Professional Certificate in Addiction Studies: Psychoanalytic Theory & Clinical Technique

This advanced professional certificate offers an in-depth exploration of addiction through the lens of psychoanalytic theory and clinical practice. Designed for mental health professionals, psychotherapists, counsellors, and allied practitioners, the programme integrates contemporary addiction studies with psychoanalytic insights into human behaviour, unconscious processes, and the formation of compulsive patterns.

Participants will critically examine the intrapsychic, developmental, and relational dimensions of addiction, exploring the role of trauma, repetition compulsion, ego defences, and transference phenomena. Drawing on key thinkers such as Freud, Winnicott, Lacan, Khantzian, and contemporary relational theorists, the course places addiction within a broader framework of psychic structure and symptom formation.

The programme combines theoretical seminars with case-based learning and technical workshops, providing clinicians with practical tools for assessment, formulation, and intervention. Special emphasis is placed on therapeutic technique, including working with resistance, building the therapeutic alliance, and managing countertransference in addiction treatment.

By the end of the course, participants will have developed a deeper understanding of addiction as both a psychological defence and a symptom of deeper psychic conflict, enabling more nuanced and effective clinical responses in both individual and group settings.

(May) Advanced Professional Diploma in Addiction Studies

(May) Advanced Professional Diploma in Addiction Studies

Course modified date: 12 July 2026

Course Description

This programme provides an advanced professional foundation in addiction studies, integrating neurobiological, psychological and psychoanalytic perspectives. It is not a full specialist training in addiction medicine, psychiatric treatment or any single addiction-treatment modality. It does not qualify participants to practise outside their existing scope of competence. Learners should apply the material within their existing professional role, training background and ethical responsibilities.

The course is particularly relevant for professionals who encounter addiction, compulsive behaviour or dual diagnosis in their work. Learners are encouraged to seek appropriate supervision, further specialist training and referral pathways when working with acute withdrawal, medical complications, safeguarding concerns, severe psychiatric comorbidity or presentations requiring specialist addiction or medical services.

The Freudian and Lacanian material included throughout the programme is presented as substantive theoretical content central to this course's advanced, psychoanalytically informed orientation to addiction. These concepts should never be used to impose interpretation prematurely or to replace evidence-informed, collaborative and client-centred care. Instead, they support listening carefully to speech, repetition, desire, and the symbolic or relational meanings that may shape the relationship, all held alongside humility, ethical restraint, and appropriate supervision.

Learners should understand that addiction work can raise difficult and sometimes distressing material, both clinically and personally, and that the client's safety, consent, pace and lived experience must remain central throughout. Compassionate, psychoanalytically informed practice can enrich assessment and support when held alongside evidence-informed practice and clear professional boundaries.

Teaching is delivered live online and includes lecturer-led input, case discussion, breakout-room case studies, skills practice and reflective exercises. Learners are expected to actively engage with the live sessions, Moodle LMS materials, self-directed reading, reflective tasks and assessment preparation. The programme supports students in developing not only academic knowledge but also professional judgement, ethical reasoning, self-awareness and the capacity to work confidently and reflectively with addiction.

The course may support continuing professional development for counsellors, psychotherapists, trainees, social care workers, healthcare professionals, educators, psychologists, supervisors, community workers and allied professionals. Students should consult the lecturer, course leader or academic registry office if they require clarification regarding accreditation, assessment, attendance, professional pathway requirements, suitability, scope of practice or progression.

This programme welcomes practitioners, students and members of the public alike. Practitioners already working in counselling, psychotherapy, healthcare, education or social care are encouraged to use the course to consolidate and extend their existing knowledge of addiction studies through advanced psychoanalytic perspectives. Students working toward a qualification in counselling or psychotherapy will find the course a rigorous foundation that complements their wider studies. Members of the public, including those with a personal interest in this area of study, are warmly encouraged to enrol.

The College recognises that learners come to this subject from diverse personal and professional backgrounds, and the course is designed to be rigorous and meaningful regardless of prior experience. Reflective exercises, case discussion and skills practice are structured to support learners at all levels, while maintaining the academic depth expected of an Advanced Professional Diploma for Level 8/9 CPD learners. Learners are encouraged to engage honestly and thoughtfully with the material, and to seek appropriate support, supervision or further training where relevant to their personal circumstances or professional development goals.

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