Psychodynamic psychotherapy I

Psychotherapy training in the psychodynamic tradition is a process in which theory, psychotherapy practice under supervision, and the experience of undergoing psychotherapy are integrated. The course comprises the main features of psychodynamic theory, including a historical perspective and psychodynamic development psychology. Psychodynamic concepts such as mentalization, defence mechanisms, drive theory, and anxiety theory are treated. Students read and discuss source texts by prominent figures and articles by current clinical psychotherapy practitioners.

A further course component is the clinical interview, involving diagnosis and assessment before psychotherapy. Students meet their first client and discuss their assessment in supervision. Psychotherapy under supervision is included in the course. All instruction is in the form of examination seminars, supervision and client therapy.

Personal therapy, aiming to enhance students' self-reflection and professional competence, is part of the course. Students are expected to establish and commence the programme required therapy.

Progressive specialisation: A1N (has only first‐cycle course/s as entry requirements)

Education level: Master's level

Admission requirements: 150 ECTS credits completed for the Psychologist Programme (VAPSY) at Karlstad University

Selection:

Selection is usually based on your grade point average from upper secondary school or the number of credit points from previous university studies, or both.