The training includes the following areas of study:
1. Personal individual psychoanalytic psychotherapy.
This forms the foundation of the training. It is the most important component. A candidate is required to enter at least twice weekly individual therapy (ideally prior to applying for training) with an accredited member of the QPPA, or with a therapist who is a member of a Member Organisation of the Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Association of Australasia PPAA, or of the Australian Psychoanalytic Society APAS.
To accommodate candidates in regional or remote areas, therapy by electronic means is possible but will need further discussion with the Training Sub-Committee. A candidate’s personal therapy should be concurrent with their participation in all other aspects of the training.
2. Weekly Clinical Supervision.
Candidates are required to take on a minimum of two training cases. They are seen at a minimum frequency of twice weekly for at least 12 months and 24 months respectively. These are to be supervised by two different accredited supervisors of the QPPA on a weekly basis.
In some circumstances, based on the development of the candidate, it may be necessary for a longer period of supervision or a third training case be undertaken. These experiences of supervision provide a foundation for ongoing supervision throughout a clinician’s working life.
3. Clinical Seminars and Weekend Workshops.
These seminars are points at which all candidates gather to participate in the presentation and discussion of their clinical work. They also involve exploring some of the foundations of clinical practice such as assessment, the frame, money and payment, and endings to name but a few.
The link between theory and clinical work is explored and developed. This experience also highlights the value of peer supervision over the course of a professional life.
Candidates are required to participate in two weekend workshops annually. These will be held in-room, generally in Brisbane. Attendance via teleconferencing will not be available. Each weekend will address a particular theme. Dates, themes and readings will be notified well in advance to allow for planning and participation. Additional fees may be payable, e.g. if there is an invited speaker or facilitator.
4. Theoretical Seminars.
These seminars are organised through the Brisbane Centre for Psychoanalytic Studies (BCPS). These seminars are run over at least three years and cover in-depth readings of classic as well as contemporary psychoanalytic theories, including Freud, Object Relations, and so on.
The relationship between theory and clinical thinking will be developed over the course of the training. Prior credit may be given for previous theoretical studies either through the BCPS or its equivalent.
5. Infant Observation Studies.
These involve the weekly observation of an infant from birth focusing on the emotional development of the infant. Process notes of these observations are presented and discussed in a weekly seminar group. These observations are for a minimum of twelve months.
6. Attendance at QPPA and PPAA seminars and conferences.
Throughout the year, the QPPA holds events and seminars. Candidates are encouraged to attend. Generally, the registration fee is either reduced or waived for candidates.
In addition, the PPAA holds an annual conference in June of each year in various locations throughout Australia and New Zealand. Candidates are encouraged to attend the Trainee component of these annual conferences. A registration fee generally applies. It provides a valuable opportunity to meet candidates from other Member Organisations of the PPAA.
7. Participation in a minimum of six-monthly group reflection with an outside consultant.
All Candidates will participate in six-monthly (minimum frequency) group reflections on their training experience. These will be facilitated by an external consultant appointed by the QPPA Training Committee. These provide an opportunity for all candidates to reflect on and discuss their training experience independently of the Training Committee. While not group therapy, they allow a space for exploration of the impact of training and of the group processes within the candidate group.