The study programme in psychotherapy science offered at Sigmund Freud Private University Vienna is the first university-based, theoretical-scientific and practice-oriented preparation for the psychotherapist profession in Europe.
Our study programme was the first to put psychotherapy as a science at the centre of an academic education. In 2005, the Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes in psychotherapy science were accredited, followed by the Doctoral programme in 2007. In Vienna, the degree programmes in psychotherapy science are offered in German and – since 2008 – also in English.
Psychotherapy science is a hermeneutic science which aims at understanding the relationships between individuals and groups, describing mental health as well as mental disorders, researching them with scientific methods and developing corresponding treatment methods.
Ass.-Prof. Mag. Mag. Dr. Martin Jandl, on the Psychotherapy Science Study Programmes:
Connecting teaching, practice and research
Teaching at SFU is practice-oriented and includes theory, personal self-awareness and acquiring psychotherapeutic action competence. The SFU Outpatient Clinics (available since 2006) are valuable training institutions for our students from the first year onwards and are a pillar in providing mental health services to people living in Vienna.
In the third year of the Bachelor Programme, students start specialising in one of the “Psychotherapy Schools” (psychotherapeutic methods), where all contents, as provided by the Austrian Psychotherapy Act, are taught. There are cooperation agreements between SFU and various associations so that psychotherapeutic specialisations (according to § 6-8 PthG, Austrian Psychotherapy Act) are carried out at SFU and thus the path to official registration in the list of psychotherapists for the independent practice of the profession in Austria is possible simultaneously with completing the degree.
Our teaching puts a strong focus on research and science: the Master’s degree course introduces students to the research methods of psychotherapy science. In general, students get involved in the university’s research projects at an early stage.
Benefits of studying Psychotherapy Science at Sigmund Freud University Vienna:
- University degree + professional psychotherapy training
(all requirements for registration in the psychotherapist list of the Austrian Ministry of Health are met) - Internationally recognised academic degree
- Learning and studying in small groups
- Connecting teaching, practice and research
- Individual supervision, dialogue and personal contact with lecturers
- High practical relevance from the 1st semester: in-house practical training at the psychotherapy outpatient clinics
- Degree courses offered in German and English
Are you interested in an academic, practice-oriented education? Contact us any time for an individual phone call at +43 1 798 40 98 451, write us an e-mail at international@sfu.ac.at, or join us at our next information event. We look forward to meeting you!