Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Program Structure
The INSIGHT Program runs over two years, offering clinical training through four eight-week terms each year. Sessions are held weekly for two hours, integrating seminar teaching with group supervision in a format designed to make theory and clinical practice mutually reinforcing.
The structure is deliberately sequential. Year One builds the conceptual and clinical foundations of psychodynamic psychotherapy. Year Two applies this foundation to more complex clinical territory, culminating in the development of a personal professional credo.
Year One: Foundations and Core Skills
Term 1 — Foundations of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
Introduces the core concepts of psychodynamic thinking: the unconscious, transference, countertransference, resistance, and the therapeutic frame. Teaching traces the historical evolution of these ideas from Freud and Jung through object relations theorists and into contemporary relational approaches.
Term 2 — Techniques and Interventions in Brief Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
Focuses on the application of psychodynamic thinking within time-limited contexts. Organized around the Core Conflictual Relationship Theme (CCRT) method, with attention to maintaining depth and relational sensitivity in brief work, this term emphasizes essential therapeutic techniques.
Term 3 — Conceptualization and Psychodynamic Formulation
Develops the capacity to undertake psychodynamic assessment and formulation as a central clinical task. Drawing on the work of Nancy McWilliams, the term approaches formulation as a dynamic, evolving hypothesis that guides therapeutic work.
Term 4 — Theories and Schools Informing Practice
Deepens understanding of the theoretical foundations of psychodynamic psychotherapy, examining the contributions of Freud, Klein, Winnicott, Kohut, Bion, and contemporary relational theorists. Concludes with a comprehensive case presentation.
Year Two: Advanced Clinical Applications
Term 5 — Early Relational Trauma and Borderline States of Mind
Focuses on working with patients whose difficulties are organized around early relational trauma and borderline states of mind. Drawing on the work of Marcus West and contemporary relational and attachment perspectives.
Term 6 — Shame and Narcissistic Presentations
Examines narcissistic vulnerability, shame, and disturbances in self-experience, drawing on the work of Gabbard and Neville Symington.
Term 7 — The Recovery of Self in Psychosis (MERIT)
Introduces Metacognitive Reflection and Insight Therapy (MERIT), developed by Paul Lysaker and colleagues, as an integrative approach to working with severe mental illness and psychosis.
Term 8 — Integration and Professional Credo
The final term focuses on consolidating learning and developing a personal therapeutic identity. Participants develop and present a professional credo articulating how they think, listen, and practice.
Supervision
The program is designed to provide 80 hours of Board-approved supervision across the two years. Up to 26 hours may be gained through group supervision within the program. Individual supervision is available through INSIGHT supervisors at discounted rates or through flexible arrangements with approved external supervisors. All INSIGHT supervisors hold endorsement in clinical and/or counselling psychology and maintain active clinical practices.
