The Washington School of Psychiatry

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SHORT COURSES and SEMINARS

Gordon Kirschner, MD, Chair

The School has presented short courses since its inception in 1936. These short courses address topics not generally covered in our training programs, and are designed to complement them. The Steering Committee develops its own ideas for short courses and also responds to requests and suggestions. Furthermore, this series provides opportunities for faculty members and specialists to reach interested groups. We welcome your ideas and inquiries about possible courses or topics.

The following courses, offered in recent years, will also be sponsored by the program in 2008–2009. Others may be added; information will be posted on our web site as it becomes available.


Basic Principles of Group Psychotherapy

This 12-hour course, designed by the American Group Psychotherapy Association, is offered by WSP's Group Psychotherapy Training Program. Four main areas will be covered in the eight 90-minute classes:

  • Foundations of Group Psychotherapy
  • The Group Leader
  • Group Dynamics and Group Process
  • The Change Process in Groups

The course is offered to anyone with an interest in group therapy as a treatment modality, whether new to the subject or desiring a refresher in core concepts. Note: This course is required to complete the certification track of the Group Psychotherapy Training Program. It also satisfies the AGPA's education requirement to become a Certified Group Psychotherapist. Faculty: TBA   Tuition: $360


Professional Ethics

Three- and six-hour courses in professional ethics are offered several times during the academic year. Check the calendar for specific dates.


The Art of Clinical Supervision

Supervision is a critical component of our professional development, but many of us fall into doing supervision without any formal training. To address this gap, faculty from a number of Washington School of Psychiatry programs have designed a seminar that explores this important area of clinical practice.

The curriculum includes:

  • The various components of supervision
  • Boundaries in supervision
  • Ethical issues
  • The importance of understanding learning styles
  • Parallel process between therapy and supervision
  • Working with supervisees from different theoretical backgrounds
  • Group supervision
  • The impact of diversity in supervision

Note: This 12-hour course meets the Maryland requirement for supervision training for social workers adopted in 2004.


Steering Committee

  • Gordon Kirschner, MD, Chair
  • Marshall Alcorn, PhD
  • Marietta Andrews-Sachs, MSW
  • Patricia Garcia Golding, MSW
  • Jon Frederickson, MSW
  • Bea Liebenberg, MSW