The supervisor is providing a strong recommendation for Kyle Erwin to be accepted into a VA pre-doctoral internship program. [1] Kyle completed a successful practicum at the VA North Texas Health Care System where he worked with homeless veterans and demonstrated excellent clinical skills as well as a strong work ethic and eagerness to learn. [2] Kyle formed strong therapeutic relationships with his patients, was able to grasp central issues and get patient commitment to addressing difficult problems, and received positive feedback from patients and staff. [3] The supervisor believes Kyle would be an ideal candidate for a VA internship based on his clinical skills, willingness to improve, and motivation for a career as a VA psychologist.

1. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
North Texas Health Care System
In Reply Refer To: 116A
October 2, 2013
Dear Selection Committee:
As his VA North Texas Health Care System (VANTHCS) practicum supervisor for the 2012-
2013 academic year, I hardily offer my strong recommendation of Kyle Erwin for your pre-doctoral
VA internship program. Any internship will count themselves lucky to have the
opportunity to support and train Kyle as he completes the next step in his process to obtaining
employment as a VA Psychologist.
I had the pleasure of supervising Kyle when he joined the Domiciliary Care for Homeless Veteran
staff at VANTHCS. The DCHV provides a long term psychosocial rehabilitation program for
homeless veterans. Currently, the length of stay averages about 145 days. Our population has
85% dually diagnosed residents with additional environmental stressors of homelessness and
unemployment, making it one of the most complex and difficult to treat veteran populations at
VANTHCS.
Prior to interviewing Kyle, I heard great things about his clinical skills and felt his presentation at
the interview was congruent with the assessment provided by others. In fact, within the first five
minutes of my initial interview with Kyle, I knew I wanted to bring him on as a practicum student.
During the interview, Kyle openly discussed his limited assessment experience and his desire to
address this deficit during this practicum. Over the course of practicum, Kyle worked hard to
increase the breadth and depth of his assessment skills. Additionally, he consistently demonstrated
exceptional clinical intervention skills (family, group, and individual) and continued to openly
discuss areas of growth in supervision. He effectively brought his eagerness and strong work ethic
to bear to grow as a therapist and as a person.
Although Kyle has an excellent knack of forming healing, therapeutic relationships, his ability to
grasp the central therapeutic issue in a case and get his patient’s commitment to address even
difficult issues figures as his strongest asset. I heard examples of this ability from his clients and
domiciliary team members alike. As a result, when he joined the DCHV’s Psychologist’s
Interpersonal Therapy group, a group known to elicit deeply personal material from members, he
received a ready welcomed. Additionally, on several occasions group members mentioned how
they looked forward to groups and classes that he facilitated.
To support and broaden his therapeutic armamentarium, Kyle constantly and critically consumes
empirical research relevant to both psychological assessment and intervention. Moreover, he
effectively uses the research, supervision and patient feedback to sharpen his skills. Without
question, Kyle’s sensitivity to patient diversity and his ability to provide culturally sensitive
interventions contributed to his Dallas Veterans Affairs Medical Center th e rapeut i c Fsourtc Wceosrtsh. Outpatient Clinic Sam Rayburn Memorial Veterans
Center
4500 South Lancaster Rd. 300 West Rosedale 1201 East Ninth St.
Dallas, TX 75216 Fort Worth, TX 76104 Bonham, TX 75418
Corporate Office: 4500 South Lancaster Rd., Dallas, TX 75216

2. During interdisciplinary team meetings I consistently noted the impressive psychological
sophistication of Kyle’s comments and thoughts regarding treatment planning and intervention.
Although not directly related to treatment planning and intervention, one of my proudest moments
occurred when Kyle addressed some maladaptive intrapersonal dynamics occurring among team
members. Other members of the team echoed my feelings and one social worker told Kyle,
“thank-you for saying that…someone has needed to say that for years.” While providing feedback
that was difficult to hear, Kyle remained professional and highly attuned to the impact of his
words on others, a trait suggesting that he has excellent leadership potential.
Throughout the year, Kyle earned the respect of his co-workers and the DCHV residents. I
believe the interpersonal skills he brings to his clinical work extended to his interactions with the
treatment team and helped him develop healthy, genuine relationships among DCHV staff.
Undoubtedly, his success with patients and his eagerness to take on difficult cases contributed to
the positive relationships and professional respect he enjoyed on the Dom.
I found my time with Kyle delightful, whether we spent it discussing cases or music and the arts.
His broad range of interests, exceptional clinical skills, willingness to tackle areas of growth and
motivation to pursue a career as a VA Psychologist make him an ideal candidate for VA
internship placement. Do not hesitate to contact me if you believe additional information
supporting Kyle’s application might prove helpful. Interested parties may contact me at 469-248-
7581 or howard.cunningham2@va.gov.
Again, I want to emphasis my pleasure to enthusiastically recommend, without reservation, this
talented young man.
Sincerely,
H. Michael Cunningham, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist and Chief
VA North Texas Health Care System
Dallas Domiciliary Care for Homeless Veterans
O: 214-857-1128
C: 469-248-7581
Howard.cunningham2@va.gov
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