About the program

The focus of this Psychodynamic Psychology Registrar Program (PPPR) is to support registrars advancing their clinical competencies through facilitating learning about unconscious and conscious processes. These processes, in the context of the patient's milieu, may be associated with the patient's symptomatology and psychological organization. An understanding of the impact of these factors on the therapy process will be highlighted throughout the program.

The PPRP is a unique registrar program preparing registrars to further their development as clinical or counselling psychologists and psychodynamic-informed psychotherapists.

By the end of the program, registrars should be able to work with patients, going beyond a focus on symptoms, to enhance the patient’s self-understanding and the dynamics underpinning their relationships. They will assist the patient to gain a greater sense of agency through building a more cohesive sense of self and flexibility in their psychological functioning.

The program draws upon contemporary psychodynamic theory and practice and current research to provide for informed evidence-based practice. The theory and practice underpinning the supervision program emphasises collaborative learning in exploring early experience, the role of early adversity, and of course, the unconscious mind, in understanding people with a range of personal, relationship, and identity issues.

The program draws upon the expertise of experienced clinicians and supervisors to provide newly qualified psychologists (Registrars) with opportunities to advance their knowledge and skills in working from a relational perspective.

Unique features of this program

The program, drawing upon contemporary models of psychodynamic psychotherapy, provides a cohesive and integrated approach to learning, comprises individual supervision, a structured range of PD seminars, and potential for group supervision.

In comparison to supervisory programs focussing on symptom reduction, registrars will develop their capacity to engage in a psychodynamic approach that fosters self-understanding as a mechanism of change.

Registrars will gain the capacity to help individuals make sense of their presenting problems by understanding how the patient’s history repeats itself in the present through the activation of implicit memories and unconscious relational processes.

Registrars will develop competencies around psychodynamic formulation and treatment planning.

The relationship between therapist and patient, and the ways in which this relationship contributes to change will be prioritised.

Supervisees will be introduced to interpersonal neurobiology research informing relational psychodynamic theory and practice. They will thus gain an understanding of the ways in which attachment theory is utilised in contemporary practice. 

The supervisory relationship will be collaborative in nature, making use of the intersubjectivity of supervisor and supervisee to provide a template for learning relational psychodynamic therapy skills.

The program provides for a Primary Supervisor, as well as access to a range of secondary supervisors who may provide support in addressing specific learning-related issues.

Will this program suit you?

The program will suit registrars seeking to advance their knowledge and training in relational psychodynamic principles and practice. The role of the person of the therapist, the quality of the therapeutic relationship and theory leading to self-understanding will be emphasised.

Is this program suitable for registrars working in the public sector?

Registrars who work in the public sector may apply to participate in selected components of the program, e.g., online webinars and PD activities.

Components of the Program

Program Content

The program will address Psychology Board of Australia’s Registrar Requirements through the provision of clinical supervision and monthly reading groups / workshops.Individually tailored learning contracts, informed by psychodynamic principles and practices, will follow a sequential structure covering generic therapeutic competencies, basic dynamic competencies, specific dynamic techniques, and problem-specific competencies or adaptations (e.g. working with more complex mental health issues).

During your registrar program, you will be engaged in:

1. Psychological Practice. This core component involves clinical practice comprising psychological assessment, clinical formulation, and psychotherapy. These capabilities are supported by developing skills in written communication and record keeping, liaising with other professionals, engaging in consultation services and program development.

2. Supervision. Registrars participate in regular (weekly) meetings with their primary supervisor. This core component involves collaboration in identifying competency-based goals and objectives consistent with the requirements for practice endorsement. Up to 20 hrs supervision may be gained through group supervision over the course of the program. The program is designed to provide you with 80 hrs of Board approved supervision.

3. Professional Development including Workshops and Reading Groups. This component involves structured learning activities which contribute to the candidate’s psychological knowledge. Activities involving online and face-to-face workshop experiences will contribute to the development of a practice framework consistent with the aims of the program.

The aim of the workshops may include development of theory, self-awareness in practice, and currency in research relevant to clinical practice. The contribution of peer learning will be privileged. Workshops will take place monthly on a Saturday morning (webinar) followed by one hour of group supervision (Zoom). Fees for group supervision will vary according to enrolment numbers.

Please contact Professor Robert Schweitzer for information on this program

Complete details on the requirements of the psychology registrar program can be found at: