Introduction to Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (3-day Pre-Core ISTDP Training)

Course Description

This three-day workshop introduces medical and mental health trainees and professionals to Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP).

The first day covers the metapsychology of the unconscious, exploring the roots of mental health symptoms through video examples.

The second day builds on this foundation, delving into the three types of unconscious anxiety discharge patterns. Participants learn to recognize and regulate unconscious anxiety through video examples and hands-on skill-building exercises.

On the third day, the focus shifts to different defense mechanisms contributing to mental health issues. Participants learn to identify, clarify, and help clients recognize their defenses through video examples and additional skill-building exercises.

Throughout the workshop, participants gain insights into their own anxiety and defenses within the learning process.

Presenter Biography

Michelle M. May, LPC, is the chair of the Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) Core Training program at the New Washington School of Psychiatry in Washington, DC.

She is a licensed psychotherapist specializing in intensive dynamic therapy with a private practice for adult individuals and couples in Arlington, Virginia, and Washington, DC. She is a Certified Teacher and Supervisor by the International Experiential Dynamic Therapy Association (IEDTA) and a board-approved supervisor with the state of Virginia. She is a sought-after teacher and supervisor, specifically focusing on presenting to practices and supervising licensed clinicians with an interest in intensive dynamic therapies.

Michelle is also the author of the new book, What I Couldn’t Tell My Therapist.

Michelle is passionate about educating professionals and the public about intensive dynamic therapy and provides trainings to health practices, organizations, and universities seeking to learn about mental health and intensive dynamic therapies.

Course Specifics

CEs
16.5 CE credits are available to those who complete the program in its entirety. Partial CEs are not available. (Note: While MDs can attend, CEs are not available for MDs.)

Costs
$700 for all three days

Location
Zoom

Next Dates
February 12th, 13th, and 20th, 2026

Or by group request

Time
10am - 5pm ET

Target Audience
Psychologists, Social Workers, Counselors, MFTs, Psychiatrists, Nurses

Course Content Level
Introductory

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Learning Objectives

  1. Describe the causes anxiety and defense mechanisms

  2. Describe how attachment trauma creates the symptoms for while clients seek therapy

  3. Explain the relationship between unconscious feelings, unconscious anxiety, and unconscious defenses

  4. List the six core feelings

  5. Describe an internal emotional problem

  6. Identify three types of unconscious anxiety

  7. Describe what types of anxiety need to be regulated

  8. Describe two ways to regulate anxiety

  9. Describe three signs of striated muscle anxiety

  10. Describe two signs of smooth muscle anxiety

  11. Describe two signs of cognitive-perceptual disruption

  12. Explain the difference between a syntonic and dystonic defense

  13. Describe three systems of resistance

  14. Describe two types of defenses and how can create a presenting problem

  15. Describe one of your defenses against learning

Course Schedule

  • 10:00-10:15am
    Introduction to the Course

    10:15-11:00am
    The Metapsychology of the Unconscious

    11:00-11:15am
    Break

    11:15-12:00pm
    Developing an Effective Focus

    12:00-12:30pm
    Learning about your Relationship to Learning

    12:30-1:30pm
    Lunch

    1:30-2:45pm
    Review and Processing of Video Material

    2:45-3:00pm
    Break

    3:00-4:30pm
    Review and Processing of Video Material

    4:30-5:00pm
    Process Group and Discussion

  • 10:00-10:30am
    Q&A

    10:30-11:00am
    The Three Types of Anxiety, Discharge Anxiety, Review of Video Material

    11:00-11:15am
    Break

    11:15-12:30pm
    Anxiety Regulation, Review of Video Material

    12:30-1:30pm
    Lunch

    1:30-2:45pm
    Review and Processing of Video Material

    2:45-3:00pm
    Break

    3:00-4:30pm
    Anxiety Identification and Regulation Skill Building

    4:30-5:00pm
    Process Group and Discussion

  • 10:00-10:30am
    Q&A

    10:30-11:00am
    Defense Identification, Review of Video Material

    11:00-11:15am
    Break

    11:15-12:30pm
    Learning to Clarify Defenses, Review of Video Material

    12:30-1:30pm
    Lunch

    1:30-2:45pm
    Review and Processing of Video Material

    2:45-3:00pm
    Break

    3:00-4:30pm
    Defense Identification and Clarification Skill Building

    4:30-5:00pm
    Process Group and Discussion

Additional Information

Conflicts of Interest: There is no known commercial interest or conflict of interest for this program.

Cancellation Policy: If for any reason you need to cancel, please contact me so we can work together to determine a resolution.

Grievance Policy: We seek to ensure equitable treatment of every person and to make every attempt to resolve grievances fairly. Please email me with your written grievance. Grievances would receive, to the best of our ability, corrective action to prevent further problems.

ADA Needs: If you have any special requests, please email Michelle at maymichellem@gmail.com

CE and Commercial Support: Michelle M. May, LPC, LLC nor CUE Management Solutions, LLC does not have a relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies or other potentially biasing relationships to disclose to learners.

Continuing Education: CUE Management Solutions, LLC is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. CUE Management Solutions, LLC maintains responsibility for this program and its content. CUE Management Solutions, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0242.

FAQs for Intro/Pre-Core Trainings

  • You need to be a student, pre-licensed professional (resident), or licensed medical or mental health professional to attend.

  • No.

  • No.

  • No.

  • Yes. 16.5 CEs are available.

  • No.

  • No.

  • Yes.

  • This will be an online training via Zoom.

  • No. Due to sharing video tapes of session content, only health professionals-in-training or health professionals can join.

  • Yes. Please let Michelle know of your interest.