COUNSELLING INTERNSHIP IN PSYCHODYNAMIC PSYCHOTHERAPY

This program is offered to masters and doctoral level students who wish to complete an internship in psychodynamic psychotherapy.

The Philosophy of the Training Program

This program gives the student a solid theoretical and clinical base in the practice of long term psychotherapy with a psychoanalytic orientation. It has 3 main components: personal therapy, supervision, and seminar participation. Each plays its own essential role in acquainting the student with the complex practice of psychodynamic psychotherapy. This program requires a high degree of personal commitment.

Admission Criteria

Masters or doctorate in psychology or counselling psychology—in progress

• Personal integrity: recent letters of reference

• Readiness as evidenced by:
1. Experience in dealing with individuals in distress.
2. Motivation, interest, and dedication to work psychodynamically with individuals.

THEORETICAL FORMATION

The theoretical formation encompasses 2 semesters (100 hours) and is a mixture of lectures and discussions, based on recommended readings.

Seminars are an opportunity to become acquainted with the language specific to this field and the theoretical notions essential to practice. Seminars are an introduction to what is to become a career-long pursuit of understanding of others at the deepest level and a gradual process of integrating knowledge that can be leverage to help people cope with their lives onmany different levels.

Classes are held on Wednesdays 16:00 – 18:00 (for the month of September also Monday and Tuesday 14:00 – 16:00)

The Theoretical Formation is Made up of Modules with Specific Themes

• Introduction to Psychoanalytic Concepts
• Interview Techniques and Assessments in Psychoanalytic Therapy
• The Therapeutic Alliance, the Frame and the Holding Environment
• Psychoanalytic understanding of Psychopathological Configurations
• Suicidality
• Attempts at Integration

CLINICAL FORMATION

Group and individual supervision: supervised practice provides the opportunity to develop psychodynamic techniques and understandings in vivo. Through weekly group and one-on-one case discussions with a supervisor, students will gradually learn to tackle the complex task of reconciling theoretical notions with the immediacy of the therapeutic encounter, while benefiting from the experience of experienced & accredited clinicians.

• Clinical component: 220 client hours between September and April.
• Group supervision for two hours per week, 60 hours for the academic year. Group supervision is held Wednesday 12:30 – 14:30. Doctoral interns attend a second group supervision for two hours per week, 50 hours per academic year.
• Individual supervision for 25 weeks per academic year at the convenience of student and supervisor.
• Personal therapy: personal therapy is crucial for the integration of a personal experience of unconscious mechanisms with knowledge acquired through the other two facets of the program. It is also essential in helping the student tap resources and elaborate areas of conflict activated by experiences with clients or fellow students. Personal therapy with an assigned Argyle-approved therapist is required for 30 hours during the academic year.

Director:

Ali Mindel, PsyD,
alimindel@sympatico.ca
(514) 488-8047

MASTER IN SOCIAL WORK INTERNSHIP

This program is open to social work students at a post-graduate level, seeking to improve their counselling skills. We offer interns: 

• experience in intake; assessment; and counselling individuals, couples, and families
• basic theoretical training in psychodynamic psychotherapy
• experience in program evaluation
• Supervision is offered by a therapist qualified with a PhD in social work and who is an approved supervisor with the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy.

If necessary, applicants must be prepared to work evenings and a half-day on Fridays to meet the counselling needs of clients. Personal psychotherapy is a prerequisite.

Coordinator

Joan Keefler, PhD
jkeefler@argyleinstitute.org
(438)989-7884

MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY INTERNSHIP

This program is open to students in marital and family therapy at a post graduate level. Interns participate in both individual and group supervision. All supervisors are approved by the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy.

Personal therapy is a prerequisite either in the past or concurrently. Referral options may be arranged.

For more information please contact:

Joan Keefler, PhD
jkeefler@argyleinstitute.org
(438)989-7884