RPT Applications for Fall 2026 Cohort Now Closed
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RPT Applications for Fall 2026 Cohort Now Closed 〰️
Cultivate a relational embodiment
of clinical theory and practice
Our Relational Psychodynamic Therapy
post-graduate certificate program exists to teach the art of genuine encounter as it fosters belonging and vitality.
Our calling is to address the problems of isolation, alienation, and absence that so deeply impact humanity—an experience from which the person of the therapist is far from immune.
We invite you to risk, imagine, and commune with us as we engage in an experiential learning model designed to integrate the continued development of the therapist’s clinical application of relational theory and the enhancement of the therapist’s understanding and connection to this rich and robust branch of psychoanalytic theory.
Our core belief is that through authentic relationship we become more fully alive—and that when the self of the therapist is enlivened, the therapy enlivens, and that enlivens the client, who in turn enlivens their community.
RPT offers a vibrant community and a robust learning experience.
Deepen
RPT' will deepen your connection to the vitality of your own humanness through authentic, spirited community.
The program begins and ends with immersive retreats where you’ll lean into rich, intentional kinship with a layered learning community — colleagues in your cohort, clinicians in the second and third years of the programs, and mentors.
The energy of camaraderie is strong and playful. In a field that is so often isolating, RPT is a balm, a community of belonging.
Hone
RPT will hone your clinical skills and deepen your capacity to be relationally attuned and courageous with your clients.
We open every learning space with a case, which grounds us into specific and experiential practice, learning, and engagement. The humanness of the client and their lived experience invites our curiosity and imagination.
Our program offers a uniquely experiential model, designed to provide intimate circles for depth work and collaborative spaces for inspiration and skill building.
You’ll experience:
Bi-weekly clinical consultation groups where you’ll bring cases, offer perspective, and hone your clinical mind in community
Bi-monthly all-cohort meetings where you’ll participate in case presentations in dialogue with Dr. Roy Barsness, our seasoned clinical team, and your colleagues
Online seminars from experts in the field delving deeper into the relational perspective
Required and recommended readings both from program material and from diverse voices from the margins.
Our Framework
Cohort Model
RPT’s two-year design is intentional: we believe embodied learning is relational, and that time and space to integrate is necessary. Each year of the program is 9 months. Cohorts begin in September and conclude in May.
After the completion of your second year you will receive a post-graduate certificate in Relational Psychodynamic Therapy. You will also have the opportunity to pursue a third year of advanced training, geared toward developing you as a consultant/trainer.
Immersive Retreats
The heart of this program is community. This isn’t another training. We begin and end each year with a rich, intimate, immersive retreat.
Through these gatherings you will experience:
Connection, community, and collaboration
Robust case consultation in layered learning spaces (all years of program) and intimate consultation spaces (subgroups of 3-5 members of your cohort)
Reflective learning in dialogue with Dr. Roy Barsness and other seasoned clinicians/trainers
Delicious, spacious meals with hearty conversation
Space for rest, reflection, and play
We intentionally choose retreat spaces that are also enlivening. Your program fee covers the full cost of the retreat including: instructor fees, group spaces, room and board, meals, and materials. All participants will have their own room.
Clinical Consultation
Working with cases is at the core of our experiential model. Rather than offering instruction from a top down model, we begin with a client and allow their experience to expand our minds.
At the fall retreat, you will have the opportunity to meet your clinical consultation group of 3-5 fellow colleagues and your consultant, a seasoned clinician who has received supervision and mentorship from Dr. Barsness over many years. Together you will gather bi-weekly for 16, 100-minute clinical consultation sessions.
You will forge relationships and through collaboration and vulnerability you will grow as people and as clinicians. Through presenting cases and listening to cases you will receive skilled consultation, mentorship, and community to deepen your capacity as a clinician and enliven your work with clients.
Clinical Consultation groups meet virtually so you can join from the comfort of your home or office no matter where you are based! Exact timing for group meetings will be determined by the availability of the consultant and group members.
All-Cohort Meetings
Every other month, you will gather virtually with the full RPT community: Dr. Roy Barness, the clinicians/trainers, year 1, 2, and 3 cohort members. These gatherings will begin with engaging a case, deepen learning through dialogue and Q&A time, and strengthen community ties among consultation groups and between retreats.
Learning Materials
You will receive a copy of Core Competencies of Relational Psychoanalysis: A Guide to Practice, Study, and Research by Dr. Roy Barsness, and a copy of Psychodynamic Supervision Theory and Practices: In a New Key by Dr. Roy Barsness, along with access to our RPT-exclusive library of articles and resources to support your learning and development.
Continuing Education Units & Certification
At the completion of each year of the program participants will have earned 72 continuing education units (including 6 ethics units) - 32 through clinical consultation groups, 8 through all cohort learning gatherings, and 32 through two immersive retreats.
Program Fees
Tuition for the 2025-26 RPT Certificate in Clinical Skills cohort was $6,850 per year. (We expect the tuition for 2026-2027 to be similar to this amount) All participants must provide an initial deposit of $550 to enroll upon acceptance into the program. Following this deposit, participants will have the option to divide their fee into 10 monthly installments over the course of the program.
Program fees include all of the offerings outlined above, including CEUs and retreat accommodations and meals. Costs related to travel to and from the retreats are the responsibility of the participants. All costs associated with completing this program can be considered business expenses.