This module includes 1 hour-long lectures spanning 6 weeks

with the overall arching goal of  teaching the proper techniques to follow in the initial, middle and termination (final)  phase of treatment.

Week 1 will include:

1. Things to consider in the referral process

2. How to set up your waiting area

3. How to make introductions with your new patient

4. How to set up your office 

Week 2 will cover:

1. How to structure the first session (including discussions about time, money, explaining how therapy works and setting realistic expectations)

2. How to establish treatment goals and life goals (and the important difference between the two goals)

3. How to determine the best type of psychotherapy for a patient (psychodynamic vs. CBT vs. something else)

4. When to consider inviting the patient back for a second consultation session (before the treatment begins) 

Week 3 will cover:

1. The 3 types of initial phases of treatment (focusing on positive, neutral and negative feelings by the patient towards the therapist and vice versa) 

2. How to recognize and utilize one of the most important tools of psychodynamic psychotherapy - the patient's resistance

Week 4 will cover :

1. How to recognize signs that the treatment has entered the middle phase (often the most difficult of the 3 phases of treatment)

2. What to expect in the middle phase and the best way to utilize feelings, thoughts and actions by the patient (and the therapist) to aid treatment

Week 5 will cover:

1. The 3 different types of circumstances that lead to the termination (final) phase of treatment 

2. Common reactions in the final phase (and what to do with them)

​Week 6 will cover :

1. Best practices for the final session

2. How to address the question about returning to treatment in the future

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