Child and Adolescent Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

The Child and Adolescent Psychodynamic Psychotherapy program, under the direction of Wendy Turchin, MD, is an intensive two-year clinical training in the theory and technique of psychodynamic interventions with children, adolescents and emerging adults. Instructors are primarily drawn from child faculty at the Columbia Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research; in addition, we benefit from guest presenters who bring expertise in specific topics. CAPP provides each participant with weekly individual supervision (times to be arranged between student and supervisor). Classes take place on Monday nights, from 8-9:30PM; assigned readings draw from both traditional and contemporary papers on psychodynamically-oriented theories of development, psychopathology and child practice. A foundational component of CAPP class work is the presentation of child case material, by faculty and students, and discussion.

In our first year, we focus on issues pertaining to the development, assessment and treatment of young children whose therapy is conducted primarily through the medium of play; then, we advance chronologically to cover middle childhood and preadolescence. The developmental challenges and treatment of adolescents and emerging adults is examined in the second year. Special topics are woven into the curriculum, such as working with parents, current considerations in the treatment of gender diverse youth, and newer models of psychodynamically-derived intervention.

CAPP welcomes child practitioners at all levels of their career who wish to deepen their knowledge and skill via small seminars, individual supervision and lively discussions with a community of dedicated child clinicians. Participants may include licensed psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and nurse practitioners with backgrounds in child work (e.g., child fellowship or internship). CAPP requires clinical training with children and U.S. licensure. Those interested in learning more about CAPP should contact Wendy Turchin, MD, at either 212 706-1957 or wendyturchin@gmail.com.