Introduction:

The overall objective of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Studies is for students to gain a basic understanding of some of the key concepts and clinical techniques of psychodynamic psychotherapy. This includes the examination of the effects that early experience has in shaping who we are and our interpersonal relationships.

Learners:

From various disciplines in the field, including psychiatric residents, social workers, nurses, psychologists, youth workers, case managers, teachers, family doctors, early childhood education workers and rehabilitation workers

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906 — Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Level I (7 weeks)

Content:

This is an introductory course to key concepts in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. The overall objective of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Studies is for students to gain a basic understanding of some of the psychodynamic psychotherapy concepts and clinical applications. Key concepts such as the unconscious, the internal world, defense mechanisms,the therapeutic relationship, transference, counter-transference and working

through are addressed. Formulating a case from a psychodynamic perspective

will also be introduced. For those interested in using clinical applications these will be addressed in Levels II & III.

 

Objectives:

1. To gain a brief historical overview of the development of  psychodynamic theory and therapy.
2. To understand the significance of unconscious motivation and be aware of its manifestation.
3. To develop an appreciation of the internal world.
4. To understand the meaning and use of transference and counter-transference.
5. For students to recognize and use their own responses to patients.
6. For students to recognize the impact both patient and therapist have on the other, i.e. importance of mutual influence(two person as opposed to one person psychology).

Format:

Format on occasion may vary according to topic.

The course will be made up of small group presentations & discussions, clinical vignettes plus readings.  Readings will be recommended in advance addressing the key concepts.

Evaluation:

Evaluation is based on participation in the seminars, readings, plus a written psychodynamic formulation of a case presented at the last seminar. Attendance is considered significant and students must not miss more than one class. Students are requested to complete evaluation forms on tutors and the course at the completion of Level I.

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906 — Psychodynamic Psychotherapy – Level II (12 weeks)

Criteria for Admission:

Satisfactory completion of Level I.  Ongoing, direct contact with clients. Completing this level will allow you the option of completing Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Level III or  Interpersonal Psychotherapy of Depression III.

Content:

Clinical material brought by the students from their own work form the basis for learning formulation for psychodynamic framework.  Each student brings video, audio or process notes of the interviews with the client to the class. If needed, case material will be provided to the student. The group jointly form their understanding about the client based on the psychodynamic concepts learned in Level I. The Literature made available from Level I will continue to be directly used in Level II.

Objectives:

The emphasis will be on understanding the client and arriving at a psychodynamically based formulation. It is not the objective to gain executive skills in treatment or counseling (which should come from supervision experience in Level III).

Format:

Small group discussion (no fewer than four members make a quorum) with small group leader for two hours per week over 12 weeks.

Evaluation:

As determined and announced in advance by small group leader.  Attendance is considered significant and students must not miss more than two classes.  Mutual evaluation of students and supervisors will be required.

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906 — Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Level III (20 weeks)

Criteria for Admission:

Satisfactory completion of Level I and Level II. An interview may be required with the course coordinator. Students must have at least one long term clinical case where there is ongoing weekly counseling for the 20-week duration.

Content:

Audio, videotape or process notes of all sessions carried out by the student from their work setting.

Objective:

To develop executive skills for individual psychodynamic psychotherapy. 

Format:

Supervision - one, two or three students per supervisor, meeting on a weekly basis.

Evaluation:

Progress notes and written formulation may be required. Mutual evaluation of student and supervisor will be required.

965- Interpersonal Psychotherapy of Depression, Level III (20 weeks)

Interpersonal Psychotherapy of Depression III.