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.1, 8, 15, 22
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
Sept. 29, Oct. 6, 13, 20
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
Oct 27 and Nov. 3
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. 10, 17
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.


Instructor: Beth Vaccaro, MA, LPC
Dec. 1, 8, 15 and Jan.5, 12
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 19, 26 and Feb. 2
Fee: $120

Therapist and Client Relationship - Boundaries

Effectiveness in the therapeutic relationship requires clear boundaries.  Should these boundaries become blurred, not only can the therapy not be helpful, it can actually be harmful.  Understanding and applying these concepts is the focus of this segment of the course.


Instructor: John Perry, MA, JD, LPC
February 9
Fee: $40

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.


Instructor: Laurie Watkins, MEd, LPC
February 16, 23; March 2, 9
Fee: $160

Object Relations Couple and Family Therapy

 This class will explore the effect of early relationships on current functioning through readings and case examples.




Instructor: Rev. Aline Russell, DMin, LCPC, LMFT, AAPC Fellow
March 16, 23, 30; April 6, 2010
Fee: $160

Healing the Psyche:  Psychological and Spiritual Integration

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: Instructor: John Perry, MA, JD, LPC
April 13, 20, 27; May 4, 11, 2010
Fee: $200

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 John Perry, Clinical Director: (314) 336-1094 or (800) 677-3609.