Clinical

The Washington School of Psychiatry

Training - Research - Treatment

Clinical Program

The Clinical Program on Psychotherapy Practice is a two-year certificate training program which offers an in-depth study of contemporary psychodynamic theories and their application to various models of psychotherapy. The unifying thread within the curriculum is an understanding of the therapeutic relationship as a powerful force for healing.

The Program employs both didactic and experiential approaches to learning. Classes are lively and consist of lectures, group discussions, and clinical material provided by the faculty and students. Experiential process groups provide an additional opportunity for learning in the “here and now” experience of the classroom.

Graduates of the Clinical Program regularly report increased confidence in their work, a firmer theoretical base from which to practice, greater knowledge and flexibility with regards to technique, a life-long interest in learning about psychodynamic theory and practice, and a close-knit community of colleagues and friends with whom to prosper professionally and personally.

Testimonials

“The program has greatly exceeded my expectations…a wide range of treatment modalities and practices are taught in an atmosphere of collegiality and openness…Last but not least the relationships with my fellow students have provided a valued network of professional colleagues and personal friends.” - recent alumnus

“Being a part of CPPP and the WSP family has been a career elevating experience. Beware–this kind of learning experience is highly addictive and will forever inform your practice of psychotherapy.” – recent alumnus

“I have the opportunity periodically to teach outside of the DC area. When I mention my WSP affiliation, I am consistently impressed by the reputation that the Washington School of Psychiatry enjoys nationally and internationally.” – current faculty member

Curriculum

The first year of the Program provides students with a solid grounding in psychodynamic theory and practice. The second year introduces alternative modalities (brief, couples, group) as well as special topics such as dreams and infant observation. “Reflection/Integration” classes are held at the end of each semester to integrate material learned thus far in the program. Coursework covers the following subject areas:

Assessment: Assessing clients from a psychodynamic perspective — going beyond simply observing symptoms to the exploration of intrapsychic processes, capacities and vulnerabilities.

Psychodynamic Theory: Theories taught in the approximate order they were conceived to provide a firm foundation for practice: ego psychology, object relations theory, self psychology, attachment theory, relational theory, trauma, and existential theory.

Phases of Work: Courses in Beginning Phase, Middle Phase and Termination which note the special importance and specific attributes of each phase.

Attachment/Neurobiology/Trauma: A ten class series to introduce current theories of brain functioning and their relevance to the attachment process. Attachment and neurobiology are explored as they influence relational trauma and the psychodynamic process.

Group Psychotherapy: Theories related to group work as well as a “here and now” experience in a process group.

Couples Psychotherapy: An exploration of intrapsychic and interpersonal processes within couples and the use of this understanding to inform couples work.

Brief Psychotherapy: Principles of brief therapy from a contemporary object relations perspective, with a special emphasis on the therapist’s use of self and the therapeutic relationship.

Listening, Observing and Containing: The close observation of an infant to enhance skills related to listening, observing and containing within the practice of adult psychotherapy.

Dreams and the Unconscious: An exploration into what dreams reveal about the nature of the unconscious, what role they play in the therapeutic process, and how they may be used to deepen the intensity and meaning of psychotherapy.

Thinking About The Other: A day-long exploration of issues related to diversity and the experience of otherness, including thinking more deeply, as clinicians, about working with clients who are different from ourselves.

Sexual and Gender Diversity: A day-long exploration of issues related to gender identity, sexual orientation, and sexual/relational/erotic expression.

More information

Program Structure

Classes meet on Thursday evenings from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM and 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM with a one-hour break in between for the class to connect and have dinner as a group. Classes typically begin the Thursday after Labor Day and conclude in mid-May.

Program Schedule

For the 2021-2022 academic year, Orientation will be held Thursday, September 16th 7:30pm-9:30pm.

All classes will be held in person for 2021-2022 starting September 23rd through May 12th. There will be no class November 25, December 23, 30, March 31, and April 7.

Supervision hours are Monday-Friday 9am-5pm and must be arranged with the supervisors.

Delivery Format

To ensure the safety and wellbeing of all students and faculty, the 2021-2022 program cycle will be held synchronously vis Zoom. Students will be able to access course readings and syllabi via their program's Microsoft OneDrive.

To successfully participate in courses, students need the following:

· Computer/Laptop with audio and visual capacity

· Basic technology skills (e.g., familiarity with powering the computer; typing; browsing the internet)

· Access to internet and Word Processing Software

Students will not need to have a Microsoft or Zoom account to join class meetings or access course files. However, faculty may require a password to access meetings or files. Please consult with your faculty members to obtain access.

Additionally, faculty may require students to provide "proof of presence" by ensuring that their camera is on during class.

You will need to ensure that your computer/laptop and web browser works with Zoom. Click here to learn more about Zoom compatibility requirements.

For technical assistance, please contact your faculty or you may contact the WSP Administrative Office by email at washschool@wspdc.org or by phone at 202-237-2700.

CE/CME Award

Students who attend all classes will have the opportunity to earn over 230 hours of CE credits.

Attendance will be taken at each class.

Admissions Requirements

Program Contact(s)

Leyla Kenny, PhD

Leyla@washingtondcpsychotherapy.com

Randall O'Toole, MSW, LCSW

randallotoole@gmail.com

Program Email

clinicalprogram@wspdc.org

Application Deadlines

Applications for training courses are due by August 15 to the WSP administrative office each year. After this date, admissions will be considered on a space-available basis and is up to the faculty of each program. Reach out to the program contact (above) for more information.

Please submit the following to the Washington School of Psychiatry:

Completed WSP Application (by August 15)
Current Curriculum Vitae
Statement of Experience
$50 Nonrefundable Application Fee

All applicants will be interviewed by faculty.

Admissions Requirements

Must have an advanced degree in a mental health field
Training or education in psychodynamic psychotherapy
Experience conducting psychotherapy

Admission to the Program is by application, two interviews with steering committee members, and the provision of two professional references familiar with the applicant's clinical work. An incoming class is composed of a maximum of twelve students.

Personal psychotherapy is strongly recommended.

Tuition

Annual tuition is $2,300. Tuition is billed each year. Payment installments may be arranged through the administrative office.

Most reading materials are provided online, although the purchase of a few books may be required.

The $50 application fee is nonrefundable.

Limited scholarship money may be available, based on need and merit. A scholarship application is on the wspdc.org website.

Supervision Fees

Supervision is $75 per session. Fees are paid directly to the supervisor.

Faculty

Leyla Kenny, PhD (Co-Chair)

Randall O’Toole, MSW, LCSW (Co-Chair)

Andrew Carroll, PsyD (Dean of Students)

Steering Committee:

Carolyn Curcio, MSW

Margo London, MSW

Marilyn Meyers, PhD

Shoba Nayar, MSW

Jane Prelinger, MSW

Additional Faculty/Supervisors:

Sally Bloom-Feshbach, PhD

Kirsten Chadwick, PhD

Patricia Davis, MSW

Molly Donovan, PhD

Mary A Fitzgerald, MSW

Megan Flood, MSW

Rolando Fuentes, MSW

Lee Futrovsky, PhD

Jennifer Grosman, PhD

Jaedene Levy, MSW

William Pinney, PhD

Janna Sandmeyer, PhD

Michael Stadter, PhD

Jonathan C. Stillerman, PhD

Christopher Straley, MSW

Kara P. Veigas, MSW

Barbara Wayne, PhD

Barry J. Wepman, PhD

Guest Faculty

Jeanine Lamb, MSW

Kimberly Woodard, LPC

The Washington School of Psychiatry

Training - Research - Treatment

Clinical Program

Curriculum

Learning Outcomes

More information

Program Structure

Program Schedule

Delivery Format

CE/CME Award

Admissions Requirements

Tuition

Supervision Fees

Faculty

CLINICAL CLASS WEBSITES

The Washington School of Psychiatry

Training - Research - Treatment

Clinical Program

Curriculum

Learning Outcomes

More information

Program Structure

Program Schedule

Delivery Format

CE/CME Award

Admissions Requirements

Tuition

Supervision Fees

Faculty

CLINICAL CLASS WEBSITES

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