Introduction to Intensive Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP)

Introductory ISTDP Workshop Series
Format: Two full in-person days (Altrincham or online) + four Friday evening online sessions during 2026.

What is ISTDP?

ISTDP is a specialist, evidence-based, attachment-informed psychodynamic therapy approach. It integrates trauma-informed, neuroscientific, cognitive and behavioural principles with psychodynamic theory. It has been applied and researched in a wide range of settings (anxiety, depression, PTSD, functional/physical disorders, personality disorders) across multiple countries.
This workshop series serves as the pre-core training for entry into a certified ISTDP training programme.

Who is this course for?

• Qualified or in-training healthcare professionals and clinicians.
• Therapists wishing to enhance their practice with short-term dynamic, attachment-based methods.
• Clinicians interested in integrating ISTDP’s assessment, formulation and intervention principles into routine and complex cases.
• Practitioners looking to prepare for further core ISTDP training.
  You do not need to have extensive prior ISTDP training; this is an introductory foundation.

Learning Outcomes & Key Content

Participants will:

• Understand the basic theoretical foundations of ISTDP, including attachment-based and psychodynamic formulations.
• Learn the assessment and formulation process specific to ISTDP.
• Gain familiarity with ISTDP’s core techniques and how they can integrate with cognitive/behavioural and psychodynamic approaches.
• Explore the evidence base of ISTDP and its application in public healthcare settings (e.g., NHS) and complex casework.
• Experience video-demonstrations of live therapy sessions for experiential learning.
• Receive resources to support further training, including access to research, recorded materials and guidance on applying for core training.

Structure & Format

• 2 full-day in-person sessions, located in Altrincham (with an online attendance option).
• 4 Friday evening online seminars, spaced across the year to allow integration and reflection between sessions.
• A hybrid learning experience designed for accessibility and ongoing engagement.

Practical Details

• Fees: Early-bird and full registration tiers apply. Includes access to materials, video-recording consents, and support for applying to further training.
• Venue: 1-5 The Downs, Altrincham WA14 2QD, UK (for in-person days).
• Dates: The two Saturday in-person days and four Friday evening sessions will be scheduled throughout 2026 (exact dates to be confirmed).
• Certification: On completion, the participant is prepared to apply for the core ISTDP training path certified by the International Experiential Dynamic Therapy Association (IEDTA).

Why Attend?

By joining this workshop series you will gain:

• A structured introduction to a powerful psychotherapeutic approach with a robust evidence base.
• Skills that you can begin to apply in your clinical practice immediately.
• A supportive learning environment with both in-person and online components that accommodate busy professionals.
• Access to a community of clinicians interested in advancing dynamic therapy and short-term work with complex cases.

Registration & Contact

For any queries about suitability, payment support or venue logistics, please contact [istdpnorth@outlook.com].

We look forward to welcoming you and supporting your development in ISTDP practice.