Book excerpt: A comprehensive and practical resource for graduate students about to embark on their first practicum experience. A psychology student's practicum placement experience has the potential to be the most exciting time in their graduate training. This comprehensive resource is a vital guide for all students beginning their field placement, and for those curious about how the system works. In conversational and accessible language, the authors equip students with the knowledge they need to anticipate, prevent, and resolve common difficulties that may arise during practicum placement. Readers will find helpful background information on finding one's feet, developing rapport with clients, confidentiality and ethics, symptoms of psychopathology, assessment, psychopharmacology, and working with children or older adults. This second edition includes new and updated chapters that will appeal to all graduate students and advanced undergraduates.