There are a large variety of theoretical perspectives when one thinks of psychology, but depth psychology ascribes to the perspective that psychological material which remains outside conscious grasp can create psychological problems. Depth psychology refers to the process and practice of investigating the unconscious and identifying the unknown psychological material responsible for many relational struggles and a whole host of symptoms and neurosis associated with mental health issues.

This specialized form of psychology seeks to delve into and explore the depths of the unconscious in order to elucidate any psychic material responsible for psychological disturbances. As a result, this method of investigation uncovers the root causes of mental health issues, identifies the inception of cognitive distortions, discloses one-sided perceptions, and reveals the origin of habitual patterns that restrict meaningful change and delimit optimal health and wellbeing.

Overall, depth psychology cultivates a deep and meaningful relationship with psychological material that resides behind the defensive strategies of the ego and opens a channel to material that lies outside conscious awareness. Through the utilization of key depth psychological principles and the development of a symbolic attitude, the mental health practitioner can better facilitate a capacity to bridge the gap between conscious and unconscious processes which is a necessary step for long-term healing and transformative change.

The use of dreams in psychotherapy as a systematic method of investigation and intervention plays an important role within any depth psychological approach. In fact, the mutual collaborative process associated with dream work facilitates the identification of conflictual themes that need to be addressed, uncovers fragments of relevant autobiographical memories essential to the construction of identity, and provides opportunities for the client to gain greater insight and self-understanding. More specifically, dreams contain elements which support the process of eliciting emotionally relevant topics for the client and the opportunity for the therapist to investigate hidden associations and formulate meaningful connections not only to the waking life of the dreamer but also emotionally relevant past events and any current psychological disturbances. Furthermore, the process of sharing dreams in the therapeutic setting supports not only the process of psychological development, it also enhances the ability for the therapist to monitor and identify improvements in ego functioning during the course of treatment and deepens the therapeutic alliance.

Whether you currently work from a behavioral, cognitive, humanistic, cross-cultural, biological, or even evolutionary perspective, depth psychological principles can be interwoven and applied in conjunction with these perspectives to deepen clinical practice methods and improve treatment outcomes.

This course is specifically designed to provide a comprehensive training program for licensed mental health clinicians and support the smooth integration of depth work into any clinical setting. All modules include both theory and practice along with experiential assignments to provide a hands-on practical approach as well as opportunities to gain a lived-experience of the concepts and ideas presented in this program.

Whether you are interested in deepening your practice, learning a new modality, or desire to continue developing your own insights and self-understanding, this course is for you.

As a tool of the work, it is vital that mental health clinicians undergo a continuous process of self-examination and endeavour to engage in professional development which supports the furtherance of best practice methods. This program was purposefully designed for mental health clinicians and provides a comprehensive program that not only meets the high standards for continuing education for professional development, but also provides ample opportunities for self-discovery and personal development. As a result, this program facilitates an essential directive and ethical obligation in service to both clients and practitioners alike.

Moreover, this program can play an integral and important role in the furtherance of the therapeutic process and gaining a deeper understanding of psychological material that might be impeding treatment or contributing to the risk of professional burnout.

This program provides 25 total CE hours which consists of 21 general and 4 cultural competency CE hours.  CE records will be maintained by Creative Depth for seven years. State regulatory boards have the ultimate authority on courses accepted for CE credit.

The use of dreams in psychotherapy as a systematic method of intervention is an integral part of supporting the process of psychological development. More specifically, dreams carry meaning, illicit emotionally relevant topics, and support the ability for the therapist to investigate the psychological structure of the ego in relationship to life circumstances and improvements in the course of psychotherapy. 

Therapists should recognize the significance of their client's sharing of dreams as an act of intimacy and a valuable opportunity to build trust and rapport and deepen the therapeutic alliance. By opening up space to attend to a client’s dream in the clinical setting, the therapist confirms, validates, and tends to the value of the client’s inner life. Furthermore, it strengthens the ability for the client to deal with both the irrational and the unconscious aspects of the personality in order to promote self-acceptance and offer unconditional positive regard for the often unwanted, defended, and unknown aspects of human nature. Conversely, rejection of the dream or failure to adequately honor this disclosure by undergoing some form of training to support the process associated with dream work has potential negative consequences for the client and for the therapeutic alliance.  

By undergoing the process of training in dream work, you will be able to respond to your client’s dream material in meaningful ways and open a doorway to exchanges that care for the soul of the client and deepen the therapeutic alliance. Furthermore, depth psychological principles support the establishment of a connection to the collective unconscious which nurtures a culturally sensitive, more holistic, and inclusive therapeutic environment.

Ultimately, by incorporating dream work into your practice you will nurture, strengthen and support meaningful collaborations. Moreover, dream work provides more opportunities for the client to develop consequential insights, foster self-reflection, and promote a psychological process that leads to greater consciousness, significant change and enduring transformation.  

• Facilitate the process of psychological development
• Deepen and strengthen the therapeutic alliance 

• Honor an ethical obligation towards cultural competency
• Develop greater insight and enliven the clinical process

Given that clinical practice can be demanding, emotionally taxing, and that failures to attend to one’s own psychological balance can adversely affect the client or patient, it is imperative that mental health professionals continue to engage in proven intervention methods that support their own psychological health and emotional well-being. Furthermore, since interpersonal and existential issues are dynamic and remain in constant flux, it is imperative that as a tool of the work the clinician remains fully committed to ongoing personal development and professional growth.   

Depth psychological principles are proven methods that support the furtherance of the individuation process and afford the clinician meaningful avenues towards nurturing the path towards increased consciousness and greater wholeness. Furthermore, these guiding principles can be utilized as a process to continue developing self-understanding and provide multiple avenues to deepen insight and enliven the life of the clinician in general. Moreover, the dynamic interplay of transference and counter-transference can be more readily identified and attended to, such as when the clinician appears in the client’s dream or the client appears in the clinician’s dream or when triggering personal associations related to dream material arise in either the client or clinician.  These insights allow the clinician to better honor the ethical obligation to attend to any cross contamination of unconscious material.   

Creative Depth places an emphasis on a continuous process of analysis and self-examination and advocates that all those in the helping professions continue to endeavor to find ways to cultivate and maintain a meaningful relationship with the inner realm and implement strategies designed to promote professional well-being on all levels: physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual. 

Remember you can only take a patient as far as you have gone yourself!

• Maintain a commitment to life-long learning 
• Honor an ethical obligation to attend to the dynamic interplay between transference and counter-transference
• Support your own well-being to mitigate burnout risk 
• Promote self-awareness and develop greater insight 
• Bring more depth and meaning to your own life and enliven the therapeutic process

The course starts immediately and is a completely self-paced. You will have 12 months to complete the program (6 months for those choosing the no CE hour option). In the event you are unable to complete the program for any reason within the 12-month period, you can simply opt-in for monthly access. After the initial 12-month period, monthly access will be billed at $9.99.

Depth Psychology

This module will introduce depth psychological principles and discuss the benefits of incorporating a depth psychological approach into your clinical practice. The benefits and importance of utilizing dream work to uncover unconscious psychological material will be discussed and the value of dream work will be explored. The Jungian Map of the Psyche will be utilized as a framework to introduce the structure and dynamics of the psyche. This module brings fresh and creative tools to the clinical setting and introduces dream work as a direct portal to facilitate more productive and engaging encounters in the therapeutic setting.  

Educational Objectives

• Develop a foundational understanding of depth psychological principles
• Discover the value of dream work to uncover unconscious material
• Describe the basic structure of the psyche
• Identify and define 5 main structures of the Jungian Map of the psyche

Module Components

• 2.5 hours recorded video
• 10 question quiz
• 1 experiential assignment 
• 2 optional suggested readings

The Persona

This module will explore the psychological structure known as the Persona. The origins, benefits, main functions, and complications associated with this psychological structure will be considered and examined in detail. In addition, creative methods will be utilized to afford generative and engaging interactions in order to build greater appreciation of both the importance and significance of investigating the inner landscape of dreams. Particular focus will be placed on the dream setting as a snapshot into the current psychological state of the dreamer.

Educational Objectives

• Explain the history and origins of the mask

• Summarize the practical and pragmatic side of the Persona

• List three dream symbols commonly associated with the Persona

• Describe four main characteristics of an over-reliance on the Persona

 Module Components

• 1.5 hours recorded video
• 10 question quiz
• 1 experiential assignment
• 2 optional suggested readings

The Shadow

The importance of investigating, exploring, and identifying the many hidden aspects of the shadow will be discussed. In addition, the shadow will be examined as a psychological structure and the implications and dangers of psychological projection will be highlighted. The value of cultivating a symbolic attitude will also be demonstrated and the combination of dream vignettes and experiential assignments will be utilized to deepen understanding and facilitate integration of this material.

Educational Objectives

• Describe the relationship between the ego and the Shadow

•  Explain the mechanism of projection related to the Shadow

• Summarize the major distinctions between signs and symbols

• Identify the phenomenon of abjection

Module Components

• 1 hour recorded video
• 10 question quiz
• 1 experiential assignment
• 3 optional suggested readings

Individuation Process

The process of psychological development and path of individuation will be explored from a depth psychological perspective. The implications of establishing an ego-Self axis will be discussed and the consequences of not establishing or maintaining this vital connecting link will be considered. Dream vignettes will also be presented to highlight the ability of the dream to act as a self-regulating system and the importance of specific orientations towards dream material will be introduced.

Educational Objectives

• Differentiate the progressive stages of psychological development

• Define the process of Individuation

• Describe the development of the ego-Self axis

• Identify at least one goal of depth psychological work

Module Components

• 1.5 hours recorded video
• 10 question quiz
• 1 experiential assignment
• 3 optional suggested readings

The Complex

The psychological significance of the complex will be explored and the structure of the complex will be connected to individual experience, social structures, and cultural forces. The difficulties and problems associated with the complex will be investigated and the aftermath and signs of complex activation will be examined. Dream vignettes will be presented to portray a greater understanding of the psychological impact related to complexes and as a window into the dynamic interplay associated with specific complexes.

Educational Objectives

• Explain the psychological significance of the complex

• Recognize key signs of the activation of the complex

• Summarize the structure of the complex

• Identify at least two different complexes

Module Components

• 2 hours recorded video
• 10 question quiz
• 1 experiential assignment
• 2 optional suggested readings

Collective Unconscious

This module will incorporate fairytales, myths, legends, spiritual traditions, and cultural references that are rich fertile ground for exploring archetypal motifs associated with the collective unconscious. The understanding of collective motifs can increase multicultural understanding and open the space for utilizing a cross-cultural framework that can guide the therapeutic process in a manner that is responsive and sensitive to multicultural perspectives and diverse viewpoints supporting the development of cross-cultural competencies. Numinous dreams will also be utilized to provide specific examples that relay a greater understanding of the universality and unifying presence associated with dreams that connect to the collective unconscious. Specific focus will be placed on Self symbols and the archetypal realm.

Educational Objectives

• Differentiate key differences between the personal and collective level of the unconscious

• Recognize at least three main attributes of numinous dreams

• Describe the significance of amplification

• Identify at least three different archetypal motifs

Module Components

• 2 hours recorded video
• 10 question quiz
• 1 experiential assignment
• 2 optional suggested readings

Somatic Psychology

The origins of body-oriented depth psychology will be introduced and early psychological theories including the work of Sigmund Freud, Wilhelm Reich, Carl Jung, and Marion Woodman will be discussed. The importance of cultivating the mind-body connection in relationship with a depth psychological framework will be explored along with the many benefits of incorporating embodied practices.  The phenomenon of transference and countertransference along with the complexities of these unspoken dynamics will be highlighted.

Educational Objectives

• Identify the origins of body-oriented depth psychology

• Demonstrate the significance of somatic depth psychology

• Recognize the importance of embodied knowledge

• Evaluate the power of spontaneous expressions

Module Components

• 1 hour recorded video
• 10 question quiz
• 1 experiential assignment
• 1 required reading assignment (50,100 words)
• 1 optional suggested reading

Practice of Dream Work

Case examples will be introduced to highlight and illustrate the benefits of incorporating dream work into the clinical setting. Dream vignettes are specifically designed to develop a greater appreciation of the innate intelligence of the unconscious and the significance of personal associations to illicit meaningful exchanges and to deepen understanding during the therapeutic encounter. The unique ability of dreams to point to important psychological structures that contribute to inner conflict and relationship difficulties will be emphasized.

Educational Objectives

• Illustrate and apply the symbolic attitude

• Explain the clinical significance of dream material

• Identify important factors in association with the dream lysis

• Recognize key depth psychological principles in connection to dream material

Module Components

• 3.5 hours recorded video
• 10 question quiz
• 7 dream vignettes (5 question quizzes)
• 1 experiential assignment
• 2 optional suggested readings

Deepening Dream Work

Resources for deepening dream work will be discussed and specific avenues will be introduced to expand professional development and support the accumulation of additional knowledge regarding depth psychological principles. Creative methods will also be discussed to facilitate an ongoing dialogue with dream material. Additional approaches to build and further develop the capacity for dream inquiry and ways to facilitate connections with archetypal motifs will also be presented.

Educational Objectives

• Identify at least three different psychological types

• Compare and contrast typological preferences

• Recognize the significance of the superior and inferior functions

• Examine the benefits of deepening dream work

Module Components

• 2.5 hours recorded video
• 10 question quiz
• 1 experiential assignment

Final Integration

An opportunity to further explore depth psychological principles and deepen your learning in connection to a symbol of your own choice will be provided. A combination of assignments and assessments will be utilized to support the integration of the course content and to support your overall understanding of depth psychology. Successful completion of all course modules and assignments will result in a certificate of completion and the option for continuing education credits.

Educational Objectives

• Evaluate the significance of one major psychological structure

• Compare cross cultural perspectives in connection to symbolic motifs

• Evaluate your foundational knowledge of depth psychological principles

• Assess comprehensive understanding of major concepts and ideas

Module Components

• 250 word written assignment
• 500 word written assignment
• 100 question final examination
• Program evaluation

This program consists of 10 modules as highlighted in the Module descriptions and Program Preview video. Each module consists of theory and practice presented through recorded video components that include 17 hours of audio with a closed caption option available. An additional 8 hours for a required reading assignment completes the 25 CE credits available after completion of the course.

The program also includes quizzes, experiential assignments, optional suggested reading assignments, two short written assignments, a final exam to support the integration of course material, and a program evaluation. Time allotted to these activities does not count towards CE hours.

The program is structured to unlock modules sequentially with the final activity being the program evaluation. Once the program evaluation is complete, a certificate of completion will be emailed to you within 24 hours. If you purchased a program that offers CE credits, the 25 CE hours will be stated on your certification of completion.

Course Components

• Video Recordings (17 CE hours)
• Required Reading Assignment (8 CE hours)
  • Depth psychological research paper (50,100 words)
•  Quizzes (125 questions total)
  • 95% score required with unlimited repeat option until passing grade is achieved
• Experiential Assignments
  • 9 assignments in total at the end of each of the first 9 modules
• Suggested Reading Assignments (optional)
• Two Short Written Assignments
  • 250 word submission
  • 500 word submission
• Final Exam (100 questions)
  • 90% score required with unlimited repeat option until passing grade is achieved
• Program Evaluation

Complete course anywhere, anytime, on any device. Since the course is an online program, you get to choose when, where, and how you complete the course. This is a self-paced, online program designed to fit into your busy schedule.

Components

• Fully online and easily accessible on any device

• Self-paced for your convenience

• Non-interactive E-Learning

You will be awarded a certificate for the Depth Psychology & Dream Work program upon completion of all course requirements. Once the program course evaluation is complete, a certificate of completion will be emailed to you within 24 hours. If you purchased a program that offers CE credits, the 25 CE hours will be stated on your certification of completion. Plus, if you ever misplace a certificate, you can simply request a duplicate by email to have a new certificate generated for you. Your certificates will always be available through Creative Depth.

Certification

• Automatically generated and sent directly to your email within 24 hours

• Duplicates available upon request

You can cancel for any reason and will receive a full refund minus any administration fees prior to the start of this course. No refunds will be available once the course has begun.

Please submit cancellation and refund requests in writing via email with subject line "Cancellation request". Please email your request to [email protected] and include your name and contact information in the body of the text with your request. 

Creative Depth does not discriminate against any individual or group with respect to any service, program, or activity on the basis of gender, race, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, age, organizational membership, or any other basis prohibited by law. 

When a grievance arises, the complainant is expected to notify Creative Depth by email at [email protected] as soon as possible, so that the nature of the concern may be addressed in a timely fashion. 

All possible care will be taken to uphold confidentiality of the complainant. Creative Depth will formulate a response to the complaint and recommend action, if necessary, which will be conveyed directly to the complainant.  

It is the policy of Creative Depth to make every reasonable effort to make accommodations for your specific needs.  

If you have a disability, please contact us ahead of time by email at [email protected] so we can make sure that our program can accommodate your specific needs.

If you have any additional questions please contact Creative Depth directly. You can send an email with the nature and details of your inquiry to [email protected].  In general, Creative Depth will do their best to respond to your inquiry within 48 hours.