Self-Experience for Clinical Psychologists in Training
Self-experience constitutes a core component of training in clinical psychology and is recognised as part of the formal training requirements.
It is carried out in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Austrian Psychologists Act 2013.
The focus lies on a structured exploration of oneself – in particular, of those internal processes that shape professional behaviour in clinical and health psychology contexts.
I offer self-experience in both individual and group formats. Each format constitutes an independent offering and follows a clearly structured, process-oriented approach.
The aim is to develop a differentiated awareness of one’s own experience in a professional context, to recognise recurring patterns of response, and to establish a clear, stable, and reflective professional stance.
Concept
The self-experience process is organised around four central dimensions:
- Patterns and biography
- Regulation and control
- Reactivity in the professional context
- Professional identity and stance
This structured approach enables a differentiated reflection on one’s own experience and fosters a deeper understanding of how it influences professional behaviour.
Individual Self-Experience
The focus is on reflecting personal reactions, thoughts, and internal processes that arise in professional encounters. Rather than addressing case content, the emphasis lies on the practitioner’s own experience. The aim is to identify recurring patterns, understand their impact on professional behaviour, and develop a clear, stable, and reflective professional stance.
Group Self-Experience
Group self-experience is organised in thematically focused modules (18 units each).
The modules are self-contained and can be attended independently of one another.
Participation in two modules fulfils the group component required as part of the training.
Please note that group self-experience modules are currently offered in German only.
Working with Challenging Patients
This module explores the therapist’s internal reactions in difficult therapeutic encounters.
It focuses on how resistance, passivity, or other demanding dynamics shape one’s experience, thinking, and behaviour. Rather than addressing case content, the emphasis lies on the internal processes involved.
The aim is to recognise recurring response patterns and to establish a stable yet flexible professional stance in challenging situations.
Dealing with Rejection & Therapy Dropout
This module addresses the experience of rejection in a therapeutic context.
Early termination, lack of resonance, or perceived dissatisfaction can significantly impact one’s professional self-concept. The focus lies on differentiating between situational feedback and global self-evaluation.
The aim is to understand one’s own responses to relational ruptures and to maintain a stable professional stance in such situations.
Dealing with Uncertainty, Boundaries, and Professional Stance
This module focuses on situations in which there is no clear orientation or straightforward solution.
Uncertainty, decision pressure, and boundary-setting represent central challenges in clinical practice. The emphasis lies on managing ambiguity and reflecting on one’s own expectations regarding certainty and control.
The aim is to develop a sustainable professional stance that remains stable even in uncertain and complex situations.
Participants & Format (Group Self-Experience)
Modules are conducted with a minimum of 5 participants.
Group size is limited to a maximum of 9 participants to ensure a focused and protected working environment.
For closed group bookings, the number of participants may be adjusted by individual agreement.
Fees & Conditions*
- Individual self-experience: € 80 per session
- Group self-experience: € 360 per module (18 units)
Attending two modules allows for full coverage of the group hours required within the training programme.
Reduced fees may be available for early registration and for closed group bookings.
Payment
Registration for a group self-experience module is binding upon confirmation.
To secure a place, a deposit of 50% of the participation fee is required within 7 days of registration.
The remaining balance must be paid no later than 48 hours prior to the start of the module.
Cancellation Policy (Group Self-Experience)
Cancellation is free of charge up to 7 days prior to the start of the module.
In case of later cancellation, the following terms apply:
• Up to 48 hours before the start: 50% of the participation fee will be retained
• Less than 48 hours before the start or in case of non-attendance: the full participation fee is due
Cancellation by the Organiser
Should a group self-experience module not take place, all payments made will be refunded in full. In addition, participants may receive a 5% credit towards a future booking.
Information & Registration
For further details (such as dates, content, and organisational information) and to register, please contact me by email.
*All prices are stated inclusive of VAT. Self-experience is not a VAT-exempt service and is therefore charged including VAT.