If you are thinking about training to be a counsellor or psychotherapist, or would like to chat to someone to find out more about what this involves, please get in touch with us at the centre.  The centre has a very relaxed and welcoming atmosphere ideal for learning and we are always keen to hear from people who are considering a change of direction in their career.

Overview 

The psychotherapy training is a 4 year training. The first three years follow the same format as the psychotherapeutic counselling training.  however there are a number of differences to meet the depth and intensity for the psychotherapy qualification requirements studied at academic level 7.

The criteria therefore takes a number of things into consideration

Psychotherapeutic change

A further difference in the 4th year is the attention to the intrapsychic and interpersonal levels of change. Berne talked about this as intrapsychic change and script cure.

We critique and analyse the concept of cure.

From an Integrative perspective we consider how TA and other models use concepts such as process and exploratory contracting, inter-subjective and co-creative approaches, script protocol and working with the unconscious are relevant to psychotherapy at a more advanced level of integration.

Research component

We have specific criteria to fulfil in terms of the research requirements. There are self-directed, structured tasks researching concepts such as integration, diversity and ethics.

There is also a research essay to assess capacity for critique and analysis.

In order to address the requirements for the psychotherapy qualification the training pentagon will be used to evaluate a more advanced level of understanding and relational depth within the therapeutic relationship.

Pathology

The content of the 4th year includes and is inclusive of both a mental health and Transactional Analysis diagnostic component, including;

A mental health familiarisation placement.

Consideration of pathology from a psychotherapy perspective.

Specific leaning towards mental health and well-being.

Completing a mental health placement

A reflective written piece on the mental health placement

Demonstration of mental Health experience and knowledge

A reflection of the above in the final written assessment.

Unconscious processes

The psychotherapy year means understanding and working with transference and countertransference within the therapeutic relationship. In TA terms we think of this as deconfusion which means working effectively with unconscious processes from a place of understanding and relational depth within an individual, couple or group context.

The 4 year psychotherapy training ensures the trainee completes the necessary requirements to meet the criteria for UKCP to progress towards accreditation as a psychotherapist.

Training content of the 4th year

Completing and Passing the 4th year will be the spring board for accreditation as a psychotherapist should this be the preferred route.

Please see the separate accreditation criteria and allow for this in your costings.

Psychotherapy training year 4

Content	Objectives
An existential approach to psychotherapy	To understand and critically evaluate existentialism To discuss the significance of spirituality To understand and critically evaluate theoretical concepts of spiritually from a TA perspective To critically evaluate spirituality in clinical practice
Research and Development in TA and its application	To analyse and critique an identified model of research. To understand the significance of research in relation to psychotherapy. To understand the relevance of studies and research findings in human development, memory, diversities, ethics and legal issues. To critically evaluate a theoretical concept of TA and its psychotherapeutic effectiveness.
Diagnosis and DSM5 self-psychology	To understand and critically evaluate the DSM 5 as a diagnostic tool. To discuss and critically evaluate the diagnosis and treatment approach to disorders of the self according to Benjamin. To critically evaluate the significance of diagnosis in clinical practice with disorders of the self including considerations around ethics and equality
Working with the Schizoid presentation within the therapeutic relationship	To understand and critically evaluate the self psychology of the Schizoid presentation according to Kohut and Masterson . To understand and critically evaluate the TA approach to the Schizoid presentation. To critically evaluate the theoretical concepts of the Schizoid presentation in clinical practice.
Working with the Narcissistic presentation within the therapeutic relationship	To understand and critically evaluate the self psychology of the Narcissistic presentation according to Kohut and Masterson . To understand and critically evaluate the TA approach to the Narcissistic presentation. To critically evaluate the theoretical concepts of the Narcissistic presentation in clinical practice.
Working with the Borderline presentation within the therapeutic relationship	To understand and critically evaluate the self psychology of the Borderline presentation according to Kohut and Masterson . To understand and critically evaluate the TA approach to the borderline presentation. To critically evaluate the theoretical concepts of the Borderline presentation in clinical practice
Destructive patterns as Coping strategies –  eg self harm and suicidal ideation, eating disorders, overworking etc	To recognise and understand the symptoms and presentation of destructive behaviours. To discuss and critically evaluate TA approaches to destructive behaviours including ethical considerations. To understand and discuss the principles of containment and validation in the clinical practice of destructive behaviours. To discuss and evaluate the therapeutic benefits of reframing.
Using Psychodrama with TA	To understand and critically evaluate Psychodrama as a model of psychotherapy To critically evaluate theoretical concepts of Psychodrama in clinical practice To analyse and critique similarities and differences of Psychodrama and TA To participate and experience Psychodrama as an intervention of Psychotherapy
Field theory and a phenomenological approach; the I-Thou relationship	To understand and critically evaluate field theory and the phenomenological approach. To discuss and understand the I-Thou relationship. To analyse and critique the similarities and differences between the Gestalt approach and TA. To critically evaluate the Gestalt approach in clinical practice.
Learning from our mistakes, shame in the therapist Taboo subjects in the therapy room	To discuss, reflect and evaluate our experience of being a therapist including considerations of equality and diversity To compare and contrast models of TA supervision with other therapeutic models of supervision To understand and critically evaluate supervision in the four fields of TA and the four schools of TA