PCC’s year-long intensive course provides an overview of Object Relations theory and psychoanalytically-oriented technique. Our unique approach:

• Builds upon the work of Klein, Bion, Fairbairn, Winnicott, and Tustin
• Is a window into the central theoretical and clinical components of PCC’s training programs
• Correlates theory with clinical application in all seminars
• Offers readings from original theoretical sources

Course Structure

In order to effectively integrate theory with clinical practice, PCC’s psychoanalytic psychotherapy training consists of two integrated components:

• 6 Seminar Courses on essential elements of the psychotherapeutic encounter
• Small Group Case-Based Seminars supervised by PCC Faculty

Theoretical Seminar Courses

The sequence of seminar courses is designed to develop the essential components of an object relations perspective in conducting a psychoanalytically-oriented psychotherapy. All courses integrate the clinical and theoretical aspects of the subject matter, using clinical examples from the instructors and students.

Essential features of the progression of study are:

• First encounters with the patient
• Emerging transference and countertransference configurations
• Unconscious communication of phantasy and projective identification
• Special emphasis on unconscious phantasy in dreams.
• Understanding primitive and infantile aspects of the patient’s personality

Small Group Case-based Seminars

Case-Based Seminars allow students to apply theoretical material to on-going clinical cases.   Faculty Instructors change each trimester to introduce students to experienced analysts with varying points of view.  Seminars meet every other week on different nights to accommodate student schedules.

• Five small group case seminars per trimester.
• Each group consists of 3-4 students
• Student presents process notes from a current case
• Faculty Supervisor directs discussion of case with fellow students
• Additional supervision can be arranged through Faculty Mentors at affordable fees

Course Schedule

Seminar Classes meet from 7-10 PM on Thursday evenings. Students attend two classes per trimester, 10 sessions each.   Course offerings are as follows:

Fall Courses

The Unique Patient-Therapist Relationship and the Frame

Transference and Countertransference

Winter Courses

Unconscious Phantasy: Understanding the Internal World of the Patient

Dreams and the Internal World

Spring Courses

States of Mind and Body:Neurotic, Psychotic, Infantile and Adult

The Capacity to Tolerate Emotional Experience

Certificate

Students are awarded Certificates of Completion at the year-end Graduation Ceremony held in June.

Tuition

• $50 non-refundable application fee
• $625 per trimester (includes theoretical classes and case-based seminars)
• One-time $50 Administration fee
• Total cost for one year is $2075 (application fee included), paid as follows:
• $725 due before commencement of classes
• $625 due beginning of each trimester

Admission Requirements

Applications are accepted from all mental health professionals with a valid California license (L.C.S.W., M.D., M.F.T., Ph.D., Psy.D., R.N.), and from those who have authorization to work under a person holding a valid California license or are working under the auspices of a state approved mental health facility.