Sigmund Freud himself already formulated the idea of establishing psychotherapy as an independent scientific discipline. Psychotherapy Science, as taught and advanced at the SFU, represents the realisation and expansion of this vision: the academisation of the psychotherapeutic profession. Our study programmes are guided by the educational requirements for the practice of the profession as regulated by the Austrian Psychotherapy Act and provide additional training in scientific and research methodology. With this contribution to the training of psychotherapists, the Faculty of Psychotherapy Science promotes the academic autonomy of the profession within the health care system.
Didactic focus: Action-oriented learning and personality development
In accordance with the SFU mission statement, psychotherapy science also defines itself as a human science project in which the integration of theory and practice has highest priority. In the university’s own outpatient clinics, students can practically apply their first knowledge in research and psychotherapy. A range of different psychotherapy methods is available for clinical specialisation. On their way to becoming psychotherapists, the personal development of our students is an essential part of the training and enables the development of individual competencies. We believe that learning through relationship in a lively academic environment is the best way to achieve this and thus emphasise seminars in small group settings where self-awareness and close supervision of practical work are offered.
Academic excellence through synergies and international cooperation
Within the framework of human and social sciences emphasised at SFU, the Faculty of Psychotherapy Science strives to play a leading international role as a professional training institution of contemporary and self-aware psychotherapy. The interdisciplinary exchange with neighbouring disciplines is achieved through a close collaboration with the SFU’s own faculties of medicine, psychology and law, as well as through cooperation with renowned academic and institutional partners on an international level. This gives students the opportunity to experience different perspectives in cross-faculty seminars and research projects, thus securing future graduates a leading role in the further development of theory and practice. Our degree programmes are offered in German and English. This promotes the international competence of our graduates, who can participate in the global transfer of professional knowledge while still studying.