The core group

Through the experience of group process in Phases I and II, students learn about the dynamics and patterns of relational interaction. They experience the power of empathic attunement and the challenge of being with another deeply without losing oneself. As they learn a therapeutic use of self, students deepen their self-awareness, which includes the capacity to work with a wide range of emotional states in themselves and others.

Theory

In each phase, theory seminars are presented on topics fundamental to relational psychotherapy. In Phases II and III, students participate in theory presentations, and in all phases students write integrative papers in response to theory they have read and discussed.

Phase 1

Time

3 hours weekly, September to April, two weekends (Friday evening to Sunday afternoon), 4-8 hours as a client in practice counselling with a Phase II student; readings and papers.

Primary focus

An introduction to relational therapy through group experience, theory, and practice counselling. Experience in the intensive group process is a ground for learning the dynamics of relational patterns and responses. Theory seminars encourage dialogue with current relational theory concepts. Students begin practice therapy sessions in the second semester.

Content

Requirements

• Attendance at weekly classes (absent from no more than three classes) and mandatory attendance at two scheduled weekend intensives
• Weekly reading assignments
• Integrative papers
• Being a client for 4-8 hours with a student from Phase II

Students should note that (student) membership in a professional organization such as the Ontario Society of Psychotherapists is required by the end of Phase I; by the time they enter Phase II, they must have contracted for professional liability insurance through that professional organization.

Evaluation

At the end of the year students will be evaluated by their peers and faculty and will provide a self evaluation. Readiness to proceed to Phase II will be based on an assessment of:

• Capacity to be in relationship
• A sense of self cohesion
• Ability to engage in group process
• Comprehension of theory presentations and reading assignment
• Ability to be self-reflective, to work with the patterns of relationship within the group, and to make use of the concepts being taught in the course

Phase II

Time

3 hours weekly, September to April, two weekends (Friday evening to Sunday afternoon), weekly readings, seminar and paper preparation; 4-8 hours as a therapist in practice counselling with a Phase I student; at least 20 hours of client work and 15 hours of supervision by the September of commencing Phase III.

Primary focus

Development of the therapist's self through integrating theory and practice; continued learning through the dynamics of group process with an emphasis on using group experience to enhance self understanding within a practical and theoretical framework.

Content

Theory is expanded from the previous year with a focus on moving theory into practice. Increased attention is paid to empathic attunement, forming a therapeutic alliance, understanding transference and co-transference, and the use of the intersubjective field, all in preparation for work with clients. Students continue in practice counselling, do practice therapy with Phase I students, and begin work with clients under supervision.

Requirements

• Attendance at weekly classes (absent from no more than three classes); mandatory attendance at two scheduled weekend intensives
• Weekly reading assignments and preparation for seminar presentations and discussions
• Integrative papers
• 4-8 hours of practice counselling as therapist with a student from Phase I. An hour of supervision is required prior to sessions, during each set of 4 sessions and for a concluding evaluation session.
• Students will begin to work with clients by March. Biweekly supervision is mandatory. Weekly supervision is required with 4 weekly client hours or more.
• At least 20 hours of direct work with clients is required before commencing course work for Phase III.

Evaluation

Students will be evaluated by their peers, faculty and supervisors and will provide a self-evaluation. After the supervised practice counselling sessions with a Phase I student, readiness to see clients under supervision will be based on a student's self-evaluation and evaluations by his/her supervisor and group leader. Readiness to proceed to Phase III will be based on an assessment of:

• A growing capacity to be in relationship
• Comprehension of theory presentations and reading assignments
• Supervision of 20 hours of direct clinical work with clients
• Deepening self awareness and empathy as a therapist; increased understanding of the intersubjective dynamics of the therapy relationship