Training and Speaking
If you would like Michelle to present or train at your practice, university, or organization, please email her at maymichellem@gmail.com.
Training and Speaking on Intensive Dynamic Therapies and Mental Health
Michelle is not only a therapist but also a dedicated educator and trainer. In addition to her role as Chair and faculty of the Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) Core Training program at the New Washington School of Psychiatry, Michelle passionately offers trainings throughout the year.
These trainings provide valuable insights and techniques that can help transform mental health practices, universities, and organizations. Michelle's expertise in intensive therapies and her deep understanding of how learning to speak to the unconscious mind can elicit lasting change make her an invaluable resource for those seeking to enhance their understanding and treatment of mental health.
When presenting to medical and mental health professionals, Michelle incorporates video tapes of actual therapy sessions. These recordings offer a valuable opportunity for clinicians to witness the work firsthand, allowing them to observe the therapeutic process, interventions used, and the client's responses. The use of video tape not only enhances the educational aspect of presentations but also provides a tangible illustration of various therapeutic techniques and their applications. By visually experiencing the dynamics of real-life sessions, professionals can gain deeper insights into the intricacies of therapeutic work and enrich their own clinical practice.
Her trainings offer participants the opportunity to delve into the intricacies of intensive therapies, including ISTDP, which focuses on addressing core emotional conflicts and defenses, leading to rapid and transformative change. Participants will gain valuable skills in working with clients who face challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship issues.
Additionally, Michelle's trainings shed light on the power of learning to speak to the unconscious. The unconscious holds a wealth of information and insight that can be harnessed to facilitate lasting change. By understanding the language of the unconscious and employing effective techniques, practitioners can navigate the depths of the human psyche and guide their clients towards profound transformation.
Flexibility is a key aspect of Michelle's training offerings. She can take requests for speaking topics and is available to conduct trainings at health practices, universities, or organizations.
To inquire about scheduling a training or presentation with Michelle M. May, LPC, please email her at maymichellem@gmail.com.
On-Going Trainings
3-year Core Training in Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) at the New Washington School of Psychiatry
When: a new cohort begins each fall. (Fall 2023 is full.)
Location: Zoom
To apply, go here.
Introduction to Intensive Dynamic Therapy (Pre-Core ISTDP Training)
Course Description: This three-day workshop introduces medical and mental health trainees and professionals to Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP). The first day covers the metapsychology of the unconscious, exploring the roots of mental health symptoms through video tape examples. The second day builds on this foundation, delving into the three types of unconscious anxiety discharge patterns. Participants learn to recognize and regulate unconscious anxiety through video tape examples and hands-on skill-building exercises. On the third day, the focus shifts to different defense mechanisms contributing to mental health issues. Participants learn to identify, clarify, and help clients recognize their defenses through video tape examples and additional skill-building exercises. Throughout the workshop, participants gain insights into their own anxiety and defenses within the learning process.
CEs: 16.5 CE credits are available to those who complete the program in its entirety. Partial CEs are not available.
Cost: $700 for all three days
Location: Zoom
Dates: June 24 - 26, 2024
Time: 10am - 5pm ET
Registration: To register, email Michelle at maymichellem@gmail.com
Presenter Biography: Michelle M. May, LPC, is the chair of the Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) Core Training program at the New Washington School of Psychiatry in Washington, DC. She is a licensed psychotherapist specializing in intensive dynamic therapy with a private practice for adult individuals and couples in Arlington, Virginia, and Washington, DC. She is a board-approved supervisor with the state of Virginia and a sought-after teacher and supervisor, specifically focusing on presenting to practices and supervising licensed clinicians with an interest in intensive dynamic therapies. Michelle is passionate about educating professionals and the public about intensive therapy. She is a Certified Teacher and Supervisor by the International Experiential Dynamic Therapy Association (IEDTA) and provides trainings to health practices, organizations, and universities seeking to learn about mental health and intensive dynamic therapies.
Target Audience: Psychologists, Social Workers, Counselors, MFTs, Psychiatrists, Nurses
Course Content Level: Introductory
Course Schedule:
Learning Objectives:
Describe the causes anxiety and defense mechanisms
Describe how attachment trauma creates the symptoms for while clients seek therapy
Explain the relationship between unconscious feelings, unconscious anxiety, and unconscious defenses
List the six core feelings
Describe an internal emotional problem
Identify three types of unconscious anxiety
Describe what types of anxiety need to be regulated
Describe two ways to regulate anxiety
Describe three signs of striated muscle anxiety
Describe two signs of smooth muscle anxiety
Describe two signs of cognitive-perceptual disruption
Explain the difference between a syntonic and dystonic defense
Describe three systems of resistance
Describe two types of defenses and how can create a presenting problem
Describe one of your defenses against learning
Conflicts of Interest: There is no known commercial interest or conflict of interest for this program.
Cancellation Policy: If for any reason you need to cancel, please contact me so we can work together to determine a resolution.
Grievance Policy: We seek to ensure equitable treatment of every person and to make every attempt to resolve grievances fairly. Please email me with your written grievance. Grievances would receive, to the best of our ability, corrective action to prevent further problems.
ADA Needs: If you have any special requests, please email Michelle at maymichellem@gmail.com
CE and Commercial Support: Michelle M. May, LPC, LLC nor CUE Management Solutions, LLC does not have a relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies or other potentially biasing relationships to disclose to learners.
Continuing Education
CUE Management Solutions, LLC is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. CUE Management Solutions, LLC maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
CUE Management Solutions, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0242.
FAQs for Intro/Pre-Core Trainings
Do I need to be a therapist to attend?
You need to be a student, pre-licensed professional (resident), or licensed medical or mental health professional to attend.
Do I need to have experience in psychodynamic therapy?
No.
Do I need to know if I'm going to do a 3-year Core Training to do this training?
No.
Will the training be recorded?
No.
Are there CEs available?
Yes. 16.5 CEs are available.
Do we have to be taping or show tape?
No.
Do I need any prior knowledge of ISTDP to join?
No.
I'm in another country besides the United States. Can I attend?
Yes.
Is this in-person or online?
This will be an online training via Zoom.
I'm a client in therapy but not a health professional. Can I attend?
No. Due to sharing video tapes of session content, only health professionals-in-training or health professionals can join.
I'm a client in therapy but not a health professional but am still interested in learning about ISTDP. Are you developing something for this?
Yes. Please let Michelle know of your interest.