CLINICAL CERTIFICATE
Navigating the Therapeutic Relationship
JANUARY-MAY 2009
Mission
Understanding and sensitively handling the vicissitudes of the therapeutic relationship are hallmarks of effective treatment. Participants in this certificate program will: (1) explore the therapeutic process from several complementary psychodynamic frameworks including Object Relations, Self Psychology, Inter-subjectivity, and Attachment Theory; (2) use these and other theories to formulate strategies for assessment and intervention; and (3) discuss how to meaningfully integrate neurobiological knowledge and cognitive behavioral strategies within a psychodynamic approach. The program deepens and expands participants’ understanding of key relational concepts such as holding environment, transference, countertransference, projective identification, self-disclosure and enactment. The program fulfills 27 hours of group supervision for those pursuing their LCSW license.
Syllabus
The syllabus includes an outline of curriculum topics such as Attachment Theory, The Therapeutic Frame, Understanding Empathy, Personality Assessment, Transferance and Countertransference, Mindfulness in Therapy, and Trauma as a Paradigm for Integrating CBT into Relational Therapy.
Faculty
The program's faculty and supervisors are senior members of the Pennsylvania Society for Clinical Social Work (PSCSW), a professional organization that promotes and advances the specialization of clinical practice within the social work profession.
Eligibility
The program is designed for all levels of clinicians and is relevant to practitioners working in a variety of agency settings as well as those in private practice. The focus is primarily, but not exclusively, on clinical interventions with individual adult clients.
Procedure
An application is required. The application process includes an interview with a representative of PSCSW that will be arranged upon receipt of the application. Application deadline for participation in the 2009 certificate program is December 5, 2008.
Scheduling
The program will meet on consecutive Thursday evenings from 6:30-9:00 pm beginning January 8, 2009 and ending May 21, 2009 (no class March 12 or April 9) for a total of 18 sessions. Each session will begin with a one-hour clinical topic presented by a faculty member. The didactic portion will be followed by 1-1/2 hours of small group clinical supervision. The 6-8 member supervision groups will be facilitated to create a safe space to present and explore case material from the perspectives discussed in the course.
Fees
Cost of the certificate includes a $50 administrative fee and tuition of $950 (based on 2008-2009 pricing of approximately $50 per 2-1/2 hour session). Tuition for current PSCSW members or field supervisors of a current GSSWSR student is $855. To maintain a cohesive cohort, participants are expected to commit to attendance at all sessions.
General Information
