Carolyn Curcio, MSW, Chair
The Clinical Program on Psychotherapy Practice is a two-year certificate program providing in-depth study of contemporary psychodynamic theory and application to multiple modalities of psychotherapy. The program emphasizes the psychotherapeutic relationship as the central healing force in psychotherapy. The Clinical Program provides students with a thorough grounding in ego psychology, self psychology, object relations and interpersonal theories. All are considered in depth and applied to clinical work. Theoretical formulations are examined, particularly those of the contemporary self psychological and relational theories, from the perspective of how they explain and support their clinical applications.
Three elements distinguish this program:
- Training in multiple treatment modalities is central. In addition to the primary emphasis on individual psychotherapy, courses are taught on family, group, couple and brief psychotherapy. All students receive training in each of these modalities; each student also selects an area of emphasis in which to receive clinical supervision.
- Students have one-on-one supervision of individual psychotherapy and additional supervision in the student’s chosen alternate treatment modality. The Class Dean acts as an advisor to each student.
- As part of their training students participate in a training weekend of the National Group Psychotherapy Institute.
CURRICULUM
The Core Sequence introduces the student to the following:
- The Therapeutic Relationship: A course is devoted to each of the phases of treatment; beginning, middle and termination.
- Personality Assessment: The study of clinical assessment through the medium of the clinical interview.
- Infant Observation Course: Students observe patterns that emerge as parents and infants relate to one another; observations are linked to students’ clinical material.
- Dreams and the Unconscious: Using dreams, this course explores the nature of the unconscious; what dreams reveal, the role they play in the therapeutic process and how they can be used to deepen the intensity and meaning of psychotherapy.
- Psychopharmacology: A brief introduction to the various classes of psychopharmacologic medications and their use in conjunction with psychotherapy.
The Alternate Modality Sequence provides training in:
- Group Psychotherapy: A course in theory of group functioning, including a process group that facilitates a learning opportunity through attention to the here and now.
- Couple and Family Psychotherapy: Clinical and theoretical aspects of object relations couple and family therapy are explored.
- Brief Psychotherapy: An introduction to the current principles of brief therapy.
- Neuroscience: An introduction to the most current theories of brain function and its relevance to the treatment of mental illness.
SUPERVISION
Each student receives weekly clinical supervision with a member of the faculty. In the second year, the student starts weekly supervision in one of the alternate treatment modalities as well. Supervisors are assigned by the Steering Committee. The Eugene Meyer III Treatment Center may be able to offer a placement for students in this program. Other clinical placements in the Washington area may be available for students who do not have appropriate clients at their places of employment.
SCHEDULE
Classes meet Thursday evenings from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., with an hour break for dinner.
ELIGIBILITY AND SELECTION
Selection of students is made on an individual basis. In general, students are expected to have a graduate degree in a mental health field, some experience conducting psychotherapy and some knowledge of psychodynamic theory. An incoming class is composed of a maximum of twelve students. Admission to the program is by application and interview. Professional references are required. The application deadline is August 1st. Applicants are encouraged to apply early as classes do fill up. For further information contact Carlolyn Curcio, MSW at curcios@aol.com or by phone at (202) 362-7115.
TESTIMONIALS
“The program has greatly exceeded my expectations…a wide range of treatment modalities and practices are taught in an atmosphere of collegiality and openness…Last but not least the relationships with my fellow students have provided a valued network of professional colleagues and personal friends.”
current CPPP student
“Being a part of CPPP and the WSP family has been a career elevating experience. Beware–this kind of learning experience is highly addictive and will forever inform your practice of psychotherapy.”
recent alum
”I have the opportunity periodically to teach outside of the DC area. When I mention my WSP affiliation, I am consistently impressed by the reputation that the Washington School of Psychiatry enjoys nationally and internationally.”
current faculty member
FACULTY
Carolyn Curcio, MSW, Chair
Steering Committee
Jaedene Levy, MSW
Margo London, MSW
Marilyn Meyers, PhD
Shoba Nayar, MSW
Debra Neumann, PhD
Jane Prelinger, MSW
Michael Stadter, PhD
TUITION
Tuition is $2,300.
Supervision is $75 per session.
Limited scholarship money may be available, based on need and merit. See
Pages for current students (passworded)