Introductory Foundational Training in Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP)

A three-day intensive introductory training designed to provide clinicians with a strong foundation in the theory and clinical application of Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP).

This program is conducted twice a year and serves as the mandatory entry point for clinicians who wish to apply for the Core ISTDP Training pathway, aligned with the standards of the ISTDP Institute.

Purpose of the Training

This training introduces participants to the core principles, therapeutic stance, and essential techniques of ISTDP.
The emphasis is on developing:

• Strong clinical observation (“clinical eyes”)

• Moment-to-moment tracking of patient responses

• A clear psychodiagnostic framework to guide effective intervention

Participants will learn to assess emotional processes, recognize resistance patterns, regulate anxiety, and strengthen the therapeutic alliance to facilitate deeper emotional engagement and therapeutic change.

Who This Training Is For

This training is suitable for:

• Psychiatrists

• Clinical Psychologists

• Psychotherapists / Counselors

• Mental health professionals engaged in clinical practice

Prerequisite:
Participants should have basic psychotherapy training and be actively working with clients.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the training, participants will be able to:

• Understand the foundational principles and therapeutic stance of ISTDP

• Develop an initial psychodiagnostic formulation

• Identify different levels of anxiety and apply appropriate regulation strategies

• Recognize defensive patterns used to avoid emotional closeness and affect

• Intervene effectively with defenses in real time

• Invite patients to let go of defenses and engage more authentically

• Build and maintain a strong therapeutic alliance

• Identify early signs of potential dropout and apply prevention strategies

• Help patients recognize self-defeating patterns

• Mobilize the patient’s capacity for emotional experience and change

Teaching Method

The training is highly experiential and skills-based, including:

• Didactic teaching

• Structured skill-building exercises

• Video review of actual therapy sessions

• Guided observation and group discussion

• Clinical demonstrations

The focus is on translating theory directly into clinical action.

Certification & Progression

• Completion of this three-day introductory training is required to apply for the Core ISTDP Training

• This course forms part of a structured training pathway aligned with the standards of the ISTDP Institute

Format

• Mode: Online (Live & Interactive)

• Duration: 3 consecutive days

Intake Size

• Limited to 8 participants per batch

• Ensures close supervision, interaction, and individualized attention

Fee (2026)

• ₹25,000

Schedule

• Conducted twice per year

• Exact dates will be announced in advance

Enquiries & Application

Registration