Curriculum Overview: Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Program

The Ontario Psychotherapy and Counselling College (OPCC) offers a comprehensive five-year Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Program designed to equip students with the theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and ethical grounding necessary to become effective and compassionate psychotherapists.

Overview of 5-year Program

  1. Theories in Psychotherapy:
    1. Comparative Psychotherapy Theories and Frameworks (CP):
      1. Topics in Psychotherapy Practice Lectures and Workshops (TPP I & II)
      2. Concentration Study (CONY5)
    2. Human and Psychological Development Across the Lifespan (HD)
    3. Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Theory and Practice (PP)
  2. Experiential Learning Components:
    1. Clinical Practice and Clinical Supervision (SCP) – years 4 and 5.
    2. Skills and Practice Lab (LAB) – run concurrently throughout the entire five years.

Ontario Psychotherapy & Counseling Program

Program Highlights

  • Holistic Learning: Integrates cognitive, behavioral, and affective domains to provide a well-rounded education.
  • Dynamic Learning Spaces: Emphasizes experiential learning through group work, residencies, and practical experience.
  • Ethics and Professionalism: Strong focus on ethical practice and professional development.
  • Diverse Learning Methods: Combines lectures, seminars, workshops, and clinical practice to accommodate different learning styles.
  • Community and Support: A supportive network of faculty, peers, and alumni committed to your success.

By the end of the five-year Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Program, graduates will have developed a deep understanding of psychodynamic theory and practice, equipped with the skills to provide compassionate and effective therapy to a diverse range of clients.

Prospective Student Guide

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Clinical Supervision Handbook

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Overview of 5-year Program

Years 1-3: Foundational Studies

Introduction to Psychodynamic Theory

  • Overview of key psychodynamic concepts
  • The Dynamic unconscious
  • Historical development of psychodynamic theory
  • Major figures and their contributions (e.g., Freud, Jung, Adler)
  • The therapeutic relationship
  • Interpretation and use of transference and countertransference
  • Working with defense mechanisms

Foundational Clinical Skills

  • Self-exploration
  • Establishing the therapeutic alliance
  • Clinical listening and communication techniques
  • Key psychodynamic interventions

Human Development

  • Developmental stages and their impact on personality
  • Infant development and its implications for therapy
  • Adolescence and emerging adulthood from a developmental perspective

Comparative Psychotherapy

  • Overview of comparative psychotherapy principles
  • Historical context and development of different psychotherapeutic models
  • Major theoretical frameworks (e.g., psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, existential, gestalt)
  • Comparative analysis of cultural approaches to psychotherapy

Research Methods in Psychotherapy

  • Understanding and conducting psychotherapy research
  • Evidence-based practice
  • Evaluating clinical outcomes

Ethics and Professional Practice

  • Ethical principles in psychotherapy
  • Professional boundaries and confidentiality
  • Regulatory considerations in clinical practice
  • Safe and effective use of self in clinical practice

Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis

  • Psychodynamic assessment techniques
  • Diagnostic frameworks (DSM-5, PDM)
  • Case conceptualization and treatment planning

Psychotherapy with Diverse Populations

  • Cultural competence in therapy
  • Addressing issues of race, gender, sexuality, and socio-economic status
  • Adapting psychodynamic techniques for diverse clients

3rd Year Exam (End of Year 3)

  • Competency-based exam in psychodynamic psychotherapy
  • Integration of theory, practice, and personal insights

Years 4-5: Advanced Clinical Practice

Clinical Practicum I

  • Extensive hands-on experience in a clinical setting
  • Application of psychodynamic techniques with clients
  • Regular supervision and feedback

Clinical Practicum II

  • Continued clinical practice with increased responsibility
  • Specialization in areas of interest (e.g., trauma, addiction, family therapy)
  • Intensive supervision and peer collaboration

Comparative Analysis in Therapy

  • Applying comparative psychology insights to clinical practice
  • Integrative approaches to therapy
  • Applying human developmental principles in psychotherapy

Advanced Techniques in Psychodynamic Therapy

  • In-depth focus on specialized techniques
  • Working with specific populations and complex cases
  • Advanced case formulation and treatment planning

Experiential Learning Lab

  • Participatory learning through group dynamics in Lab
  • Self-awareness and personal growth activities
  • Reflective practice

Thesis Course: Concentrated Study in Psychotherapy – Year 5

  • Synthesis of learning from the entire program
  • Area of specialization
  • Preparation for transition to professional practice