ISTDP Peer Supervision & Support Group in Northern California
A dedicated space for trained therapists to share client video, trade insights, and grow together.
About Our Group: The NorCal ISTDP Connection
We started meeting in October 2014 because we realized that being an ISTDP therapist is deeply rewarding, but it can also be isolating. We needed a place where we could lean on each other, laugh a little, and genuinely improve our craft.
-
Real People, Real Support
We meet quarterly (often over good food!) for connection, socialization, and networking that goes beyond theory.
-
Focused Skill Building
We regularly watch client videotape together to sharpen our clinical eye.
-
No Competition, Just Growth
We believe every therapist has something valuable to contribute. We learn together in a supportive way.
Upcoming Gatherings &
Learning Opportunities
From left to right: Pawel Boyd, Susi Ebert-Khosla, Teri Scott, Tom Xia, Catherine Lockwood, Eval Gal-Oz
In-Person Presentation – High Resistance Initial Session
Presented by Teri Scott, LMFT
Link to teaching video for “Introduction to ISTDP” former event for SCV-CAMFT Sept 2025 https://youtu.be/X9fjZkhJrWs
San Francisco, CA
Saturday, August 22, 2026 from 1:00pm-4:00pm PDT
Open to NorCal members; use the contact form to inquire about the event.
Online Presentation
Presented by Michael Pieterson and Lennard Toma, ISTDP therapists in Holland
Saturday, September 5, 2026 from 10:00am-12:00pm PDT
This presentation will include sharing personal experience in the Rome Mobilization Model (RMM) training group from Michael and Teri, and how they are using their experience in their clinical practice working with clients, supervisees, colleagues, and consultations.
RMM is an advanced ISTDP training format that integrates technical skill-building by working through your own unconscious blockages. Join us to explore your thoughts and reactions to this way of learning through experiencing.
Link to Remissio website: https://www.remissio.nl/en/
Open to NorCal members; use the contact form to inquire about the event.
Online Workshop – Love and Resistance: Working Where the Unconscious Hides
Beneath every system of resistance lies an unconscious longing for connection. In this workshop, two ISTDP therapists will present videotaped clinical work demonstrating how resistance to love is expressed through character defenses, anxiety pathways, and transference phenomena. Through detailed process analysis, the presenters will illustrate the mobilization of the unconscious therapeutic alliance, the restructuring of resistance, and the unlocking of unconscious feelings that make authentic intimacy and lasting structural change possible.
Presenters and Topics:
David Ibrahim, LMFT – Extended Mobilization of the Unconscious: Liberating the Punitive Superego Through Love and Forgiveness “The Woman in the Mirror”
Teresa (Teri) Scott, LMFT – Between Competence and Connection: Working with Character Resistance in a High-Functioning Patient.
Friday, November 13, 2026 from 9:00am-1:00pm PDT
Cost: $200
Click the links above to learn more about the workshop topic and our presenters.
Online Workshop – The Hidden Alliance: Restoring the Patient's Will in ISTDP
How do we help patients face their deepest fears within a relationship of compassion while making the work their own wish rather than ours? This workshop explores how therapists can identify and deactivate projections of will, helping patients reclaim ownership of their desire to engage, face unconscious fears, and take responsibility for the therapeutic process. Through ISTDP theory and clinical video, participants will learn how restoring the patient's will mobilizes the unconscious therapeutic alliance, reduces resistance, and deepens emotional experiencing in a collaborative and compassionate way.
Presented by Johannes Ermagan, Licensed Psychologist in Sweden
Saturday, January 9th, 2027 from 8:00am-11:00am PDT
Cost: $150
Click the link above to learn more about the topic of the workshop.
Help Sustain Our ISTDP Community
If you’re a member or someone who values our work, your donation helps support the essentials:
Website upkeep
Member resources
Training opportunities
Presenter honorariums
Every contribution helps us grow and continue serving the Northern California ISTDP community.
Thank you for supporting ISTDP NorCal!
Ready to Join Our Community?
We're looking for therapists who genuinely enjoy:
Talking ISTDP theory and practice.
Watching client video with an open and constructive mind.
Sharing resources and supporting one another's practice.
Improving clinical skills and, yes… hanging out and eating well!
Your Simple Next Step:
Reach Out: Click the button below, and fill out the contact form to express your interest.
Let's Chat: We'll schedule a quick, welcoming call to learn about your background.
Welcome: Upon a mutual fit, we'll send you the schedule and links to our next gatherings!
World-Class ISTDP Training in Northern California:
Our Past Presenters from October 2014 to Present
International Master Teachers & Authors
Patricia Coughlin, PhD – World-renowned teacher and author of Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy and Lives Transformed. She has trained thousands of therapists globally.
Josette ten Have-de Labije, PsyD – International master teacher and author of Mastering Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy. A central figure in the IEDTA community.
Nat Kuhn, MD – Author of the essential text ISTDP: A Reference, Harvard Medical School faculty, and IEDTA Board member.
Kristin Osborn, LMHC – Founder of Certified APT-Training, Harvard Medical School faculty, and President-elect of the Society for the Exploration and Integration of Psychotherapy (SEPI).
Senior Faculty, Supervisors & Institute Leaders
David Wolff, MD – Senior teacher and supervisor; former faculty at UCLA, USC, and Stanford. A long-time leader in the Los Angeles ISTDP community.
Philip Colgan, PhD – Late master teacher and San Francisco-based psychologist who served as faculty for international ISTDP trainings. He co-led "Winter Schools" with Robert Neborsky and Josette ten Have-de Labije and specialized in treating addiction and intimacy issues.
Ron Albucher, MD – Former Director of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at Stanford University; IEDTA certified therapist and presenter.
Michelle May, LPC – Certified supervisor and author of What I Couldn’t Tell My Therapist. She runs a prominent practice in Washington, D.C./Virginia.
Diane Byster, LMFT – IEDTA Certified Teacher/Supervisor who leads workshops on blocking and anxiety regulation.
Catherine Lockwood, LMFT – Certified ISTDP therapist known for applying ISTDP to couples therapy (AACAST accredited).
Risha Henry, PhD – Stanford-trained psychologist who co-leads international trainings with Josette ten Have-de Labije.
Kristy Lamb, MD – Double board-certified psychiatrist, founder of BOLD Health, and active ISTDP teacher/trainer.
Hannah Rogenkamp, MD – Assistant Professor at Yale University; researcher focused on ISTDP for PTSD and moral injury.
Advanced Presenters & Practitioners
Reiko Ikemoto-Joseph– February 28, 2026 - The Kids Are Not Alright: Integrating Parts Work with ISTDP in Cases of Complex Childhood Trauma
Lucas Jones, MD – Psychiatrist and active IEDTA member/teacher
Jeff Strnad, LMFT– Maintains a dedicated educational website for ISTDP
David Ibrahim, LMFT – Certified in ISTDP and EMDR; specializes in trauma and addiction
Teresa (Teri) Scott, LMFT – Certified ISTDP therapist and supervisor based in Palo Alto
Susi Ebert Khosla, LMFT– Core-trained ISTDP therapist and active group presenter
Tom Xia, MD – Psychiatrist integrating ISTDP and mindfulness in San Francisco
Kevin Campbell, PhD– Licensed Psychologist (CA/CT) with advanced ISTDP core training
Monica Stone, LMFT – ISTDP practitioner focusing on anxiety and defenses
Eveline Wu, LMFT – Berkeley-based therapist with 25+ years of experience and ISTDP focus
David Rudesill, LCSW – Specializes in ISTDP for anxiety and depression
Eval Gal-Oz, PhD – Psychologist at Maia Psychology Center
Paul Brock, LMFT – Experienced practitioner