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ISTDP Pre-Core
Workshop 2026
Workshop in brief
ISTDP-North’s Pre-Core Training provides a foundational introduction to Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP), designed to prepare clinicians for Core Training and deepen their understanding of ISTDP principles and clinical skills. The programme combines concise teaching, experiential skill development, and practical case integration — helping clinicians build confidence with core ISTDP concepts before progressing to Core Training.
Course overview
Duration: 5 months
Start Date: 5 April
Fees: £700 general registration
Format: Hybrid learning experience
Sessions: 2 full days + 4 evenings
Outcome: Preparation for applying to a core training
Training Team
Dr Javier Malda Castillo
Trainer & Supervisor
Dr Josette ten Have-de Labije
International Teacher & Supervisor
Dr Sarah Corfe
Assistant Teacher
Dr Frances Chaisty
Course Assistant
Dr Bethany Camp
Course Assistant
Dr Malda Castillo is a clinical psychologist (DClin) and an International Experiential Dynamic Therapy Association (IEDTA) certified teacher and supervisor in ISTDP.
For the past decade, he has worked in the NHS delivering and implementing ISTDP and has published several studies on the efficacy and suitability of this method in secondary care mental health services.
He trained in ISTDP with Dr Neborsky and Alexandra Knowles, and has specialized in this method with Dr Josette ten Have-de Labije over the past five years in Germany.
He is also an accredited Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT) supervisor by the Anna Freud Centre and has extensive experience in delivering supervision within the framework of NHS England’s rollout of psychological therapies.
His previous therapeutic training includes two years of group psychodynamic therapy with the Institute of Group Analysis (IGA), and four years of individual psychodynamic psychotherapy with the Tavistock Clinic psychotherapy training program.
Josette ten Have-de Labije, PsyD, is a qualified psychotherapist and clinical psychologist. She is trained as a cognitive-behavior therapist (individual and group settings), couples therapist, therapist for psychodynamic individual and group psychotherapy, and therapist for Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy.
From 1989 to 1992, she was a member of the Dutch ISTDP core group, which was trained and supervised by Professor Dr. H. Davanloo.
As a supervisor and trainer of ISTDP, she has provided supervision, several post-doctorate courses, and workshops in the Netherlands. In addition, she has given—and continues to give—workshops, training, and supervision on ISTDP in the USA, Canada, South Africa, China, England, Denmark, Norway, Poland, and Italy.
She has been a board member of the International Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy Association (IEDTA). She is editor-in-chief of the Ad Hoc Bulletin for STDP: Practice and Theory and has published several books and articles.
Dr. Corfe is a Consultant Psychiatrist with extensive experience in both the NHS and private practice. With over two decades of clinical experience in adult psychiatry, she has worked with individuals diagnosed with a range of psychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders.
In addition to her psychiatric practice, Dr. Corfe is a certified ISTDP therapist. She completed her ISTDP training in 2015 and has continued to receive advanced training and supervision in Germany from Dr. Josette ten Have-de Labije over the past decade. She is currently training to become an ISTDP-certified teacher and supervisor.
Dr Chaisty is a Senior Clinical Psychologist working within the National Health Service (NHS) and in private practice, with over a decade of experience in public healthcare.She is an ISTDP therapist and completed IEDTA-certified ISTDP training with Dr Josette ten Have-de Labije in 2025.
Dr Chaisty continues to be part of an advanced international ISTDP training group in Germany under the supervision and mentorship of Dr ten Have-de Labije.
Prior to specialising in ISTDP, Dr Chaisty completed foundation-level group psychodynamic training with the Institute of Group Analysis (IGA).
Dr Beth Camp is a Clinical Psychologist working across the National Health Service (NHS) and in private practice, with over a decade of experience in public healthcare.
She completed ISTDP-certified core training with ISTDP-UK in 2026 and integrates Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) into her clinical work.
In addition to her ISTDP training, Dr Camp draws on her expertise in trauma-informed practice, including training in trauma-sensitive yoga, to support a holistic and integrative approach to psychological care.
Attendees
Online Seminars & Workshops
In-Person Workshops
training events delivered
Reading Materials
Core Textbook:
Mastering Intensive Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP): A roadmap to the unconscious (Ten have-De Labije & Neborsky, 2012)
Order this book by contacting Dr. Ten Have de Labije at [email protected]
Textbook & Papers
- ten Have-de Labije & Neborsky, R. (2012). Mastering Intensive Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP): A roadmap to the unconscious.
- ten Have-de Labije, J. (1999) Maintaining Davanloo’s Discovery for Uncovering the Unconscious: an attempt at formulating operational definitions of the dependent variables. Part I and II. Ad Hoc Bulletin of STDP, Practice and Theory 3, 1, 4-21.
- ten Have-de Labije, J. (Editor) (2001) Red and Green Traffic Lights on Davanloo’s Road to the Unconscious, Part I in The Working Alliance in ISTDP: whose intrapsychic crisis? VKDP, Amsterdam, The Netherland.
Course Summary
Course Learning Objectives
Curriculum
- 5 months duration
- Hybrid learning experience
- Experiential Learning
- Technical demonstration using videos
Course content
- What can ISTDP treat?
- The initial Assessment Process
- Video-recording to enhance clinical skills
- Formulation using the model
- NHS implementation
- Transferable ISTDP skills to standard clinical practice
Who is this course for?
- Qualified or in-training healthcare professionals.
- Clinicians who wish to enhance their therapy skills through watching reallive video-tapes.
- Clinicians who would like help inworking short-term with complex populations.
- Clinicians interested in integrating basic attachment and psychodynamic principles in their practice.
- Preparation for applying to a core training in ISTDP.
Training Fees
Early Bird
(December 2024 for 2025 intake and August 2025 for 2026 intake)
600£
General Registration
(non-refundable to
process application)
700£
Payment via bank transfer or cash on day 1
Need financial support? Contact us: [email protected]
WHAT'S INCLUDED
2 Full Days in Person (remote option available)
4 Evening
online seminars
Reduced fees
For ISTDP-North Events
Access to Resources
- Video & consent paperwork
- Funding Support for core training
- Latest ISTDP research and updates
What are the core principles of ISTDP?
What is ISTDP?
Core principles of ISTDP
What is IEDTA ?
ISTDP is a specialist form of evidence-based psychodynamic and attachment-based treatment. It has been widely researched in multiple countries, healthcare settings and with a wide range of populations and presenting problems including anxiety, depression, PTSD, sleep problems, functional/physical difficulties, personality disorders etc.
Currently, there are over 200 research studies proving the efficacy of this method, and it has been applied and researched in a variety of NHS settings. For a full list of references can be found HERE. ISTDP training is structured and relies upon trainees’ video recording their therapy sessions.
- Formulation using attachment based and psychodynamic theory.
- Integrative interventions with cognitive, behavioural and psychodynamic principles.
- Trauma informed, with attention to neuroscience research and development and special attention to supporting healthy emotional regulation.
- Using video recording to improve treatment outcomes and training experience
- Evidence-based and geared to implementation in public and healthcare institutions.
“IEDTA” refers to the International Experiential Dynamic Therapy Association, an international body that sets standards for ISTDP training content, supervision quality, and competency development — helping to ensure your Core Training is aligned with recognised ISTDP training pathways.
Training Dates
Introductory Workshops 2025 Intake (FULLY BOOKED)
Introductory Workshops 2026 Intake (FULLY BOOKED)
- 28th February 10.00am to 4.30 pm
- 24 April 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
- 12th June 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
- 11th September 4:00pm to 7:00 pm
- 2nd October 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
- 28th November 10.00am to 4.30 pm
Applications for ISTDP Pre Core Training 2027 are open now! Register your details...
Training Enquiry
Training Application
ADDRESS
1-5 The downs,
Altrincham, WA14 2QD
ISTDP North Clinic Opening Times:
Mondays to Saturdays (Subject to different clinicians’ availability) - 8 am to 6 pm
ISTDP North Training Institute Opening Times
Fridays to Sundays - 8 am to 4 pm
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Hear from our participants
After a training with Javier on use of Mentalization and ISTDP, I am in so much gratitude for his solidly integrated understanding of how to weave this work together. It was well worth awaking at an early morning US Central time zone hour to learn with you. I appreciate your teaching stance: centered, calm, kind, and clear linear presentation. Look forward to more learning here!
I owe much to ISTDP North and to Dr Javier Malda Castillo who introduced me to ISTDP. The lectures are informative, joining theory with practice and there are video recording shared to illustrate the clinical points. It has been 3 years since attending Dr Malda Castillo’s seminars. I have just enrolled in the 3 year training and have not looked back. This is the model the NHS needs, offering patients a real deal when working with trauma and acknowledging the role physiology plays when working with unprocessed unconscious feelings following adversed experiences in order to let agency, wellbeing and choice emerge. Highly recommended.
Javier set up a bespoke training package for myself and four other colleagues, which was well thought-out and engaging. I found the training incredibly helpful in providing new insights into my work, and the inclusion of role plays and videos of clinical material helped embed the theory. Javier was clear and concise, ensuring the concepts were understandable. Highly recommend ISTDP North!
I attended a training from ISTDP-North on blending ISTDP with mentalization-based therapy and it was very illuminating. Javier is a wonderful teacher.
Javi is a fantastic and dedicated ISTDP therapist, supervisor and trainer. I think its fair to say he is one of the leading psychotherapists in the UK. Highly recommended.
I attended a 3-hour workshop with Javier, looking at both ISTDP and MBT. The training was fascinating, and very helpful for me to clarify concepts, and when I can best use each approach (or in combination).
Javi is an exceptional supervisor - deeply knowledgeable, constructive, and genuinely compassionate and supportive. My clinical skills and confidence developed greatly under his supervision, and I am now moving on to clinical training. Thanks again, Javi - I would absolutely recommend him as a supervisor.
Javier delivered training on ISTDP on our Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. It was exceptional and I took a lot away from it. A perfect blend of theory and practice. Left me and many of the other trainee wanting more teaching from him. Outstanding quality!
I have been supervised by Javier for the last several years and he is an exceptional supervisor whose has improved my clinical skills. His supportive and reflective approach has helped me deliver more effective therapy. Supervision has been rigorous and rightly so in order to really help me and those I work with. Javier’s training in ISTDP has deepened my understanding of emotional dynamics and accelerated my ability to work with unconscious emotional conflicts.
I confidently recommend him as a supervisor and trainer in ISTDP.
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