Graduate Diploma in Psychodynamic Approaches

Overview

As our population gets more sophisticated in its mental health needs, clients are looking beyond symptom reduction and coping skills. As such, there is a growing need for psychodynamic psychotherapy (PP), as is reflected by the long waiting-list in hospitals where this form of therapy is available. In response to the growing need for specialised competencies in mental health and psychological support services, the Singapore University of Social Sciences now offers the Graduate Diploma in Psychodynamic Approaches (GDPA), with an option to exit with a Graduate Certificate in Psychodynamic Approaches (GCPA).

Developed in collaboration with Changi General Hospital (CGH), the GDPA blends clinical insights and expertise with psychodynamic theory to provide professionals with practical competencies and skills to seamlessly integrate psychodynamic theory and real-world application in treating complex mental health problems. The programme will be taught by certified psychiatrists and psychologists from CGH. Students will get to master practical skills anchored in psychodynamic theory, with the unique advantage of potential clinical placements in CGH’s Psychological Medicine department, where possible. This experience allows translation of clinical knowledge into actionable skills, merging psychodynamic principles with hands-on practice in patient care.