Introduction to ISTDP

This intensive course takes place from Monday to Friday, April 20-24, 2026. The day will begin at 9:15am and continue as late as 6:00pm, most days.

This workshop/course in Intense Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) will introduce students to many of the central tenets of ISTDP. They will have exposure to video presentations that illustrate the techniques associated with the theory, participants will then begin the process of applying their insights within a closed-circuit video format. The course is designed to enable pastors and therapists to become familiar with the nature of the unconscious.  Participants will explore the pervasive themes of life including love, attachment, trauma, guilt, and forgiveness.

It is the object of the course that participants will come away from the experience with a greater sense of themselves, while acquiring new and eminently applicable pastoral skills. Additionally, class members will leave the course of study with a deeper appreciation of human resilience.

All are welcome; students and clergy are especially invited to participate.

About the Instructor: The Rev. Canon Dr. Jody Clarke, Professor of Pastoral Theology, earned a BA (Dalhousie); an MDiv (Trinity College, Toronto); and a DMin (St. Stephen’s College, Edmonton). His specializations include pastoral psychotherapy, death and dying, trauma and trauma recovery, guilt, forgiveness, and peace. He is a certified trainer and supervisor of Clinical Pastoral Education supervisors.

Dates: April 20 - April 24, 2026

Days & Times: This course will be offered in-person.

Students should plan to attend sessions during all mornings, afternoons, and evenings of this week. Final schedule TBA.

Requirements: Readings and discussions. No written work, projects, or presentations.

Books to purchase: Readings will be provided by the instructor.

Fee: $500.00

Format: In-person only

Location: King’s Room (lower-level AST Library)

Please note: This Continuing Education program is non-credit, meaning it cannot be counted toward a degree or diploma, and will not be transcripted. Continuing Education registrations are refundable until 7 days before a program commences. After that time, fees are non-refundable.

Questions? Please contact: Lydia Hood, Continuing Education Coordinator, at lydia.hood@astheology.ns.ca

Or the instructor, the Rev. Canon Dr. Jody Clarke at jody.clarke@astheology.ns.ca