Welcome to the INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED PSYCHOTHERAPY, a partner to Loyola University Chicago's School of Social Work. Through the Institute, licensed clinicians can earn their certificate in Advanced Psychotherapy through our one-year professional training program.

A limited number of spots are still available for the 2026-2027 cohort, which starts October 19, 2026.

Advanced Certificate Training Program for Licensed Clinicians

Offered by Loyola University of Chicago, this immersive professional development program provides clinicians the training needed to expand and update clinical skills, enrich care provided to clients, and enhance one’s overall practice. The framework incorporates multiple theoretical disciplines and offers a method of case conceptualization that includes various listening and intervention techniques from a variety of treatment approaches.

Comprised of three learning formats (on-site residency, virtual small-group consultation, and webinars) the program enables participants to continue their daily professional practices while earning this Advanced Psychotherapy Certificate. 

What Makes This Program Different?

Sure, we do offer continuing education for CEUs, but more importantly, we provide a career defining experience. Sound dramatic? That's because it is. At the Institute for Advanced Psychotherapy, we explore multiple theoretical disciplines and guide you to deeply integrate psychodynamic theory into your daily practice. This is accomplished using our exclusive practice model based on the latest scientific evidence that supports the importance of attachment as it shapes development, defense structures and the neurological impact of trauma.
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KEY DIFFERENTIATORS
1. Comprehensive & Integrative: Participants are presented with a sustained program of learning that supports the ability to integrate the newest research and therapeutic techniques in a way that both strengthens the therapeutic alliance, as well as becoming more proficient around "what to say next." The training model we use is applicable across therapeutic disciplines.
2. Faculty Collaboration & Commitment: All faculty members participate in every residency experience, where student witness an active dialogue between faculty on their varying theoretical perspectives and intervention approaches. This structure illustrates how to integrate key concepts as well as encourages students to share their own areas of expertise. The result--lively discussion and a respectful, inclusive community where heart and mind come together. 
3. Personal & Professional Development: Small group case consultations offer in-depth, practical learning as each of the theoretical concepts and training techniques become integrated into your own clinical case work. Faculty and student collaborations, held over the course of the 12-month experience, builds professional confidence through a peer-reinforced exchange as well as providing a personalized mentoring experience. 
4. Lifelong Learning: Reaching across the learning curve of psychotherapy practice, our program accommodates and targets learners at different stages of their professional and personal development, from recently licensed to seasoned clinicians. In addition, program graduates may choose to return for ongoing professional consultations with faculty and peers to continue growth. 
5. Manageable Time Commitment: Designed for the working professional, there are no required readings or homework – an average of 2 ½ hours a week of your time.
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Through the unique structure of this program, faculty are able to more intimately connect with students to support the development of each participant's unique style while providing a new lens for which to conceptualize and treat cases. Ultimately, students experience a real sense of community and gain a professional support network with faculty and other program participants that lasts long after the year-long program comes to an end. 
Please note: The Institute for Advanced Psychotherapy receives no commercial support for any of its CE programs or instructors. ​   ​ 
"What Our Students Are Saying..."

​Jonathan Geller, PhD
2024 Certificate Program Student




Sarah Donahue, LCSW
2023 Certificate Program Graduate & 2nd Year Consultation Group Participant



George Sutherland, LPC
2024 Certificate Program Student




Courtney Hartman, Psy.D
2024 Certificate Program Student





​Gina Gattuso, LCSW, PMH-C
​2023 Certificate Program Graduate

​Kerry Cochrane, LCSW
2023 Certificate Program Graduate

Continuing Education Information

The Institute for Advanced Psychotherapy at Loyola University Chicago is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Institute for Advanced Psychotherapy at Loyola University Chicago maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
  • ​​The certificate program is offering 72 hours of continuing education credits for psychologists.​​​
  • The Institute for Advanced Psychotherapy is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Institute for Advanced Psychotherapy maintains responsibility for this program and its content. 
  • ​Social workers licensed in the state of Illinois will receive 72 hours of credit through Loyola University School of Social Work. Social Workers licensed outside of Illinois should check with their state licensing board to determine where CE credits approved by the APA and/or the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) are accepted. 

Get in Touch With Us

For more information about the Institute for Advanced Psychotherapy program at Loyola University Chicago, please contact us today.
​​The Institute for Advanced Psychotherapy at Loyola University Chicago
1032 W. Sheridan Rd.,  |  Chicago, IL 60660
866.258.8222 | [email protected]