Dynamic Foundations

A Year of Psychodynamic Training & Guidance for New (or new to the theory) Clinicians

Struggling to make progress in your therapy sessions?

Eager to delve deeper into your work with clients?

Intrigued by psychodynamic therapy but unsure of where to begin?

Look no further!

Welcome to Dynamic Foundations! A comprehensive year-long program crafted by Dr. Kelsy Richardson for clinicians who are either new to the field or new to psychodynamic theory. Drawing on her extensive experience training Master's Level clinicians in academic settings, Dr. Richardson recognizes the crucial need for ongoing support after graduation. This program is specifically designed to offer support for working at a deeper level, guiding clinicians in conceptualizing, planning, and intervening with clients through a theory-focused perspective.

Kelsy Richardson, PhD

Kelsy Richardson, PhD

Dr. Kelsy Richardson is passionate about training clinicians in Psychodynamic Theory, with a particular emphasis on Object-Relations. Her joy lies in hearing clinicians discuss challenging cases, helping them view these cases through a fresh lens, and collaboratively exploring and implementing new ways to conceptualize and approach treatment. Dynamic Foundations integrates essential theoretical knowledge of Psychodynamic Theory with practical and applied skills, providing a comprehensive training experience.

What Kind of Training Will I Receive?

Dynamic Foundations consists of the following training opportunities for the 2024-2025 year (March 2024-March 2025)

  • Weekly didactic training via a Reading Group in the core philosophy of Psychodynamic Theory. There will be a maximum of 15 participants in the training cohort. Readings from core authors and some case conceptualization.

  • Once monthly individual psychodynamic case consultation and clinical skills development (i.e. role play, etc.) with Dr. Richardson.This allows time for uniquely tailored skill and theory development for each participant.

  • Twice monthly small group psychodynamic case consultation with Dr. Richardson. The small group will have one other training participant. You will be matched with a peer, who you will learn with for the year. This gives each participant the opportunity to hear about and conceptualize cases beyond their own practice, only furthering their clinical development.

Associates may count time spent in the program towards training hours for licensure completion.  At the end of the program, all participants will receive a certificate of completion.

Who Is this Training For?

Dynamic Foundations is a year-long program that is open to licensed practitioners and those who are on a licensure track (if they have completed their master’s level coursework and are being supervised by a licensed clinician in a post-master’s/post-doctorate position). Students currently receiving training as a part of master’s or doctorate program and who do not have an associate’s number are not eligible for the year-long program, however are able to participate in various services as requested.

When Will it Begin?

Due to the year-long nature of the program, Registration will begin in Jan/Feb of each year, with the program running from March to March. The first scheduled meeting of the 2024-2025 cycle is Thursday, March 7, 2024 at 12 noon.

What is the Schedule?

Individual and Group Consultations will be set at a mutually agreed-upon time based on the availability of Dr. Richardson and participants. These meetings may take place via zoom or in-person at Relate Therapy Center in San Diego (3344 4th Ave, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92103).

The Reading Group will meet weekly on Thursdays from 12 noon-1pm beginning March 7, 2024, ending February 27, 2025. Meetings will take place in person and via zoom, depending on individual need and preference.

The Reading Group consists of three book cycles and will follow this schedule:

Reading Group Schedule

Book Cycle 1

Start: 3/7/24

End: 6/27/24

(No Meeting on 3/28/24)

Book Cycle 2

Start: 8/1/24

End: 10/10/24

(No Meeting on 9/5/24)

Book Cycle 3

Start: 10/24/24

End: 2/13/25

(Holiday Break: 11/28/24 to 1/1/25)

*Dynamic Foundations program participants will automatically be enrolled in all three cycles of the Reading Group. The Reading Group will also be open to associate and licensed therapists who are not participating in the full Dynamic Foundations program. A few spots will be held for PLNU-MACC second year students. The maximum number of attendees is 15 and limited space will be available for non-Dynamic Foundations participants.

What is the Cost?

Total Dynamic Foundations cost: $5900

To reserve your spot, an initial deposit of $500 is due by 2/26/2024. Use the link below to pay the initial deposit.

Chose an installment payment plan for the remaining balance of $5400:

Full Pay ($5400)

3 Pay ($1800)

6 Pay ($900)

12 Pay ($450)

*We require a credit card on file for the installment payments.

**Discontinuation of the program before the full year will require 2 additional months of payment post-termination date.

***If you are interested in this program but are concerned about finances, contact Dr. Richardson about scholarship opportunities.

****Additional Individual or Group Consultations can be added at a reduced fee for Dynamic Foundations Participants:

  • 50-minute Individual Consultation: $200

  • 50-minute Group Consultation: $115 per participant

Fees for non-Dynamic Foundation participants:

Reading Group Fees for those outside of Dynamic Foundations Program:

  • Licensed: $45 per meeting

  • Associate: $35 per meeting

  • Student: $25 per meeting

Consultation Fees for those outside of Dynamic Foundations Program

  • 50 minute Individual Consultation: $220

  • 50 minute Group Consultation (2 consultees): $120each

  • 50 minute Group Consultation (3 consultees): $90 each  

  • 75 minute Individual Consultation: $320

  • 75 minute Group Consultation (2 consultees): $170 each

  • 75 minute Group Consultation (3 consultees): $120 each

  • 75 minute Group Consultation (4 consultees): $90 each

Sign Up Now or Reach Out with Any Questions!

Dynamic Foundations Registration Form

Reading Group Only Registration Form

Pay the Initial Deposit to Reserve Your Spot!

Use the link below to make the initial $500 deposit.

Testimonials

Dr. Richardson is exactly what you want in a supervisor and trainer. She's extensively well-read in psychodynamic theory and research, she's taught and trained hundreds of students during her years as a professor, and she's a dynamite therapist herself. She approaches others with a balance of honesty and directness, while also being incredibly compassionate and caring. This creates a training atmosphere of safety, clarity, and incredible growth. I can't recommend her and her training program highly enough.

— Dr. Matt Jarvinen (PSY29459), Founder of EmotionFit

I had the privilege of participating in a weekly Psychoanalytic book study with Dr. Richardson for 3 years, and it was a salient feature in my development as a clinician in numerous ways. Dr. Richardson's deep knowledge of the theory was evident in her ability to consult us on cases, applying Psychoanalytic dimensionality to both conceptualization and clinical practice, and in her ability to make Psychoanalytic concepts accessible, understandable, and balance them with the current clinical world that is very DSM oriented. Dr. Richardson has continued to be an important resource for me clinically and personally as I continue growing as a therapist, and specifically as I continue to grow in this rich clinical theory

Daniel Fuller (AMFT125243), Former Student

Dr. Richardson is a beloved professor by the countless students she has taught and developed at Point Loma Nazarene University. She has a knack for relating to students in a way that makes them feel seen and cared for, which enables deep learning and transformation in her classes. Students come away with memorable experiences, essential therapy skills, and personal awareness of what they bring to the table as therapists and counselors. Beyond the classroom, she has shared her clinical wisdom with her colleagues,  interdisciplinary teams, and the broader community where her knowledge of psychodynamic theory and practice is second to none. I've regularly trusted her to consult about challenging cases in which her eye for dynamic processes would be helpful. She is a gifted educator and consultant.

— Dr. Ben Coleman (PSY27491), Program Director– MA in Clinical Counseling, PLNU

***Dynamic Foundations is in no way a replacement for clinical supervision. Dr. Richardson and Relate Therapy Center recognize that the supervisor’s approval is essential at any step in the supervisee’s clinical practice and will not encourage the clinical practice of any learned skills outside of supervisor’s guidance ***