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I am interested in applying to Psyd programs in the fall and was wondering if anyone knew about the Psyd program at George Washington in DC.
GW Psyd Program
- Thread starter Jenylynnw
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Jenylynnw said:
From my understanding, GW's program is very psychodynamically based with little exposure to other modalities, such as Cognitive/Behavioral.
Also, everyone and their brother and even his friend applies there, so it is pretty competitive to get in.
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I agree. GWU was on the TOP of my list and after talking with students, outside practicum supervisors I decided that it may not be the best option for me. APA requires that you have a generalist program in order to be accredited and that is why they were/are in danger of losing their accreditation. I am hearing that they are getting past this by giving a cursory review of all OTHER theoretical orientations in History and Systems.
In DC, St Elizabeth's hospital (largest state mental hospital out here) DOES NOT take GWU PsyD students for that reason. Their practicum opportunities are limited and so are their internships and this is from the head of the neuropsych dept there. They dont even have classes in other theoretical orientations!
I think its a GREAT program and while I understand their focus and dedication to psychodynamic therapy, one is done a great disservice not t have had exposure in graduate school to all theories.
In DC, St Elizabeth's hospital (largest state mental hospital out here) DOES NOT take GWU PsyD students for that reason. Their practicum opportunities are limited and so are their internships and this is from the head of the neuropsych dept there. They dont even have classes in other theoretical orientations!
I think its a GREAT program and while I understand their focus and dedication to psychodynamic therapy, one is done a great disservice not t have had exposure in graduate school to all theories.
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Can you elaborate on the "whackiness"?
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well...a friend of mine interviewed for the program...there were two interviews....the first one the person kept badgering her about her relationship with her father...and no matter WHAT they were talking about it all came back to this person talking about her father...and my friend's like, um...yeah, i got no problems with my dad!
the second interviewer never looked her in the eye the whole time and sat with her back to my friend for the entire interview, almost talking over her shoulder....
then that friend has a friend who interviewed there and she went through one interview...when she went to the second one, the guy was like, oh lets go to my office....they get in the elevator, small chitchat....as they near the floor he says, now, i dont want you to scream....they get to the floor and its PITCH BLACK! hes like, dont be afraid im going to run and turn on the floor lights!
um...what the crap!?!?!? yeah, thats pure wackiness....and my friend is not the only person that has said that they badger you about your relationship with your parents....not just asking, but grilling people....at least 4 people in my class also interviewed there....i havent heard a good thing yet.
the second interviewer never looked her in the eye the whole time and sat with her back to my friend for the entire interview, almost talking over her shoulder....
then that friend has a friend who interviewed there and she went through one interview...when she went to the second one, the guy was like, oh lets go to my office....they get in the elevator, small chitchat....as they near the floor he says, now, i dont want you to scream....they get to the floor and its PITCH BLACK! hes like, dont be afraid im going to run and turn on the floor lights!
um...what the crap!?!?!? yeah, thats pure wackiness....and my friend is not the only person that has said that they badger you about your relationship with your parents....not just asking, but grilling people....at least 4 people in my class also interviewed there....i havent heard a good thing yet.
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Some folks are really into this weird psychoanalytical stuff...it is like the weirder it is the more "deep" it must be.
😉
😉
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Annakei said:
I'm interested in George Washington's PsyD program as well and have the same concerns as the poster above. Does anyone else know details about this program they would be willing to share?
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another anon said:
I replied to your PM.
Another thing is.....
I saw a student who graduated from there a few years back and he posted his reume on CL. I was pretty taken aback by the QUALITY of positions he had held since graduating from there. They were NOT doctoral level positions. Some werent even in psychology. He was almost BEGGING for a job. I really do think that being so heavily trained in the dynmaics hurt his choices for clinical positions out there.
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My how things change in 3 years. Well at this point I am finished with my Masters program and once again looking to GWU for a PsyD.
Anyone have updated information on the program? Any new interview stories? Recent changes? ANY inisight you have would be helpful.
Anyone have updated information on the program? Any new interview stories? Recent changes? ANY inisight you have would be helpful.
Annakei (and anyone else who might be interested),
I'm currently a third-year student in the GW Psy.D. program, and I would be happy to provide any information that might be helpful.
It looks like the posters from a few years ago have lots of scary things to say about the program, mostly based on its psychodynamic orientation. The program is definitely psychodynamic, so if you prefer to operate from a more CBT framework, it's probably not a good fit. There is a CBT class offered every year, and some professors are much more integrative than others, but the program's overarching way of conceptualizing cases is dynamic (which isn't the same as "analytic" or "Freudian"). Personally, I love the depth of the material and the focus on each client as a person, as opposed to a strictly symptom-based approach. However, there are definitely times when I wish that our program had a stronger training in other techniques, particularly when I imagine working within a managed care framework. Ultimately, you'll probably want to think about whether a psychodynamic orientation is a good fit for you. There are absolutely biases against psychodynamic work in the field. However, there is empirical support for the kind of work that we do, and that is emphasized in our curriculum.
There are other things that no one mentioned that you will want to think about if you're considering GW. I think it's really important to mention that the GW program is three years and the summers (plus an internship). There is a four-year track that some opt to take, but most do it in three. When I chose my program, I did not fully understand how challenging it would be to complete a condensed program. Once you begin seeing patients, you will be busy all the time. There is no chance to catch your breath, and not really time to get paid work after first year (although some people manage). In addition to regular coursework and practica, you'll have to think about externship applications, comps, internship applications, interviews, and your MAP (our equivalent of a dissertation). This all happens back to back. I also know that many of us take on extra clinical experiences (therapy groups, extra assessment externships, etc.) in hopes of gaining more hours and a wider variety of experiences. A shorter program means it's harder to get a competitive number of hours. That being said, I believe that most of us muddle through in the end. I have a feeling that I'll eventually appreciate being out of grad school sooner and in the work force. It's a mixed bag, like anything else.
So, basically, like any program, there are strengths and weaknesses. I feel like my training in assessment and psychodynamic therapy has been superb, and there is a strong emphasis on diversity. Gaining experience in other treatment modalities has been a challenge. As far as I know, people from my program go on to gain the types of clinical experiences that they were looking for. I think you will simply have to decide for yourself what you are looking for with respect to theoretical orientation and program structure. Please let me know if I can help in any way, or provide you with any more information!
I guess I've probably procrastinated enough for one morning. 😳
I'm currently a third-year student in the GW Psy.D. program, and I would be happy to provide any information that might be helpful.
It looks like the posters from a few years ago have lots of scary things to say about the program, mostly based on its psychodynamic orientation. The program is definitely psychodynamic, so if you prefer to operate from a more CBT framework, it's probably not a good fit. There is a CBT class offered every year, and some professors are much more integrative than others, but the program's overarching way of conceptualizing cases is dynamic (which isn't the same as "analytic" or "Freudian"). Personally, I love the depth of the material and the focus on each client as a person, as opposed to a strictly symptom-based approach. However, there are definitely times when I wish that our program had a stronger training in other techniques, particularly when I imagine working within a managed care framework. Ultimately, you'll probably want to think about whether a psychodynamic orientation is a good fit for you. There are absolutely biases against psychodynamic work in the field. However, there is empirical support for the kind of work that we do, and that is emphasized in our curriculum.
There are other things that no one mentioned that you will want to think about if you're considering GW. I think it's really important to mention that the GW program is three years and the summers (plus an internship). There is a four-year track that some opt to take, but most do it in three. When I chose my program, I did not fully understand how challenging it would be to complete a condensed program. Once you begin seeing patients, you will be busy all the time. There is no chance to catch your breath, and not really time to get paid work after first year (although some people manage). In addition to regular coursework and practica, you'll have to think about externship applications, comps, internship applications, interviews, and your MAP (our equivalent of a dissertation). This all happens back to back. I also know that many of us take on extra clinical experiences (therapy groups, extra assessment externships, etc.) in hopes of gaining more hours and a wider variety of experiences. A shorter program means it's harder to get a competitive number of hours. That being said, I believe that most of us muddle through in the end. I have a feeling that I'll eventually appreciate being out of grad school sooner and in the work force. It's a mixed bag, like anything else.
So, basically, like any program, there are strengths and weaknesses. I feel like my training in assessment and psychodynamic therapy has been superb, and there is a strong emphasis on diversity. Gaining experience in other treatment modalities has been a challenge. As far as I know, people from my program go on to gain the types of clinical experiences that they were looking for. I think you will simply have to decide for yourself what you are looking for with respect to theoretical orientation and program structure. Please let me know if I can help in any way, or provide you with any more information!
I guess I've probably procrastinated enough for one morning. 😳
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Thank you for the information!
Do they focus much on interpersonal and insight oriented therapies? Are you encouraged to seek exposure to the others via externships? Or is that discouraged?
When I spoke with the admissions office they said they don't transfer credits that have already been awarded to another degree. Do you know anyone who came in with a masters and had credits transferred into the program?
How are they around career guidance? I would like to have a mix of child assessments, therapy, consulting and teaching. Do they have former grads come back to give advice around what to expect after graduation?
I also see that there's a major area paper (MAP) required, have you gotten there yet? What's your topic? How long will it take?
I am 28, married and of course thinking about my biological clock. How receptive is the program to pregnancies along the way? Do they let you take time off? Are they flexible? Does that happen often? When would be the best time ie lightest coursework? And isnt the summer only 6 weeks long?
Do they focus much on interpersonal and insight oriented therapies? Are you encouraged to seek exposure to the others via externships? Or is that discouraged?
When I spoke with the admissions office they said they don't transfer credits that have already been awarded to another degree. Do you know anyone who came in with a masters and had credits transferred into the program?
How are they around career guidance? I would like to have a mix of child assessments, therapy, consulting and teaching. Do they have former grads come back to give advice around what to expect after graduation?
I also see that there's a major area paper (MAP) required, have you gotten there yet? What's your topic? How long will it take?
I am 28, married and of course thinking about my biological clock. How receptive is the program to pregnancies along the way? Do they let you take time off? Are they flexible? Does that happen often? When would be the best time ie lightest coursework? And isnt the summer only 6 weeks long?
Sure - I hope the information was helpful!
I do think there is a good focus in the coursework on interpersonal, two-person psychology techniques and theory. In addition, all of my supervisors so far have focused, at least to some extent, on relational dynamics between therapist and patient. Insight oriented and supportive therapies are also covered really thoroughly.
As for other, non-psychodynamic modalities, i wouldn't say they encourage seeking these opportunities, but it is definitely possible and relatively easy to do so. For your first year of clinical work at GW, you would be placed in the GW on-site clinic, which is (because of the supervisors affiliated with our program) almost always psychodynamic. However, for the second clinical year (third year in the program), a lot of people choose to apply for off-site externships. I chose to do this, and I am currently placed in a site that offers opportunities for clinical work and training using a wider variety of techniques. I really recommend doing that, particularly if you are interested in working with children. There are lots of different kinds of externship sites in the D.C. area. Some of my classmates are doing assessment-only externships; some are using CBT, exclusively, at their sites; some are doing family therapy; and most are doing some kind of mix.
i don't know much about credit transfers, as I came in without a Masters. I'm almost positive that some people were exempt from taking certain required courses because they had taken something similar in a Masters program. It might be done on a course by course basis, depending on how thoroughly the Masters class covers the material in a particular GW class.
Career guidance seems pretty good so far! My advisor loves to give me the names and contact information of former students who are doing the kinds of things I eventually want to be doing. I think the amount of guidance you get probably depends on how much you ask for; they haven't had a lot of formal information sessions (so far), but certain professors are known to be good people to go to for professional development advice.
It sounds like you are interested in working with kids, and should give you a heads up that it can be a challenge to get those kinds of experiences in your second year (third year is much easier, especially if you can get a child-focused externship). I would recommend speaking to the students one year above you for current information on the best affiliate site placements that will give you the kinds of child experience you need. You should also befriend the post-docs, who are in charge of assigning therapy and testing cases in the Clinic. Basically, I've found that I was able to get a lot of different kinds of experiences with children and adolescents, but I kind of had to fight for it.
I am working on my MAP right now, and expecting to be done with it in May. It's not as difficult as it could be, because I completed papers for previous classes that were kind of a precursor to my MAP. As for the topic, the MAP is always a case-based paper that incorporates a lot of relevant literature. Because it's based on a client I worked with, I don't want to reveal too much about my topic in this public forum, but I can give you more information via private message if you would like.
As for biological clock concerns, I know that several people have had babies in the program since I've been there, and many others came into the program with children. To me, it seems like it would be very challenging to balance everything, but I've noticed that the people who do this seem generally calmer and more levelheaded than the rest of us. I think they must have a very clear handle on their priorities. A lot of people who have babies do the four-year plan to give themselves extra time. There are also breaks in the end of the summers, although with comps and clinical work, they aren't usually true breaks. The lightest coursework is definitely during the first year, hands down (mostly because you aren't seeing clients yet) - but I know that some people take extra classes during the first year so that it will be lighter later.
I hope that helps!
I do think there is a good focus in the coursework on interpersonal, two-person psychology techniques and theory. In addition, all of my supervisors so far have focused, at least to some extent, on relational dynamics between therapist and patient. Insight oriented and supportive therapies are also covered really thoroughly.
As for other, non-psychodynamic modalities, i wouldn't say they encourage seeking these opportunities, but it is definitely possible and relatively easy to do so. For your first year of clinical work at GW, you would be placed in the GW on-site clinic, which is (because of the supervisors affiliated with our program) almost always psychodynamic. However, for the second clinical year (third year in the program), a lot of people choose to apply for off-site externships. I chose to do this, and I am currently placed in a site that offers opportunities for clinical work and training using a wider variety of techniques. I really recommend doing that, particularly if you are interested in working with children. There are lots of different kinds of externship sites in the D.C. area. Some of my classmates are doing assessment-only externships; some are using CBT, exclusively, at their sites; some are doing family therapy; and most are doing some kind of mix.
i don't know much about credit transfers, as I came in without a Masters. I'm almost positive that some people were exempt from taking certain required courses because they had taken something similar in a Masters program. It might be done on a course by course basis, depending on how thoroughly the Masters class covers the material in a particular GW class.
Career guidance seems pretty good so far! My advisor loves to give me the names and contact information of former students who are doing the kinds of things I eventually want to be doing. I think the amount of guidance you get probably depends on how much you ask for; they haven't had a lot of formal information sessions (so far), but certain professors are known to be good people to go to for professional development advice.
It sounds like you are interested in working with kids, and should give you a heads up that it can be a challenge to get those kinds of experiences in your second year (third year is much easier, especially if you can get a child-focused externship). I would recommend speaking to the students one year above you for current information on the best affiliate site placements that will give you the kinds of child experience you need. You should also befriend the post-docs, who are in charge of assigning therapy and testing cases in the Clinic. Basically, I've found that I was able to get a lot of different kinds of experiences with children and adolescents, but I kind of had to fight for it.
I am working on my MAP right now, and expecting to be done with it in May. It's not as difficult as it could be, because I completed papers for previous classes that were kind of a precursor to my MAP. As for the topic, the MAP is always a case-based paper that incorporates a lot of relevant literature. Because it's based on a client I worked with, I don't want to reveal too much about my topic in this public forum, but I can give you more information via private message if you would like.
As for biological clock concerns, I know that several people have had babies in the program since I've been there, and many others came into the program with children. To me, it seems like it would be very challenging to balance everything, but I've noticed that the people who do this seem generally calmer and more levelheaded than the rest of us. I think they must have a very clear handle on their priorities. A lot of people who have babies do the four-year plan to give themselves extra time. There are also breaks in the end of the summers, although with comps and clinical work, they aren't usually true breaks. The lightest coursework is definitely during the first year, hands down (mostly because you aren't seeing clients yet) - but I know that some people take extra classes during the first year so that it will be lighter later.
I hope that helps!
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Getting an APA accredited internship anywhere is a getting to be a struggle due to the imbalance of applicants vs sites. Much less if one limits themselves to the Beltway area. Its a very hot topic at the moment. See stats from last years match here. http://appic.org/match/5_2_2_match_about_statistics.html
DC is probably THE highest cost of living area in the US, with exception of Manhattan.
DC is probably THE highest cost of living area in the US, with exception of Manhattan.
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GW PsyD has a low apa internship match rate (50% or so for apa). I wouldn't invest 5 yeas and incur tremendous debt for such a low chance of matching.
