every month, and you're welcome to join one as many as you would like.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime.

Register

  • Yes. It's free every month, with no hidden costs and no obligation to join anything else.

  • No. This group is educational skills practice and peer learning. It doesn't replace the clinical supervision you need for licensure or the consultation you may receive elsewhere. No CEUs are provided.

  • New therapists at any stage, including those still in training. Grad students, interns, new therapists, or anyone looking for additional strategies to grow their clinical skills are welcome to join.

  • No, you do not have to share. If you have a specific questions involving one of your clients please do not share any identifying details about them. We can also use hypothetical cases. If you are looking for individual case consultation or group consultation, please check out my other services.

  • No, these sessions are not recorded. Only attendees are able to receive the information and additional handouts.

  • A new topic is offered every month. Join the email list and you'll hear about the next one. If you have a suggestion for a monthly topic please email me at hello@emilylemketherapy.com.

Next steps & About Emily

Ready for More Support?

If you enjoy this group and want deeper, ongoing support, I also lead clinical consultation groups for therapists, where you can bring real cases and get individualized guidance. There's no pressure to join. The free group stays free, and you're welcome to keep coming. I also offer individual therapist mentoring and case consultation.

About Your Host

I'm Emily Lemke, LCSW-C, a licensed clinical social worker in Maryland and Virginia. I've spent more than a decade in the mental health field, and my private practice focuses on complex trauma, CPTSD, and attachment wounding, using an integrated IFS-EMDR approach. I believe good therapy grows out of an authentic relationship and a willingness to keep learning, and I want new therapists to have a place to do both. Read more about Emily here. →

Reserve Your Spot for this month’s free group →

This group is educational and does not replace clinical supervision or consultation. No CEUs provided.