Certificate Program in Integrative Psychoanalytic Couple Therapy

Novice and experienced therapists alike struggle with the many challenges of couple psychotherapy. Some couples can be helped by simply facilitating a dialogue between the partners, but many others struggle with difficulties related to affect regulation, narcissistic vulnerability, feelings of rage or hopelessness, sequelae of trauma, and other issues which require much more of the couple therapist. This couple therapy program focuses on psychoanalytic theory to help therapists of all types. Psychoanalytic theory is uniquely suited to addressing the deeper roots of such difficulties; however, applying the theory to couples requires specialized training tailored to the unique demands of this modality. This program will address this training need.

Three of Chicago’s preeminent couple therapists are the core faculty for the program: Carla Leone Ph.D., Director of the Program, Arthur Nielsen MD, and Karen Bloomberg Ph.D. They will be joined by guest lecturers and expert couple therapists who will provide individual case consultations for students with an emphasis on integrative couples therapy. Every effort will be made to honor requests for a particular consultant, but assignments to consultants are made based on multiple factors and this may not always be possible.

Our Master’s program is offered in a hybrid format designed for working professionals, combining online coursework with intensive in-person residencies and clinical practice experiences.

For each class, one to two articles or chapters are assigned, typically no more than 50 pages per week, with a number of others available and recommended but optional. Each class includes a blend of didactic presentations by faculty members or guest lecturers, as well as time for questions and discussion of the readings. Of the 29 classes, 10 are presented by guest lecturers (with one or more core faculty also present to facilitate) and the remaining 18 by core faculty members Leone, Nielsen and Bloomberg. Guest lecturers are prominent experts in particular areas of couple therapy, most of whom have authored books and presented widely. Lecturers to date have included:

Review core logistics, schedules, and structural outputs designed for working clinical professionals.

Understand entry baseline benchmarks and program criteria necessary to qualify for formal accreditation.