Psychotherapy Development and Enrichment Program (PEP)

The PEP is a post-graduate curriculum designed to enhance formation and augment clinical practice of psychotherapists from an integrated psychodynamic/spiritual framework.  All or part of the program may be taken throughout the year.  Classes meet from 8:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. at the Main office of Care and Counseling, 12141 Ladue Road, St. Louis, MO  63141.

The format of the classes will be lecture, reading and discussion.  Courses of the PEP program may be taken individually.  The complete curriculum may be taken to receive a certificate.  Continuing Education Hours will be available to participants.

Family and Faith of Origin and the Helping Professional

An exploration of the dynamics and history of family and faith patterns will help the professional helper respond more effectively to clients, congregants and others seeking our help.  Theorists Bowen and Friedman used in readings and discussion.   Sessions explore family of origin themes and impact on self and other perceptions and impact on professional work.

Instructor: Rev. Dale R. Kuhn, MA, STM, LCSW, AAPC Diplomate
Sept. 7, 14, 21, and 28, 2011
Fee: $160

Psychodynamic Theory:  Drive, Ego, Self and Object Relations

Grounding one's psychotherapeutic work in psychodynamic theory provides a base for understanding one's clients.  The main emphasis in this class will be on object relations and self psychology.



Instructor: Sharon Kirsch, MA, LPC, Licensed Psychologist
Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26, 2011
Fee: $160

Attachment Theory

Attachment Theory focuses on how early emotional ties between child and caregiver impact future relational life.  Historical development from psychoanalytic roots will be included as well as implications for clinical work.



Instructor: Marilyn Kuhn, MA, LPC, NCC
Nov. 2, 9, 2011
Fee: $80

Interpersonal Theory

Introduction to some recent developmental research and theory which is helping to propel the movement from one-person to two-person psychoanalytic theory and practice.  The focus of treatment becomes one of process rather than product and involves the therapist developing and drawing the patient into a collaborative inquiry between self and other.


Instructor: Marilyn Kuhn, MA, LPC, NCC
Nov. 16, 23, 2011
Fee: $80

Psychodynamic Psychopathology - DSM & Beyond

Sessions focus on personality configuration, characterlogical development and how the understanding of a client informs and shapes long term psychotherapy.  Readings and class discussion with specific focus on Axis II themes.  Mood and anxiety disorders are the focus of Axis I diagnosis and treatment.


Instructors: Beth Vaccaro, MA, LPC and Kavitha Lakshmanan, MSW, LCSW
Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 14, 2011 and Jan. 4, 11, 2012
Fee: $200

Therapist and Client Relationship

Exploration of the complex dynamics of the therapist and client relationship and its impact both on the client and the therapist.  Class focus: the use of self in therapy, the alliance, transference/countertransference, the initial and ongoing relationship in psychotherapy.



Instructor: Marilyn Kuhn, MA, LPC, NCC
January 18, 25, Feb. 1, 8, 2012
Fee: $160

Nuts & Bolts of Being a Therapist

This is a developing course that will focus on what it is like to be a therapist.  The fundamentals and framework of working with a client in the world of psychotherapy.  Supportive vs. insight, diagnosis, assessment stages of therapy interpretations, diagnosis and treatment goals.  Defenses and written documentation.


Instructors: Beth Vaccaro, LPC and Kavitha Lakshmanan, LCSW
February 15, 22, 29 and March 7, 2012
Fee: $160

Object Relations Couple and Family Therapy

Finding meaning in life leads to hope which leads to healing in the psychotherapeutic process.  Attention will be placed on how one's spiritual life is integral to the healing process.  PCS and PEP participants will be together during this part of the program.



Instructor: Rev. Aline Russell, DMin, LCPC, LMFT, AAPC Fellow
March 14, 21, 28 and April 4, 2012
Fee: $200

Integral Life Practice

The interface between psychotherapy and spirituality will be the focus. Suitable to the experienced and new therapist, we will consider current writing in the field of pastoral counseling, spirituality and psychology together with illustrative case material. Areas to be addressed:

• How religious practice helps and hurts
• Working with spiritual resources that are natural to the client
• The spiritual life of the therapist
• Integrating spiritual resources with sound therapeutic practice

Instructor:  Rev. Dale Kuhn, LCSW
April 11, 18, 25, May 2
Fee: $160


Care and Counseling offers educational opportunities and supervised experience in psychodynamic and systems psychotherapy and pastoral counseling in a setting which honors mind, heart, and soul.  The classes are open to mental health professionals and pastoral counselors in addition to those students in our training program.  The training program includes study and/or supervised clinical experience.
To view our Training Application form, click the following link: Training Program Application Form  
For further information about training opportunities at Care and Counseling call Dale Kuhn, Executive Director: (314) 878-4340 or (800) 677-3609.