Certificate Program in Psychoanalytic Couple Therapy

Certificate Program in Psychoanalytic Couple Therapy  Chair: Carla Trusty-Smith, PhD, LMHC, LCAC  Beginning a new class in September and January This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Program Overview

Psychoanalytic couple therapy is a challenging endeavor and a useful, rewarding area of clinical practice.  This program is geared for 2 year Object Relations Theory and Practice program graduates (or the equivalent) who desire advanced training in couple treatment.  The didactic content of the program covers assessment and consultation with couples, establishing and maintaining a couple perspective in treatment, understanding and utilizing the therapist’s countertransference responses, and dealing with common challenges in couple work such as polarizing identifications, aggression in couples, differing degrees of motivation for treatment, and couples with trauma histories.  Although this program is primarily targeted for those psychotherapists seeing couples in treatment, child psychotherapists may find it helpful as well in addressing parenting issues and understanding the effect of the couple relationship on the child.  To receive a certificate, all educational requirements of the program must be met; however, individual clinicians may participate in aspects of the program such as the videoconferencing course without pursuing the couple therapy certificate.