Introduction to Psychodynamic Therapy

Pathways Program

Designed for undergraduates, practicing clinicians, and career changers, explore graduate-level coursework without immediately committing to a full program.
Application Status
We are no longer accepting applications for the Spring 2026 cohort. Check back for future offerings.
Application closed

What is the Pathways Program?

Pathways provides a comprehensive understanding of psychodynamic theory and practice, with an accommodating schedule and flexible cost.

Explore without committing. Pathways gives students a chance to explore a graduate school course without immediately committing to a graduate program in social work.

Taught by one of ICSW’s outstanding faculty members, you’ll better understand how a course at our school is structured, while getting serious insight into our Master’s in Clinical Counseling and Psychotherapy.

Course: CCP 500

Introduction to Psychodynamic Therapy
3 credit hours • May be applied to ICSW Master's program or transferred to another institution

Our Mission

To develop a new generation of culturally responsive, psychodynamically trained clinicians who will bring depth-oriented clinical services to communities that have been historically marginalized and underserved by traditional mental health systems.
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Scholar Graduation Rate
$0K
Average Scholarship

Tuition Scholarship

Merit-based scholarships from partial to full tuition coverage

Dedicated Mentorship

One-on-one mentoring from expert faculty in culturally responsive practice

Specialized Training

Additional seminars and workshops in cultural competence, anti-racist practice, trauma-informed care, and social justice integration

Cohort Community

Supportive cohort sharing commitment to equity and access

Field Placement

Clinical placement support in community-based diverse settings

Professional Growth

Networking, conferences, and leadership development resources
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Graduates serving underserved communities

Who Should Apply

The Pathways Program seeks exceptional candidates who demonstrate both academic promise and a clear commitment to serving underserved communities.

Meet Master's Requirements

Bachelor's degree, strong academic record, and all standard admissions requirements

Commitment to Service

Clear evidence of dedication to serving marginalized and underserved populations

Financial Need

Demonstration of need that would otherwise create barriers to graduate education

Alignment with Values

Commitment to equity, social justice, and culturally responsive care

Meet the Instructor

Learn from an expert in psychoanalytic therapy

Kurt M. Hanus, PsyD, LCPC

Psychoanalytic Therapist & Clinical Supervisor
Treating adults, adolescents, and couples in the Chicago area since 2001
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology
PsyD
Master's in Counseling
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Qualified Supervisor
Michigan & Illinois

Clinical Experience

Dr. Hanus is a psychoanalytic therapist, consultant, and clinical supervisor who has treated adults, adolescents, and couples in the Chicago area since 2001. He 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.

Program Benefits

Earn 3 graduate-level credit hours that may be applied towards your degree

Gain a comprehensive understanding of psychodynamic theory and therapy

Tuition waiver available for eligible participants

Experience ICSW’s teaching style and course structure firsthand

Credits may be transferred to other graduate institutions

Eligibility Requirements

Academic Requirement

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

GPA Requirement

Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Program Cost

$0
For all other participants
Free
Current undergraduate students in their final year

Flexible Schedule

Start: January 20, 2026 at 7:00 PM CST

Format: Bi-weekly synchronous instruction

Off-weeks: Asynchronous coursework

Trevor Anderson
"I enrolled in ICSW's Pathways Program soon after graduating with a PhD in philosophy, suspecting I might want to change my career path from academia to clinical work. The Pathways Program confirmed my suspicions. It was an intellectually and emotionally engaging course. It provided me with an excellent introduction to the theory and practice of psychodynamic psychotherapy."
MA Alumnus