Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Training/Practice

[Sharewithme]

Who's trained or training in psychodynamic psychotherapy? I like Kohut's self-psychology. I'm reading several of his books now, and they're very interesting. To those who are interested in psychoanalysis and/or psychodynamic psychotherapy, what interests you most about the field? What school did/are you going to? What settings do you work in? What populations do you typically work with? Thank you.

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[AbnormalPsych]

I studied a decent amount of object relations in grad school. It informs some of my conceptualization now, but I tend to stick with the pretty straightforward cognitive and behavioral stuff/third wave stuff in my day job at a major medical center working with some moderately ill folks. If I was in private practice and seeing more high-functioning/longer-term therapy for insight and self-improvement folks I would apply my psychodynamic leanings much more.

 

[Sharewithme]

I studied a decent amount of object relations in grad school. It informs some of my conceptualization now, but I tend to stick with the pretty straightforward cognitive and behavioral stuff/third wave stuff in my day job at a major medical center working with some moderately ill folks. If I was in private practice and seeing more high-functioning/longer-term therapy for insight and self-improvement folks I would apply my psychodynamic leanings much more.

Thanks. For the psychodynamic training, did you learn through coursework and-or practicum? Do you recommend any readings? What practice settings, counseling centers, private practice, community mental health, etc.did you practice using object relations?

 

[Kadhir]

I, too, studied object relations in grad school. We had a required formal, full-year practicum with a coursework component. I did not become an expert, but it was invaluable training that I think has allowed me to conceptualize cases more broadly and deeply than some of my VA colleagues-- particularly in my specialty (neuropsych)-- who have only ever known CBT.

 

[AbnormalPsych]

Ditto. I also did some neuro work in the VA back in my day and this definitely set me apart (for the better in my opinion) from my hardcore CBT colleagues.

To answer the question, several courses (pretty informal just discussing readings and cases in small groups - classes <5), and separately integrating it into multiple practicums, with pretty severely mental ill folks, pretty normal folks/families, and some assessment including neuro.

A good psychologist can integrate it when and where appropriate.

 

[Sharewithme]

I really appreciate it Kadhir and AbnornmalPsych. I can hear how you stand out for the better, so great job!

 

[ela]

I'm two years post-license, and currently completing a 2 year Psychodynamic Psychotherapy program through one of the local APsaA/IPA institutes. Also took part in a weekly "early entrants" seminar/"clinical moments" meetings at an institute in the city where I completed my doctorate (and it wasn't even on one of the coasts! Shocking I know...).

I currently work in a UCC, and co-lead our psychodynamic seminar for interns/postdocs in addition to doing individual/group work. Highly relevant in our interpersonal process groups. Very helpful in understanding complex transference/countertransference dynamics. My site being short-term by nature, I lean more heavily on short-term approaches (Time Limited Dynamic Psychotherapy; ISTDP; Brief Relational Therapy). I'm quite interested in relational and intersubjective thinking, and (intellectually more than clinically) Lacan. Mostly via Bruce Fink and Paul Verhaeghe

Happy to answer any questions...maybe dm me.