CORE CONCEPTS AND TECHNIQUES IN DYNAMIC PSYCHOTHERAPY
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR FALL 2022!
Core Concepts and Techniques in Dynamic Psychotherapy is a one-year introductory certificate training program for recent graduates of advanced degrees who are licensed mental health providers and licensed mental health providers interested in or returning to clinical practice. Through readings, didactic instruction and seminar-based discussion of clinical material, the program offers an overview of psychodynamic theories and psychotherapy understandings and techniques. Weekly supervision allows each student the opportunity to apply concepts learned and to develop clinical skills.
Program Information
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Core Concepts Program, students will be able to:
- Describe the importance of unconscious mental processes and how it affects all aspects of the treatment.
- Define what it meant by the therapeutic frame and discuss how breaks in the frame might deepen the treatment.
- Discuss the concepts of transference, countertransference and give examples of how they are applied in psychodynamic treatment
Curriculum
Getting Started - The Psychodynamic Relationship: We learn about the components of the frame, and how it fosters the therapeutic alliance; the different kinds of listening and talking, and the focus on process; how power and love are present in the relationship; the therapist’s empathic and non- judgmental stance; different kinds of “knowing” and the centrality of “not knowing”; the therapist’s use of self, and of self-disclosure.
Overview of Theories: Students are provided an introductory, foundational overview of psychodynamic theory: Classical/Drive Theory, Ego Psychology, Object Relations and Self Psychology. Theories are taught in the approximate order they were conceived to provide a foundational understanding of psychodynamic practice. We will read material related to the origins of the theories, the theoretical underpinnings of the theories, and the central/core concepts and techniques of the theories.
Transference: We discuss the definition of transference; how psychotherapy elicits transference; examples of transference during the various phases of treatment; and how to work with transference.
Countertransference: We discuss various psychodynamic understandings of countertransference; how the concept of countertransference has evolved over time; the continuum from conscious to unconscious countertransference; and how the therapist becomes aware of countertransference and uses it.
Deepening the Treatment: We explore how psychotherapy unfolds and how the therapist applies the basic concepts in the ongoing work of psychotherapy, including identification of the resistances and defenses in the course of a psychodynamic treatment. In addition, we gain a fundamental understanding of how to work with dreams based on Freudian and Jungian theories and how dream work deepens the treatment.
Observing: We learn how non-verbal modes of communication are predominant during the treatment; develop the skill of observing non-verbal communication; learn to differentiate our observations (objective) from our ideas (subjective); learn what the clinician might observe in oneself during a session and how this can inform the treatment; and make connections between observation to concepts of transference, countertransference, projective identification and identification.
Intersectionality: We explore psychodynamic concepts of transference, countertransference, defenses and resistance in the context of culture, race, and sexuality.
Psychotherapy Endings: We discuss the definitions and history of therapeutic endings; differences between planned and unplanned endings; how to apply central concepts to therapeutic endings; and transference and countertransference in therapeutic endings.
Schedule & Structure
Classes begin on Tuesday, September 20, and end on TBD, with a break in December and April. Classes meet on Tuesday evenings from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. There are 30 classes.
The first hour of each class is a review and discussion of basic concepts covered in assigned readings. The second hour of the class is a review of clinical material by the instructor or a student. Most reading materials are provided online. A few books may be required to be purchased. Throughout the program there are Integration classes, which provide an opportunity for students to deepen understanding of the theoretical concepts presented in the classes.
Note: Supervision hours must be arranged with the supervisors.
Instructional Format
The Core Concepts Program will be 100% in-person for the 2022-2023 academic year.
Students will be able to access course readings and syllabi via their program's Microsoft OneDrive. To successfully access assigned course materials, 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 account to access course files. However, faculty may require a password to access meetings or files. Please consult with your faculty to obtain access.
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.
Supervision
As part of the learning experience, clinical consultation by one of the program faculty is required. The student must complete 25 hours of clinical consultation before a program certificate of completion will be awarded.
Continuing Education Credits
Pending approval, 60 CE credits will be available for the two-year certificate program.
The Core Concepts Program consists of 30 classes throughout the academic year. Credits are awarded on a class-by-class basis with full attendance required for each class. Partial credit is not possible.
Students must provide "proof of presence" by ensuring that their camera is on during class.
A certificate of attendance will be awarded for each class attended.
*Continuing education requirements vary from state to state. Many state boards grant reciprocity with national accrediting organizations and other state boards. It is the responsibility of each professional to understand the requirements for license renewal or check with the state or national licensing board and/or professional organization to become more familiar with their policies for acceptable continuing education credit.
Course Materials
Syllabi and Readings (password protected)
Faculty
Chair
Rolando J Fuentes, MSW (Chair)
Faculty
Jessica Chan, MSW
Megan Flood, MSW
Athena Gavaris, MSW
Ruth Neubauer, MSW
Nina Van Sant, MSW
Rachel Sassoon, PsyD
Lenore Shapiro, MSW
Jody Tabner Thayer, MSW
Guest Faculty
Joslyn Hills MSW
Molly Reilly MSW
Admissions
If you have any questions about the admissions process, please contact Dr. Elia Tamplin via email (etamplin@wspdc.org) or by phone 202-237-2700.
Admission to the Program is by application and interview.
Application Deadline
Fall Only - Extended to September 10
*After this date, admission will be considered on a space-available basis and is up to the faculty of each program.
Please note that it is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all materials are received by the deadline. Applicants are encouraged to confirm receipt of their materials by contacting the WSP Administrative Office by phone 202-237-2700 or via email (washschool@wspdc.org).
An incoming class is generally composed of a maximum of 10 students.
Admissions Requirements
Applicants should have interest, education, or training in psychodynamic psychotherapy and:
- An advanced degree in a mental health field
- Personal psychotherapy is strongly recommended
A license is not required for application to the Core Concepts Program. The class is designed for new graduates as well as students with advanced degrees who have not provided psychotherapy during their professional careers.
Applicants will be contacted to arrange with the program chairs.
How to Apply
1. Apply for admission to the Washington School of Psychiatry with an online application.
2. Submit the following documents as separate pdf files in ONE email to application@wspdc.org.
- Current CV/Resume*
- Statement of Interest & Experience (1 page max)*
- Two Professional References*
*To learn more about requirements for the CV, Statement of Interest & Experience, and Professional Reference documents, including formatting, visit our admissions page.
Note: Applicants should include (YOUR LAST NAME)-(YOUR FIRST NAME)-(CORE CONCEPTS PROGRAM) in the subject line. Please attach all items as PDFS.
3. Pay 50$ non-refundable fee at https://wspdc.org/home under the Make a Payment section.
The program is committed to fostering diverse, inclusive, and respectful environment for students from various mental health professions and other fields.
Application Fee
$50 (non-refundable)
Program Deposit
$300 (applied towards tuition)
Tuition
$1,200 per year
*Tuition payment installments may be arranged through the administrative office.
Limited scholarship money may be available, based on need and merit. Click here to apply.
Supervision Fees
Supervision fees are $75 per session and are paid directly to the supervisor.
Need more information?
To learn more about the Clinical Program on Psychotherapy Practice, please contact our Chair, Rolando Fuentes, MSW (rfuentes@wspdc.org ).
Core concepts CLASS SITE
The Washington School of Psychiatry
5028 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 100 Washington, DC 20016-4118
Call us at 202-237-2700 or 202-537-6050
Celebrating its 85th year, the School is an accredited provider of post-graduate continuing education.
The Meyer Treatment Center provides low cost access to mental health services. It is an out-of-network facility for insurance purposes.
The Washington School of Psychiatry is an independent non-profit organization. It is not affiliated with the government of the District of Columbia or the government of the United States.
Copyright © 2020 The Washington School of Psychiatry - All Rights Reserved.
Powered by GoDaddy Website Builder
Cookie Policy
This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies.