Description
Psychodynamics of the Therapeutic Relationship
This CE course on the psychodynamics of the therapeutic relationship may be applied to our Certificate of Advanced Study in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy if desired and would count as a core course in the program.
Understanding the psychodynamics of the therapeutic relationship can deepen the work of all clinicians. The therapeutic alliance, transference, countertransference, defenses, and resistances comprise the cornerstone of psychodynamic psychotherapy, but they are relevant to virtually all forms of psychotherapy.
Our terms and constructs about the mind, our affects, and behaviors remain sterile and stagnant until we frame them in the context of the interpersonal relationship. As participant-observers, psychotherapists promote a living and dynamic process that helps facilitate healing and growth for all members of the interaction. We are afforded the potential to engage with a virtual stranger at a level of intimacy that is rarely achieved in a lifetime. This brings an enormous responsibility that demands a careful and thoughtful respect for the complexity and power of the therapeutic relationship.
The therapeutic alliance is the conscious, deliberate, and directly expressed agreement between the patient and therapist to pursue treatment aims and goals. The therapeutic process involves many levels that go beyond this conscious intention. In this course, Dr. Michael J. Gerson will provide you with knowledge and case examples to help you differentiate each of these components and how they may impact your clinical work.
Instructor for Psychodynamics of the Therapeutic Relationship
The Instructor is Dr. Michael J. Gerson, an experienced Psychologist and Psychoanalyst in California. He has been training clinicians for over 40 years, both in his private practice, in community counseling centers, and as a professor of Psychology in graduate programs. He is a professor emeritus and is renowned for his depth of understanding of the therapeutic process and for his keen ability to translate complex concepts into terms that are clear and that can be applied to the clinician’s own work.
CE Credits for Psychodynamics of the Therapeutic Relationship
This course earns 8 continuing education credits. The Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Conflicts of Interest or Commercial Support
There is no commercial support or other potential conflicts of interest for this program, presentation, or instructor.
Commitment to Diversity and Accessibility
We are committed to respecting diversity in all of its forms, including age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, language, socioeconomic status, religion, and disability. We also strive to make all of our activities accessible to individuals with special needs or disabilities. Please contact the Director at mgersonphd@psychstudies.net if you ever have any questions or concerns regarding any of our programs.
Sources and Relevance
Our programs and teaching methods are supported by current, empirically-based scientific literature, and are designed to provide continuing education that is relevant to psychological practice, education, and/or research, so that psychologists may maintain and expand their ability to serve the public and contribute to the profession.
Target Audience for Psychodynamics of the Therapeutic Relationship
Our courses are designed for postdoctoral-level psychologists; this course is an intermediate-level course. All mental health professionals, educators, and researchers have a variety of educational backgrounds and needs—if you have any questions about whether this course could benefit you and/or would be appropriate for your level of training, please do not hesitate to contact us. You may contact the Director directly at mgersonphd@psychstudies.net with any questions or concerns.
Course Schedule
This course will be available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you will be able pace yourself in a manner that is comfortable for you.
Cost and Refund/Cancellation Policy
The cost of the course is noted below; there are no additional fees. Your satisfaction is important to us. If you are not satisfied with a course, please let us know immediately—we will cancel your order and gladly offer you a full refund.
Course Format Summary for Psychodynamics of the Therapeutic Relationship
The course includes an online written manuscript and accompanying audio files, for optional review in multiple modalities. An online multiple choice test and Certificate of Completion follow completion of the course for 8 CE credits. Intermediate level. A brief video provides opening remarks by Dr. Gerson. This course may be applied to the Certificate of Advanced Study in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy if desired. $119.