Study Groups – Psychotherapy Science

The study groups of the Faculty of Psychotherapy Science are aimed at all current and former SFU students, regardless of their semester of study or elective subject. Participation can be partially recognised for the Window of Opportunity or as internship hours. In addition to participation, the prerequisite for recognition is the provision of the certificates of achievement required by the faculty. Information on this can be obtained from the head of the respective study group.

1. SFU Gender Study Group

The Gender Study Group is an interdisciplinary seminar on topics of gender construction that are present in the interaction of the sexes with and among each other. Aspects of gender differentiation and the social construction of womanhood and manhood are developed, critically scrutinised and discussed on the basis of specialist readings, films and lectures.

Overview of topics 2017-2025 (PDF, in German)

Gender Study Group in the winter term 2025/26

Dates in the winter semester 2025/26

  • 17.9.25, 8.10.25, 12.11.25, 17.12.25, 21.1.26; each from 18:00 – 20:30h
  • The literature on the topic can be found in the password-protected area PTW-intern (folder “Zusatzangebot – Gender Study Group”).

Topic “Perversion”

More information is available on our German page.

Contact:
Mag. Dr. Anita Dietrich-Neunkirchner
Psychologist, psychoanalyst, head of the GenderStudyGroup
anita.dietrich@sfu.ac.at

2. Working Group Qualitative Research

The research team “Qualitative Psychotherapy Research” invites interested students to join the working group for qualitative research.

Regular meetings in the circle of qualitative research students:

  • Discussions and exchange on research projects and theses
  • Possibility for interpretation or evaluation groups
  • Support in the working group from researchers and lecturers at the Institute for Qualitative Psychotherapy Research
  • Familiarisation with new methods and expansion of own research skills
  • Joint reading of texts on methods or interesting research work
  • etc. etc.

AG Qualitative Research in the winter term 2025/26

If you are currently working on a qualitative project (BAKK, MAG Arbeit or other research activity) or would like to deepen your existing knowledge, please register at quali@sfu.ac.at. Places are limited; the meetings will take place ONLINE via Zoom.

Dates in winter term 2025/26:

  • 06.10., 03.11., 01.12.2025
  • 12.01.2026

We look forward to the meetings together!
Birgitta Schiller, Mathias Grüner and Eva Wimmer

3. Depth Hermeneutics Group: Psychoanalytical Cultural and Social Research

Participation in the Depth Hermeneutics Group is open to all SFU students, regardless of their field of study or semester; however, it is also open to other interested parties. Both research and Window of Opportunity points can be earned by participating in the interpretation sessions. At the meetings, material is interpreted together, which is to be read in advance. Through the impressions, feelings and associations that the material has triggered in each of us and the contradictory ways of reading that arise as a result, we work together to unlock the unconscious meaning of the material.

Deep Hermeneutics Group in the winter term 2025/26
  • Dates: Thursdays, 5 – 7 pm
  • Information on the dates and the topic / material to be viewed in advance will be sent out via an e-mail distribution list. If you would like to take part, please send an e-mail to markus.brunner@sfu.ac.at

An interpretation group has existed at SFU for several years, which uses the method of deep hermeneutics to explore the unconscious dimensions of social interactions and processes. We meet every 2-4 weeks – depending on demand – to work on material from various research projects, in particular bachelor’s and master’s theses by SFU students. For example, we have already interpreted observation protocols from a school lesson, group discussions with young people, interviews with fraternity members and girls, propaganda speeches from Austria and Iran, field reports on the Maidan protests in Ukraine, music lyrics and videos from the former Yugoslavia and extracts from court transcripts.

Deep hermeneutics, developed by Alfred Lorenzer, is a qualitative method of critical-psychoanalytical cultural and social research. In contrast to other methods, deep hermeneutics focuses on the unconscious content of the material to be analysed (texts, films, interviews, etc.). Although these unconscious “scenes” merely shimmer through “between the lines”, they involuntarily affect the recipients and interpreters and can be revealed by analysing these reactions. The aim of the working group will be to utilise spontaneous feelings and associations for an interpretation of the material. More information on deep hermeneutics can be found here.

Since the method of deep hermeneutics works with the classic psychoanalytical methods of “free association”, “equal attention” and “scenic understanding”, but at the same time always takes a look at social conditions, the work in the interpretation group offers a good introduction and insight into critical psychoanalytical thinking.

Previous knowledge of deep hermeneutics or psychoanalysis is not a prerequisite for participation, only the willingness to engage emotionally with the material to be interpreted, an enjoyment of self-reflection and the willingness to come to our meetings regularly (although it is also permitted to “drop in” once). Participants are also welcome to bring their own material from bachelor’s or master’s theses to the group.

Students of psychotherapy science can earn both research and window of opportunity points by participating in the interpretation rounds.

We meet every Thursday afternoon from 5– 7 pm. The exact dates and also which material will be discussed and when will be decided together with the participants on site. Information about the next dates, the topic and the material to be read/watched in advance is always sent out via an e-mail distribution list.

If you are interested in joining us, please send an e-mail to markus.brunner@sfu.ac.at and you will be added to the e-mail distribution list.

Dr Markus Brunner
Head of the Psychology Master’s specialisation Social Psychology and Clinical Psychology

4. Psychoanalytic Research Colloquium

The Psychoanalytical Research Colloquium takes place once a semester across all faculties. It is intended to be a place for question-orientated exchange on psychoanalytically oriented qualification papers and research projects.

All those interested in psychoanalytical research can take part – both with their own questions/projects and as co-discussants. Window of Opportunity points can be earned by participating in the research colloquium.

Contact: Dr Markus Brunner & Dr Helga Klug

Psychoanalytical Research Colloquium in the winter term 2025/26

21. November 2025, 9 – 15.30, SFU Vienna

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