What is the Pathways Program?

The Pathways Program is a semester-long introduction to psychodynamic therapy, ideal for anyone interested in how a psychodynamic approach can deepen their academic and professional pursuits.

Designed especially for undergraduates, practicing clinicians, and career changers, Pathways provides a comprehensive understanding of psychodynamic theory and practice, with an accommodating schedule and flexible cost.

Pathways gives students a chance to explore a graduate school course without immediately committing to a graduate program in social work. Taught by one of ICSW’s outstanding faculty members, you’ll better understand how a course at our school is structured, while getting serious insight into our Masters in Clinical Counseling and Psychotherapy. 

Who should apply to the Pathways Program?

ICSW’s Pathways Program is a highly accessible course for those who want to transform lives through psychotherapy. Undergraduates who want to pursue graduate school and learn more about psychodynamic therapy in Chicago should consider applying. The course schedule is flexible, and undergraduates in their final year pay nothing to enroll.

The Pathways Program is also a great choice for those who want to return to school and explore a promising new career in therapy — or deepen their existing clinical skills. Our supportive faculty and accommodating schedule allows you to learn at your own pace while maintaining your professional commitments.

“I enrolled in ICSW’s Pathways Program soon after graduating with a PhD in philosophy, suspecting I might want to change my career path from academia to clinical work. The Pathways Program confirmed my suspicions. It was an intellectually and emotionally engaging course. It provided me with an excellent introduction to the theory and practice of psychodynamic psychotherapy.”

Trevor Anderson, MA Alumnus

Program Highlights

Participants in the Pathways Program take the course CCP 500 - Introduction to Psychodynamic Therapy, which focusing on psychodynamic insight, depth, and relationship. This 3-credit, hour-long course can be applied to the Master’s degree program at ICSW. Or, these credits may be transferred to another graduate institution that accepts them.

The Pathways Program starts in the spring semester with the first class scheduled for Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 7:00 PM CDT. The course will run on Tuesdays from January through April with weekly synchronous instruction every other week and asynchronous coursework on the off weeks.

Course Topics Include:

  • Psychological Defenses: The How and Why of Not Knowing

  • Life is Difficult: The Temptations of Magic and Perfection

  • Unnecessary Suffering: The Mechanics of Self-Sabotage

  • Working With Dreams: The Master of Disguise

  • The True/False Self: Separation, Individuation, and Mature Interdependence

  • Things Are Not As They Seem: The Unconscious Life of the Mind

  • Reality Distortions: The Past Lives in the Present

  • Resistance: I Want to Change (No I Don’t)

  • Repetition Compulsion: I am Free (No I’m Not)

  • Pleasure and Reality: The Work of Psychological Growth

Meet the Instructor

Kurt M. Hanus, PsyD, LCPC is a psychoanalytic therapist, consultant, and clinical supervisor who has treated adults, adolescents, and couples in the Chicago area since 2001. Dr. Hanus is a qualified supervisor in both MI and IL, and has provided clinical supervision to both senior and newly licensed clinicians in solo and group private practices.

Prior to joining the faculty at ICSW, he served as faculty and Practicum/Internship Supervisor in the Graduate Mental Health Counseling Programs at St. Xavier University Chicago, Viterbo University in Wisconsin, and Stetson University in Florida.

Dr. Hanus received post-graduate training and certification from the Object Relations Institute for Psychotherapy & Psychoanalysis of New York City and is a graduate of The Center for Religion and Psychotherapy of Chicago. He holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, a Master’s Degree in Counseling, a Master’s Degree in Vocal Music, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology.

PROGRAM BENEFITS

  • Earn graduate – level credit (3 credit hours) that may be applied towards your degree

  • Gain a comprehensive understanding of psychodynamic theory and therapy

  • Tuition waiver available for eligible participants

PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY

  • Minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 scale

  • Completed a bachelor's degree or be currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program (degree need not be in psychology or social work)

COST

The Pathways Program is offered to current undergraduate students in their final year of study at no charge. For all other participants, there is a tiered program fee structure based on need up to a maximum program fee of $500.

Apply Today

The deadline to apply is Monday, December 16, 2024.

If you have any concerns regarding the admissions process, please connect with Andrea Hall, Associate Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management at ahall@icsw.edu.