Basic Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Training
At a Glance
2 Years: 30 weeks/year – 3.75 hours/week
Each week: Theory Class, Technique Class, and Continuous Case Conference
Individual Supervision: one 45-60 minute session/week for 30 weeks/year
All training employs distance modalities, usually Zoom
Downloadable reading lists: PDFs and PEPWeb
All students receive access to PEPWeb
Optional personal treatment via CAPA’s Treatment Program
CAPA Graduation Certificate
CAPA's 2-year Basic Training Program students attend Theory, Technique, and Continuous Case Seminar courses for 1.25 hours per week each, for a total of 3.75 hours of weekly class time. Coursework includes weekly reading assignments, lectures, full class discussions, seminar style discussions, and written homework assignments. Simultaneously, trainees participate in at least 30 sessions of individual supervision each training year. Individual supervision enhances the classroom learning experience, deepens students’ work with patients, and prepares students to submit the psychodynamic case formulation for graduation. It is recommended that trainees contribute to their CAPA experience with optional personal treatment, embracing the full training experience. Students may apply to be matched with a personal treater for psychotherapy (1-2x weekly) or psychoanalysis (3-4x weekly) through CAPA's optional Treatment Program, at an additional cost.
Each year, CAPA invites 40 applicants to the Basic Training Program, although the size of the class may vary slightly from year to year under special circumstances.
CAPA's mission is to train the leaders of the next generation of Chinese psychodynamic psychotherapists. To this end, only people who will reside full-time in China throughout their training and who are planning to work in China throughout their careers are eligible to apply for CAPA Training.
Basic Training Goals and Learning Outcomes
Participants in the program will:
Develop a strong foundation in psychodynamic psychotherapy concepts through courses in Theory, Technique and Continuous Case Seminar, delivered by highly qualified faculty from around the world.
Apply theories and techniques learned in coursework to real-time work with patients.
Deepen their clinical skills through weekly individual supervision and experience the benefits of the long-term supervisory dyad.
Have the opportunity to engage in optional personal treatment (psychotherapy or psychoanalysis) to further their personal and professional growth.
Enhance their ability to help clients better understand themselves, their conscious and unconscious processes, and change their maladaptive behavioral patterns in their lives by making more satisfying and productive choices.
Basic Training Course Outline
Along with the dynamic Continuous Case Seminar course, CAPA’s Theory and Technique courses provide a strong foundation in the topics below:
YEAR 1
Theory
Introduction to Theory: Four Psychologies
Development: Four Psychologies
Defenses: Four Psychologies
Technique
Getting started: Evaluation Assessment, Contract
Beginning Psychotherapy
Resistance, Transference, Countertransference
YEAR 2
Theory
Psychopathology
Ego Psychology through Relational Model
Gender, Sexuality, & Addictions
Technique
Treating Various Psychologies
Working Through
Termination
Admission Criteria and Prerequisites for Basic Training
English: Applicants must be able to read 120 pages in English each week and converse in English at a professional level. CAPA will screen and assess receptive and expressive English language skills to ensure the most benefit from CAPA’s training experience.
Prior Experience: Prior to submitting an application, applicants must have completed at least two full years (24 months) of professional experience with adult patients. This experience must include individual psychotherapy consisting preferably of:
Approximately 1,000 sessions of treatment experience
At least some patients treated long-term
A least some patients treated twice or more/weekly
Outpatients who have not required hospitalization or medication
At the following settings listed in order of preference: Private Office, Hospital Outpatient Clinic, University Health Center, EAP
Prior Education: Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree (a master’s or doctoral degree is preferred).
Access to Long-Term Patients: Applicants must have access to patients who can be treated long-term (preferably for a year or two), at a frequency of at least once and preferably twice or more weekly, and in the following settings (please note: settings are listed in order of preference): Private Practice Office, Hospital Outpatient Clinic, University Health Center, EAP.
IMPORTANT
1.) Professional experience does not include patients seen through an educational training program. Internships and residencies are typically part of educational programs, and thus, would not qualify as professional experience.
2.) The qualifications above describe the applicants we most often accept. However, we also consider applications from those whose experience varies slightly from these qualifications, but whom we feel will be an asset to our program. We review all application materials carefully and all determinations are final.