CLINICAL CERTIFICATE
An In-Depth Look at the Therapeutic Process
JANUARY-MAY 2010
Mission
Attention to affective process, often more than narrative content, is a key aspect of psychodynamic psychotherapy. The focus of this program is the unfolding of the therapeutic process, conceptualized from moment to moment as well as over time. Drawing from several complementary psychodynamic theories including object relations, attachment and intersubjectivity, students will learn how we come to understand and assess developmental level and psychic organization through the clinical process, and explore therapeutic approaches that move towards growth, reorganization and integration. Participants will expand and deepen their knowledge of key psychodynamic concepts including: attachment, transference/countertransference, projective and defensive processes, enactments and personality organization. A key component of the program is the inclusion of small group supervision, the hours of which may be accumulated by those pursuing their LCSW license. A particular focus of the supervision groups will be close attention to case material.
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.
Course Outline
The course outline summarizes curriculum topics including Tracking the Therapeutice Process, Attachment Theory, Transferance and Countertransference, and Personality Style and Defensive Process..
Eligibility
The program is appropriate for all levels of post-masters clinicians and is relevant to practitioners working in a variety of agency settings as well as those in private practice. It is designed as a next step for those who completed the previous clinical certificate program (Navigating the Therapeutic Relationship), although participation in that program is neither necessary nor required.. The focus is primarily, but not exclusively, on clinical interventions with individual adult clients. Appropriate clinical experience will be determined through the application process. Preference will be given to applicants who have active psychotherapy cases, as the cases will facilitate learning.
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 2010 certificate program is December 4, 2009. Once the application is received, an interview will be scheduled. Enrollment will be confirmed by USMail or by email.
Scheduling
The program will meet on consecutive Thursday evenings from 6:30-9:00 pm beginning January 14, 2010 and ending May 6, 2010 (no class March 11 or April 8) for a total of 15 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. This program fulfills 22 hours of group supervision for those pursuing their LCSW license and 37 CE credits for those renewing their LSW or LCSW license. Those accumulating the group supervision hours toward the LCSW may accumulate 15 CE credits for the didactic portion of the program.
Fees
Cost of the certificate consists of a $50 administrative fee and tuition of $750 (based on 2009-2010 pricing of $50 per 2-1/2 hour session). Tuition for current PSCSW members or field supervisors of a current GSSWSR student is $675 plus the $50 administrative fee. The administrative fee will be waived for those who completed the previous Clinical Certificate Program in 2008 or 2009. To maintain a cohesive cohort, participants are expected to commit to attendance at all sessions.
