An IEDTA certified programme supporting clinicians to achieve competency in ISTDP theory and psychotherapy skills. There is an emphasis on Attachment Based-ISTDP techniques.

This three-year training comprises ten days of teaching each year. Participants are asked to commit to the training for one year at a time, with progression to the following year by mutual agreement.

The syllabus will cover:

• Metapsychology of ISTDP
• Key therapeutic interventions
• The diagnostic spectrum and assessment process
• Working effectively with unconscious anxiety & maladaptive defence processes
• The punitive superego
• The Central Dynamic Sequence

Lectures and clinical presentations are used to teach key concepts and techniques and a comprehensive reading list will be provided. Supervision of participants’ own clinical work is a key element of the programme and trainees are required to present video of their work in progress.

The ISTDP London core training programme is suitable for clinicians working in national health systems as well as private settings. To be eligible, participants must be qualified mental health professionals registered with a professional body in the country in which they are working (eg: psychotherapists, psychologists, psychiatrists or counsellors). Senior trainees in these fields who are registered in an accredited training programme may also be eligible.

A small group format is designed to create a safe and stimulating environment for trainees. Commitment to one year’s training at a time is required. Acceptance into the following year will be by mutual agreement.

The lead trainer is Dr Sharon Lewis, a chartered clinical psychologist registered with the British Psychological Society and the Health Professions Council in the UK. She is a certified IEDTA supervisor and trainer and has extensive experience in offering core training programmes in ISTDP, as well as introductory and advanced training. The ISTDP London training programmes have been designed in consultation with Dr Robert Neborsky, MD, who has developed the attachment-based ISTDP model. Experienced ISTDP colleagues may be invited to contribute on specialist topics.

If you would like to discuss the programme further, please contact Dr Lewis at: admin@istdp.london