The International Society for Logotherapy and Existential Analysis (GLE-International) and the International Society for Existential Analytical Psychotherapy (ISEAP) (both Vienna, Austria) are providing a complete training in existential analytical psychotherapy and/or counselling in Vancouver, BC.

 

What is unique about training in Existential Analysis?

Many recent graduates of counselling/psychotherapy training programs in North America note that they often do not feel well grounded in any particular approach to psychotherapy. Part of the reason for this is surely that most MA and PhD programs have adopted a generalist approach to teaching counselling/psychotherapy. This training program in Existential Analysis is designed to help psychotherapists/counsellors deepen their understanding of themselves as persons and the process of psychotherapy through a well-rounded and in-depth curriculum in Existential Analysis.

Several aspects of the training in Existential Analysis are particularly unique in the North American context and thus worth noting. Firstly, as a phenomenological approach to psychotherapy/counselling, the training program is grounded first and foremost in the experiences of the trainees. We begin to understand concepts that are elaborated in the training (e.g., acceptance, trust, meaning, inner consent, etc.) by understanding the ways in which these emerge in our own lives. This approach facilitates both a deeper understanding of each concept and makes it more accessible to the therapist when it is encountered with clients. Secondly, this emergent understanding is then deepened even further in individual and small group work between seminars (see below under Additional Elements of the Training). Thus, each trainee is continually challenged to grow as a person and as a psychotherapist/counsellor, which adds not only to his/her effectiveness as a therapist, but also deepens his/her access to felt values in life. Ultimately, the aim in our training is to ensure not only that trainees understand the theoretical content and applied techniques of Existential Analysis, but that they have matured and developed in their personalities as persons and as psychotherapists.

Purpose

The course is considered a complete training program in existential counselling and psychotherapy. It is intended for post graduate students and practitioners, but also for students at the end of their university career.

 

Structure and Duration of the Seminar

The courses are divided into two parts:

 

a) the Basic Training Program (44 days in 2 1/2 years) and

2. b)the Clinical Training Program (36 days in 2 years). 
   

1. a)This Basic Training Program consists of 44 training days (typically in blocks of 5-6 days). Instruction topics include the theory of personhood, the theory of existence, existential motivations in theory and practice, some general methods and group-self-experience. To receive an intermediate diploma, a seminar of 7 days will conclude the training. This seminar covers diagnostics, further methods, practical training, insight into main diagnosis like anxieties, depression, histrionic disorders, personality disorders, psychosis and treatment of non clinical disturbances. It also includes group supervision of at least 100 hours leading to an intermediate diploma: the Basic Existential Counselling Diploma.
   

2. b)Training for the Full Existential Psychotherapy Diploma continues for almost 2 more years with further seminars on clinical theory (psychopathology, etiology), practice, methods, practical training, group and individual self-experience and supervision.
   

All our courses are part-time, with a maximum of 20 training days per year, and are designed to be managed alongside current occupations and/or other training (e.g., graduate studies in counselling or psychology).

 

Additional Elements of the Training

In addition to the seminars both diplomas require:

1. a)One individual admissions interview: CND $100 and 2 admission days at the beginning of the group.
   

b) Self experience in individual sessions (min. 30 hours for the Basic Existential Counselling Diploma, a total of min. 50 hours for Full Existential Psychotherapy Diploma.

c) Supervision: Basic Counselling Diploma: at least 100 hours (in groups); Full Existential Psychotherapy Diploma: at least 150 hours (in groups mostly).

d) Practical work: for the counselling diploma at least 200 hours own practical work; for Full Existential Psychotherapy

Diploma a practicum of 500 hours (e.g. as an intern in a clinic– many graduate students in MA/PhD/PsyD training programs have likely completed this as part of their training) and at least 600 hours of own practice (in public or private locations).

e) A written theoretical or practical paper of at least 20 (Basic Counselling Diploma) or 30 pages (Full Existential Psychotherapy Diploma).

Minimum Admission Requirements

Persons possessing (or in a current study of) a master’s or doctoral degree in clinical or counselling psychology, social work, medicine, or a related field are encouraged to apply for admission to the full training program. Teachers, theologians and persons with other professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply for the basic counselling diploma. Others may apply by a written explanation of their interest. The application will than be evaluated in a personal interview.

A personal interview is required for all applicants.

 

Trainers

Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. and Daniel Trobisch, Ph.D. are responsible for the entire psychotherapeutic training. They may draw upon various other training staff to facilitate and enrich the training experience. Derrick Klaassen, MA, PhD Candidate, is the local coordinator of the training. Inquiries about the training can be directed to either person, although all logistic questions should be sent to the Training Coordinator (klaass7@mac.com). For individual sessions (self-experience) we will also collaborate with local experienced psychotherapists. 

 

Costs (in Canadian Dollars

The cost of a seminar day is CAN $135 (students $90). Each training year consists of approximately 20 days.

For the Basic Counselling Diploma: 44 days seminars in 2 ½ years, plus min. 30 hours individual self-experience, plus 100 hours supervision.

For the Full Existential Psychotherapy Diploma: 80 days seminars, plus min. 50 hours individual self-experience, plus min. 150 hours supervision.

Student reductions at the seminars are available only to full-time students. Payment for each seminar is required a few days prior to the seminar. Payments may be made via cheque or paypal transfer. Trainees are required to pay the tuition for each seminar, even if they are unable to attend all/part of the seminar. This ensures the financial and organizational stability of the training. However, a trainee may make up the omitted training seminar in another training cohort free of charge (provided that s/he paid for the training in the first place).