PATHWAYS PROGRAM

What is the Pathways Program?  

For recent college graduates or somebody who wants to change their career and learn about psychodynamic therapy in Chicago, the Pathways Program in psychodynamic therapy at ICSW gives you the opportunity to explore a graduate school course without dedicating yourself to a graduate program in social work.

What the Pathways Mental Health Program offers is an introduction to more complicated courses on psychodynamic therapy that you would not usually receive from an undergraduate course. Taught by one of ICSW’s outstanding faculty members, you receive not only an understanding of how a course at our school is structured, but you also get serious insight into the Masters in Clinical Counseling and Psychotherapy. 

To take advantage of this opportunity, click here to apply today!

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Participants in the Pathways Program will take the course CCP 500 - Introduction to Psychodynamic Therapy: Focusing on insight, depth, and relationship. This 3-credit, hour-long course can be applied to the Master’s degree program at ICSW for Pathways participants who choose to apply to this program or may be transferred to another graduate institution that accepts it. The Pathways Program starts in the spring semester with the first class scheduled for Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. CST. The course will run on Tuesdays from January through April with weekly synchronous instruction every other week and asynchronous coursework on the off weeks.

Pathways Course Topics Include:

· Things Are Not As They Seem: The Unconscious Life of the Mind

· Reality Distortions: The Past Lives in the Present

· Resistance: I Want to Change (No I Don’t)

· Repetition Compulsion: I am Free (No I’m Not)

· Pleasure and Reality: The Work of Psychological Growth

· Psychological Defenses: The How and Why of Not Knowing

· Life is Difficult: The Temptations of Magic and Perfection

· Unnecessary Suffering: The Mechanics of Self-Sabotage

· Working With Dreams: The Master of Disguise

· The True/False Self: Separation, Individuation, and Mature Interdependence

Our Mission

The Pathways Program’s primary objective is to give students an introduction to graduate school studies. This course provides students with a deeper understanding of psychodynamic therapy. The Pathways Program goes in-depth to help develop students’ thought processes as therapists, and how to process a client's concerns.

Who Should Apply to the Pathways Program?

ICSW’s Pathways Program is an accessible opportunity for many who want to change their lives. Any undergraduate who wants to pursue graduate school and learn about psychodynamic therapy in Chicago should consider applying. With the opportunity to get three credits towards your graduate degree with a flexible schedule, you get the flexibility you would not find at a traditional school. The Pathways Program is also a great choice for somebody who wants to return to school and find a promising career that gives them a purpose. ICSW’s understanding faculty and accommodating schedules accommodate you to learn at your own pace.

Nick Wilson, 1st Year MA Student and Pathways Participant

The Pathways Program is an excellent introduction both to the field of psychodynamic/psychoanalytic therapy, and also to ICSW as an institution. Throughout the program, I learned about many foundational theoretical concepts and how they apply to real life therapeutic treatment. The instructor, Dr. Kurt Hanus, made all topics so engaging and informative, and eagerly answered all of our questions. I thoroughly enjoyed the Pathways Program and would certainly recommend it to anyone interested in ICSW, psychotherapy, or both! The program is also a great way to slowly re-acclimate back into academia (I hadn’t been in a class setting for many years). As a bonus, I met two of my future ICSW classmates through the Pathways Program. Starting the Master’s program this year while already recognizing a few friendly faces made going back to school even better."

Course Instructor

Kurt M. Hanus, PsyD, LCPC is a psychoanalytic therapist, consultant, and clinical supervisor who has treated adults, adolescents, and couples in the Chicago area since 2001. Dr. Hanus is a qualified supervisor in both MI and IL, and has provided clinical supervision to both senior and newly licensed clinicians in solo and group private practices. Prior to joining the faculty at ICSW, he served as faculty and Practicum/Internship Supervisor in the Graduate Mental Health Counseling Programs at St. Xavier University Chicago, Viterbo University in Wisconsin, and Stetson University in Florida. Dr. Hanus received post-graduate training and certification from the Object Relations Institute for Psychotherapy & Psychoanalysis of New York City and is a graduate of The Center for Religion and Psychotherapy of Chicago. He holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, a Master’s Degree in Counseling, a Master’s Degree in Vocal Music, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology.

PROGRAM BENEFITS

  • Earn graduate – level credit (3 credit hours) that may be applied towards your degree

  • Understanding of psychodynamic therapy

  • Tuition waiver for eligible participants

PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY

  • Minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 scale

  • Completed a bachelor's degree or be currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program (degree need not be in psychology or social work

PROGRAM FEES

The Pathways Program is offered to current undergraduate students in their final year of study at no charge. For all other participants, there is a tiered program fee structure based on need up to a maximum program fee of $500.

APPLICATION

The deadline to apply is Monday, January 15, 2024. Please visit the following link to create your account and submit your application for the Pathways Program: Pathways Application

We look forward to working with you, as you renew your academic journey.