David Reeb, LISW, Cincinnati, OH (Class of 2022-2023): When I enrolled somewhat skeptically in an Advanced Psychotherapy program through Loyola University two years ago. I was skeptical because of the disappointments that I have felt after attending numerous trainings and programs over the past 25 years. This is NOT one of those programs. If you want to expand your understanding of what therapy can be and challenge yourself to go beyond the boundaries of the formulaic therapy approaches that we were all taught, this is a program that you should investigate. FYI - I am not being paid to endorse this program. I chose to post this because of the utility of the model and the expansion of my therapeutic understanding that it has provided. It is a program that is foundationally based in Attachment and Trauma theory and taught by professionals who are expert practitioners – not just professors – who truly know and apply their skills in the real world. This will NOT be a waste of your time.
Elisabeth Slate, Psychologist, PA (Class of 2023-2024): It is not an overstatement to say that it is the experience I have been waiting for my whole professional life. The discussions are so rich and deep and stimulating, and perhaps more importantly, I can already feel myself growing as a therapist, both in my conceptualizations and in my moment-to-moment interactions with clients. I feel so fortunate to have worked with Donna, and that she in turn introduced me to you and the program! It is a real privilege, and I thank you.
Gina Gattuso, LCSW, Chicago, IL (Class of 2022-2023): When I attended the open house, I was looking to hear my story and I did, and that is why I signed up. I got my MSW from Loyola in 1997. My first job was a medical social worker at Loyola. I then took 15 years off from full time work to raise kids and I did some work, oncology support groups part time. More recently, I was asked to join private practice and it was really scary. I panicked and wondered, should I go back to school? I had not been to school in long time (1997) and was unsure about my clinical skills.
This program has been the best experience for me in terms of sharpening my skills as clinician. There is definitely a sense of community. We are in this together, and it feels so supportive. You learn from one another and can ask questions. It has become a real family. When we left the last residency, I was really sad for a couple of days! There is a lot thrown at us in first residency, but between first and second, all consultation groups, everything starts to click. Groups are invaluable to me. I have learned so much from people in my group, faculty in my group. I feel so much more confident as a therapist, my skills are definitely sharper than they used to be. It is really starting to click and become integrated. I love it. In terms of time commitment, I have a family and a private practice, and the time commitment is not extraordinary; it is definitely doable.
This program has been the best experience for me in terms of sharpening my skills as clinician. There is definitely a sense of community. We are in this together, and it feels so supportive. You learn from one another and can ask questions. It has become a real family. When we left the last residency, I was really sad for a couple of days! There is a lot thrown at us in first residency, but between first and second, all consultation groups, everything starts to click. Groups are invaluable to me. I have learned so much from people in my group, faculty in my group. I feel so much more confident as a therapist, my skills are definitely sharper than they used to be. It is really starting to click and become integrated. I love it. In terms of time commitment, I have a family and a private practice, and the time commitment is not extraordinary; it is definitely doable.
Odell Morgan, LMFT, Louisville, KY (Class of 2021-2022): Coming into the program, I knew theory well but felt like I did not know how to be therapist. I was thinking about going back to school again--a PhD? What do I need to do? This program truly takes theory and puts it into application. I learned how to be clinician in this program. Slowing down the process allowed me to see some of my own blinders, as well as what is preventing my own authentic self from emerging. I cannot stress enough the importance of learning to slow down the process. It puts us in a vulnerable space as a clinician to share your work with others. My group was so amazing. We were very close knit and that allowed us to present our work, be vulnerable, and hear feedback from our colleagues. Typing up transcripts allowed us to enhance clinical skills, seeing what we missed; fine tuning and application of skills to be a psychotherapist.
I always wondered, do I call myself counselor, therapist? But healing of the soul… I remember learning the definition of psychotherapist in the spirituality webinar is literally “Healer of the soul.” Once I recognized that, I realized this is why the program drew me in.
Yesterday a client said, “You’re the first therapist I've had that actually got to the root cause of my behaviors." I thought about the program and feel it is because of the training and recognizing unrealistic expectations of myself and of us as therapists--from society, from organizations. Using the training in my group we all worked in different settings by applying and tailoring to where you are at currently. The attunement you learn with your client is so valuable and your posture as a clinician changes. There is a wealth of information that you get.
I always wondered, do I call myself counselor, therapist? But healing of the soul… I remember learning the definition of psychotherapist in the spirituality webinar is literally “Healer of the soul.” Once I recognized that, I realized this is why the program drew me in.
Yesterday a client said, “You’re the first therapist I've had that actually got to the root cause of my behaviors." I thought about the program and feel it is because of the training and recognizing unrealistic expectations of myself and of us as therapists--from society, from organizations. Using the training in my group we all worked in different settings by applying and tailoring to where you are at currently. The attunement you learn with your client is so valuable and your posture as a clinician changes. There is a wealth of information that you get.
Dru Kemp, PhD, Louisville, KY, (Class of 2019-2020): Joining this training is one of the best professional decisions I have made in my 30 years practicing psychotherapy! The integration of knowledge of a relational psychodynamic approach has enriched, deepened and energized my work with clients with many different issues. I always look forward to the consultation sessions with Dr. Gianotti, who brings wonderful insights to practice. I am grateful to the faculty and administration for a wonderful year.
Tomeika Leavell, LCSW, Louisville, KY (Class of 2018-2019): This certificate program has positively impacted my knowledge, skills and work. I’ve worked in the counseling/mental health field for a number of years with different populations, so returning to direct counseling work was an adjustment for me. Our field of work is ever-changing while remaining the same which can evoke a sense of complacency and reliance on what was learned in the classroom however long ago; therefore, continuing to learn and gain access to professional development is a must. With that being said, Wayne Institute has been a breath of fresh air for me. The faculty members are open and engaging and provide a wonderful atmosphere to learn and practice the skills taught during the program. The program has allowed me to expand my therapeutic toolbox and provided me with a greater level of confidence that I believe benefits my clients greatly. I am grateful for this opportunity offered to me by the program and highly recommend it.
Get in Touch With Us
For more information about the 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
312.915.7034 | [email protected]
1032 W. Sheridan Rd. | Chicago, IL 60660
312.915.7034 | [email protected]