Psychodynamic Training Reflection

I completed my clinical training at the Psychology Clinic at University of Montreal with an adult clientele. My training included training in psychodynamic approaches, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and third wave behavioural interventions. I was trained in individual therapy with clients presenting a range of difficulties such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, eating disorders, addictions, symptoms of post-traumatic stress and emotional regulation difficulties.
I am glad that part of my training was done in psychodynamic therapy. This taught me to truly listen to clients and to give them space to explore their experience. Moreover, it allowed me to pay attention to my own reactions in the development of the therapeutic relationship. I believe these learnings will help me in my practice, regardless of the approach used. However, I have a predilection for cognitive-behavioural approaches with the integration of mindfulness skills.

We particularly worked with the emotion regulation module. Worksheets on emotions were used during the sessions and exercises to do at home were proposed. Gradually, the client was able to name his emotions and understand how its avoidance behavior exacerbated the intensity and duration of his emotions. He realized that in front of a difficulty that he could not solve at his job, he would feel ashamed and would avoid seeking help for fear of being judged negatively by his colleagues. At that time, he had a tendency to repeat to himself: "I'm not good, I'm incompetent