Sigmund Freud University is a unique institution that pioneered Psychotherapy Science as an academic degree. We seek to set new standards for research and teaching in Psychotherapy by emphasizing research activities, practical training, and academic exchange among the different psychotherapy schools.

Psychotherapy goes back a long way in history. It has been practiced for thousands of years by shamans and other healers as well as by priests and physicians who have offered their help to people struggling with existential crises, anxieties, depression and psychosomatic disorders.

Modern scientific psychotherapy dates back approximately 300 years, and for the past 100 years or so efforts to conceptualize it have been intensified, with Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) at the forefront. He was the first to make great strides in exploring the inner workings of the human soul, and in doing so has made a large contribution to understanding modern human behaviour. Freud’s achievements still have an effect on both his supporters and adversaries, and it is his approach to research which we would like to take as our model.

Since the time of Freud, psychotherapy has witnessed the emergence of a vast array of new methods and innovations. In addition, important common features among the various therapeutic approaches have been ascertained. Moreover, thousands of studies have proven the effectiveness of psychotherapeutic treatment.

Over the past 20 years, worldwide efforts have focused on establishing psychotherapy as a research discipline and profession in its own right. In this endeavour, the developments in Austria have played an important role, considering the fact that the Austrian Parliament passed the first Psychotherapy Law in 1990. This law establishes psychotherapy as an independent profession it its own right and regulates a standardized, scientific-based psychotherapy training. What has been missing so far, however, is its incorporation into an academic setting, in terms of training as well as in terms of research.

SFU has recognized the necessity of providing psychotherapeutic training within the scope of a university education. It offers a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in the science of psychotherapy as well as an extensive conceptualization of research activities.

For the first time worldwide, SFU combines three basic principles of psychotherapy training: self-awareness, practical training under supervision and theoretical input. It sets an example in demonstrating that a university’s responsibilities are not limited to teaching theory, sometimes paired with action-oriented know-how, but also involve giving students a wide range of options for personal development.

SFU adopts the same approach with regard to psychotherapy research, as it not only aims to collect objective data but relate scientific information to the individual in their particular situation in life. In view of the fact that significant progress has been made in the field of evidenced-based psychotherapy research over the past few decades it is of utmost importance to us to link research activities with the daily practice of psychotherapists. We are convinced that the mutual benefits derived from such a two-way learning model serve to increase the quality of research and, as a consequence, lead to more effective psychotherapeutic treatment.

Contact and address:

Sigmund Freud University Vienna - Paris

Ms. Monika Millecker,
Rectorate Assistant

Tel: +43 (0)1 798 40 98
Fax: +43 (0)1 798 40 98 / 20
Email: office@sfu.ac.at

German Website: www.sfu.ac.at

English Website: www.sfu.ac.at/english/index.php?id=137

SFU Paris: www.sfu-paris.fr

Schnirchgasse 9a
A - 1030 Vienna
Austria

SEPT is a European wide survey to assess the impact of the European Certificate of Psychotherapy. SEPT is A Leonardo da Vinci Project, funded by The European Commission.

SEPTIMUS (Strengthening European Psychotherapy Training through Innovative Methods and Unification of Standards) is a new psychotherapy training programme funded by the Leonardo programme. It is co-ordinated by the Centre for the Study of Conflict and Reconciliation, a research centre in the University of Sheffield, in the UK

The theoretical content of SEPTIMUS is delivered in three ten week modules, on "Well-being and Mental Health", "Existential and Human issues" and "Conflict Management". The course is designed to increase accessibility to psychotherapy training for those who have previously been unable to apply due to domestic/work commitments, geographical distance from a training institute or mobility problems. Course content is therefore delivered using CDs and a web-based learning environment and is available anywhere in Europe so long as the student has access to the internet. Contact between students and staff is maintained by the use of discussion groups and virtual chatrooms. Students are also required to be registered with one of 16 participating training institutes in 8 European countries. As well as studying theory and the principles of psychotherapy practice, students will also undertake supervised placements and personal therapy, and the training institutes will help students to arrange these in their local areas.

Students who complete the course satisfactorily will be awarded a certificate of completion of one year of psychotherapy training. It is hoped that this will be recognized by the European Psychotherapy Association as a part requirement for the award of the European Certificate of Psychotherapy. In addition, students may register with the University of Sheffield in which case students who have satisfactorily completed the course will be awarded a PG Certificate and may continue their distance learning studies in the University to obtain a Masters degree. Sheffield students wishing to use SEPTIMUS as part fulfilment of a psychotherapy training must also register with Dilemma Consultancy.

For further information about enrolling on the Masters in Medical and Health Science, contact: Susan Proctor, tel: +44 (0)114 222 2988, email: S.B.Proctor@sheffield.ac.uk
For information on enrolment on the SEPTIMUS course, contact:
Esra Gurkan, tel: +44 (0)114 266 0543, email: septimus@dilemmas.org

Countries, partners and organisations participating in the SEPTIMUS project