The Training Courses

• A small training group meets for three years for the equivalent of 12 whole days each year (see notes above)
• The primary focus of the training group is supervision. All trainees are expected to present video recordings of their psychotherapy work
• Trainers will introduce core concepts and theory illustrated by recordings of their own work. Role-play is used to highlight technical issues and therapists’ difficulties
• Background reading of theory and published case reports, papers and relevant books will support practical skills. Attendance at workshops and conferences is also encouraged
• Training group members are encouraged to meet between training blocks for peer supervision
• The trainers will offer guidance to trainees wishing to undertake a personal ISTDP therapy or additional supervision of their work

The Three-Year Course Covers the Following

• The evaluation interview, or “trial therapy”
• Psychodynamic assessment
• Development of a strong therapeutic alliance
• Assessment of anxiety pathways and skills for effective anxiety regulation
• Skills to overcome maladaptive defence patterns and develop more adaptive patterns of relating
• Facilitating therapeutic experience of emotions
• Breakthrough to the unconscious
• Working through

ISTDP Competency Map
Training Requirements

• Eligibility for core training require applicants to be registered with a recognised professional body as a psychotherapist, clinical psychologist, psychiatrist or counsellor.
• Applicants must adhere to a professional code of ethics
• Applicants must have patients in psychotherapy and be willing to present audio-visual recordings of sessions.
  Applicants must have attended an Introductory Course
• Training is suitable for those working in the NHS and other organisations, as well as those in private practice.

New group, Core 17 Year 1, starts in September 2027

Training Schedule:

24 & 25 September 2027 (2-day block, face to face in Bristol)
29 October 2027 (Half day online, am)
19 November 2027 (Full day, face to face in London)

(Remainder of Year 1, January to July 2028: dates to be confirmed)

The aims of the course are:
1.    To deepen, extend and consolidate the learning acquired during Core Training.
2.    To consider our own blocks to learning and to enhance our skilfulness at practising this complex model
3.    To foster a sense of post-Core community and collegiality

The course will consist of didactic presentations, clinical supervision, skill building, discussion and group process.

Topics will include:
·      Developing an understanding of the two forces in the unconscious: the resistance and the alliance.
·      Undertaking a close study of the Central Dynamic Sequence in overcoming resistance and enabling the unconscious therapeutic alliance to gain ascendancy over the resistance
·      Deepening our understanding of the interplay of the two triangles
·      Portrayals and Unlocking the Unconscious
·      Understanding the history of ISTDP and David Malan’s key contribution
·      Extending our familiarity with Davanloo’s descriptions of ISTDP case studies
·      Themes that resonate with group members’ interests.

Next course starts on 4 June 2027

Full Schedule 2027 to be confirmed

This course is designed for colleagues who:
1.     are currently shadowing a core training
2.     or who have completed shadowing a core training in recent years
3.     or who have completed a core training and are interested in becoming an ISTDP supervisor.

The course will meet for six days over the course of a year.  There will be four face-to-face meetings in Bristol and two meetings online. Each meeting, the course will consist of a presentation on the theory-base and skill set of the supervisor, plus supervision of videoed case material.  Participants will have the opportunity to present videos of their own supervision cases and have these supervised in the group, but it is not a requirement to have supervisees in place to undertake the course. Where a group member does not have video of supervision available, group members’ therapy videos will be used as samplers for supervision.

The next course starts on 17 May 2027