Please Note: All Core Training programs are fully booked for 2025.
Next Core Training will be starting Jan ~ Feb 2026.
Please click here for expressions of interest for the 2026 program.
Or please click here for the Introductory Residential program in Aug 2025.

In-person & Online program with:
David Chong

This is a 3 year training program that focuses on Intensive Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) created by Habib Davanloo and David Malan. The course is structured into 4 blocks per year. Each block consists of 3 days of training, 8 hours per day. Plus monthly basic psychodynamic/attachment and developmental theory (2 hour duration) 8 times a year. Trainees will take turns to present material and I will facilitate discussion and teach in addition. It is planned one meeting in-person per year.

ISTDP is a complex theory based on psychodynamics that works both on development of a psycho diagnostic of the unconscious via the triangle of conflict and triangle of person and develop appropriate interventions. The method uses video recording of client sessions as a guide for observation, self reflection, and supervision.

This will be an IEDTA-Certified core training. In addition to the standard 4 blocks per year (24 contact hours per block), the training will include a monthly meeting to explore attachment, trauma, and psychodynamic theories and how they relate to ISTDP theory and practice.

This innovative core training is designed to encourage collaboration, compassion and curiosity and to provide a common-sense foundation for deciding why and when to apply ISTDP techniques. Special attention will be given to the person of the therapist with a focus on the unique skills of each practitioner as well as the unconscious resistance that may co-occur in patient and therapist. This training approach is intended to safeguard against new-learner shame and patient misalliance which are unfortunately common among beginning ISTDP students. We teach the value of going slow in the beginning in order to go fast later with a highly engaged client. 

By the end of the 3 year training, you will be a qualified ISTDP therapist with a certified qualification from the ISTDP Learning Centre. This training is endorsed by the IEDTA – International Experiential Dynamic Therapy Association.

You will be able to develop a clear set of diagnostic and intervention skills and have a sound basis of psychodynamic, developmental and attachment theories.

There will be a basic curriculum and reading recommendations provided. The training program is adaptable to the needs of the group. There will be ongoing evaluation of participants’ learning and experience of the training. Feedback on the training programs methods and the trainer is encouraged.

There is an expectation that trainees will attend individual clinical supervision on a weekly or fortnightly basis (paid separately).

About the presenters:

Below are some of the themes addressed in the three year Core Training Program:

1st year:

• Introduction to ISTDP and its focus and counterindications. Introduction of the unconscious.
• Understanding in detail the triangle of Conflict (Anxiety, Defenses and Feelings) and the Triangle of Person (transference and countertransference). Developing clarity and focus on a meaningful therapeutic contract and to be able to get conscious consent and unconscious therapeutic alliance.
• Development of methods of video observation and self learning via deliberate practice.
• Assessment of client’s anxiety and defense pathways.
  • Development of anxiety regulation – self and client.
  • Understanding and classifying defense mechanisms.
  • Working with defenses and encouraging feeling expression.
• Developing a comprehensive assessment using ISTDP. Psychodynamic and Developmental frameworks.
• Develop a written assessment and presentation structure in ISTDP.

2nd year:

• In addition to continuing 1st year concepts.
• Adapting personality/character structures to treatment.
• Focus on depressive and masochistic structures.
• Understanding character defenses.
• Working with the fragile character.
• Differentiation between major models of ISTDP.

3rd year:

• Further understanding of meaning of presentation within character resistance.
• Working with high-resistance character.
• Utilising methods of breaking through resistance.
• Examination and final trainee presentation.

Requirements:

• To be a qualified Health Professional (in Australia or overseas).
• Video presentation in block training (from second block).
• Minimum weekly or fortnightly individual clinical supervision and presenting videos.
• Reading bibliography.
• Willingness to learn, support and be supported.
• This is a 3 year training course, with commitment on a yearly basis.

Costs:

$1,000 AUD per block training – $4,000 AUD per year (*plus GST).
(GST exempt if under specialist training).

Price includes the attachment theory sessions.

Supervision fees are paid separately.

Starting date will be agreed with the group and should commence between May ~ June 2025.