Aim: The primary aim of the programme is to ensure students are prepared to practice safely and effectively within the context of psychotherapy adhering to a recognised ethical and legal framework.
The programme therefore aims to:
Develop student’s critical thinking, analysis and appraisal skills enabling them to make innovative use of robust evidence for psychotherapy practice.
Enable students to gain knowledge, understanding and skills of contemporary psychotherapy interaction necessary to practice with clients at higher and deeper levels.
Develop and facilitate student’s personal growth and development that will enable them to reflect and work at levels of increasing complexity and sophistication.
Provide a multi-professional, inter-disciplinary learning environment for critical and reflective analysis of the practice of psychotherapy.
Learning Outcomes: By the end of the Postgraduate Diploma the student will be able to:
1) Critically evaluate selected theoretical frameworks for the practice of an integrated humanistic approach to psychotherapy.
2) Show a critical appreciation of the developing nature of integrated humanistic studies within psychotherapy and the need for a robust academic and experimental basis for its development.
3) Systematically evaluate the effectiveness of the planning and delivery of psychotherapy services, working in partnership with clients and professionals.
4) Utilise the skills of reflection to develop effective strategies to meet the specific needs of client groups.
5) Understand the nature of the therapeutic relationships within the context of intrapersonal and interpersonal dimensions and socio-political environments.
6) Demonstrate a commitment to ethical and legal principles, non-discriminatory and empowering practices.
By the end of the Masters programme the student will be able to:
Successfully complete a research project that demonstrates the application of knowledge, skills and values inherent in psychotherapy which contributes to the development of professional knowledge and practice. Completion of the MSc may lead to UKCP registration, subject to meeting all the UKCP HIPS requirements. Please note applications for UKCP registration via the UKAHPP can only be made a minimum of two years post qualification.
By the end of the CTA programme the student will be able to:
Successfully complete a substantial written and oral examination that demonstrates the application of Transactional Analysis knowledge skills and values inherent in TA Psychotherapy. Be eligible for registration with the UKCP as a Transactional Analysis psychotherapist via the ITA. Please note the examination process is external to the BCU and the BPCC.
Training Philosophy: The aim of the programme staff is to provide both a stimulating and varied learning experience and offer flexibility in their approach to teaching.
There is an emphasis on an interactive and supportive relationship between the Students and trainers and, therefore, the training group size is limited and rarely exceeds 15 members.
Students are expected to read and explore relevant theory alongside the training course and to take full responsibility for their own learning process. There are ongoing opportunities for students to discuss their progress.
Course Content: Theories of Change in Psychotherapy: 15 credits at level 7. This module builds upon the theories of the person and relationships covered in the Foundation year. The aim of humanistic psychotherapy is to enable clients to undertake personal changes, whether this is in how they view their life and experiences or to make outcome based changes. In order for therapist to be able to facilitate and support client in this process they need to be aware of different models and process of change. Students will be encouraged to consider their own personal development and changes they may be making via their personal therapy and link the theories of change to that process.
The Therapeutic Relationship: 15 credits at level 7 This module establishes the development of a working alliance within a sound, ethical and professional therapeutic relationship as core to humanistic psychotherapy practice. Development deficits, trauma and other childhood issues are developed in relationship therefore in order for healing to take place this too needs to be undertaken within a relationship. Students will be encouraged to consider their own personal development and changes they may be making via their personal therapy and the impact of the therapeutic relationship. Relationships with peers and tutors on the course are also important as is the relationship the student develops with their client and supervisor in clinical placement. The Wider Perspectives in Psychotherapy: 15 credits at level 7 This module establishes the location of an integrated humanistic psychotherapy approach within the wider field of counselling and psychotherapy. The module will include: an exploration of the underlying philosophy, value system and theories of the person of other approaches to counselling and psychotherapy e.g. psychodynamic, cognitive and behavioural, brief therapy and the links with an integrated humanistic perspective; the existing debate concerning schools and integration in counselling and psychotherapy, and their impact on developments in clinical practice; and different approaches to clinical practice in counselling and psychotherapy. Ethics and Professional Practice In Psychotherapy: 15 credits at level 7 This module establishes a critical, ethical and legal framework for practice. It will examine the beliefs and values in counselling and psychotherapy. The module will also include: ethical theories, issues and dilemmas in relation to counselling and psychotherapy practice with diverse individuals and populations; law and legal obligations as applied to the practice of counselling and psychotherapy. The module ensures that the Professional codes of ethics and guidelines employed in the practice of psychotherapy.
Research Methods: 15 credits at level 7 This module builds understanding gradually, by providing students with the skills to master the process of designing, executing, analysing and evaluating research using qualitative and quantitative research techniques. Students will develop the skills to design and plan robust and reliable research studies. They will also learn how to appropriately apply analytical techniques for the analysis of data.
Assessment and Diagnosis in Psychotherapy: 15 credits at level 7 The module provides opportunities for students to critically explore from an integrated humanistic perspective the various psychopathological processes and to consider a wide range of psychotherapeutic responses from an integrated humanistic perspective. Students will demonstrate the capacity to assess clients drawing on DSMIV-TR and other applied theories, to develop treatment plans and treatment strategies that are appropriate to clients’ stage of therapy.
Advanced Theory and Practice in Humanistic Psychotherapy (Double Module): 30 credits at level 7 Students at this stage will be building a secure theoretical base informed by current practice and research in relation to an integrated humanistic approach to psychotherapy as a clinical undertaking. This module ensures that such practice is rigorous, accountable and assessable in accordance with academic requirement, existing professional guidelines and codes of ethical practice. It also facilitates the development of the student’s personal style of humanistic psychotherapy
The module affords students the opportunity to critically analyse and further develop their psychotherapeutic knowledge and skills within ethically based practice settings. The module incorporates organisational approaches, issues and contexts in which integrated humanistic psychotherapy practice is undertaken.
Students are provided with preparation and guidance in undertaking integrated humanistic clinical practice adopting a specific framework/model based on clear theoretical foundations.
Professional Practice Professional practice will be assessed via the professional portfolio. Students must complete the requisite number of clinical hours. They must have received the requisite amount of clinical supervision and have a received a pass in their placement report.
MSc Project The MSc stage seeks to provide students with an opportunity to channel and focus skills of synthesis and critique gained in the Postgraduate diploma stage to a specific area of Psychotherapy practice or theory. This implies a narrowing of content, focus and development of a specialisation.
For Students on the TA Pathway: The MSc Project will be the written element of the Certified Transactional Analysis (CTA) examination process. On successful completion of the CTA written examination students will be eligible to undertake the European Association of Transactional Analysis (EATA) Oral examination. See below for an outline of the CTA exam requirements. Full details of the ITA Psychotherapy Training Handbook can be found on the ITA website www.ita.org.uk/modules/mydownloads/index.php. This handbook contains full details of all the requirements necessary for qualification as a Certified Transactional Analyst with a Psychotherapy Speciality and U.K.C.P. Registration as a Transactional Analysis Psychotherapist. Students will be given a copy of this handbook when they start the course.
Awards: There are four possible awards:
Postgraduate Certificate in Integrated Humanistic Psychotherapy . Awarded on the successful completion of 4 modules (60 credits at level 7) and 100 hours of supervised client contact.
Postgraduate Diploma in Integrated Humanistic Psychotherapy Awarded on the successful completion of the seven modules (120 credits at level 7) and 200 hours of supervised client contact.
MSc Integrated Humanistic Psychotherapy . Awarded after successful completion of the Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits at level 7) plus successful completion of the MSc Project (60 credits at level 7) and 300 hours of supervised client contact.
Certified Transactional Analyst (C.T.A.) with a Psychotherapy Speciality. Awarded on successful completion of the C.T.A. examination. Success in the C.T.A. examination may lead to U.K.C.P. registration as a Transactional Analysis Psychotherapist.
Success in the MSc Integrated Humanistic Psychotherapy may lead to U.K.C.P. registration as a Humanistic Psychotherapist. Application for UKCP registration via the UKAHPP can only be made a minimum of two years post qualification.
Fees: The current costs are £350 for each single 15 credit module and £700 for a double 30 credit module, plus an additional £350 University fees per year. Fees are due on acceptance of a place on the course. It may be possible to take individual modules as C.P.D. Training.
Additional Costs: Students seeing clients also need to be in supervision of a ratio of 1 supervision hour for every 6 client hours and for 1.5 hours per month, supervisors rates vary but are generally £35-£45 per hour, but sometimes supervision is offered by the placement as part of their contract. Students will also need to provide evidence of professional indemnity insurance.
Students seeking U.K.C.P. registration are required to be in personal therapy for a minimum of 40 hours per year for a minimum of 4 years and normally throughout the duration of their training. This should normally be with a U.K.C.P. registered psychotherapist or equivalent. Therapy costs are usually £35-£45 per hour, but some therapists will offer reduced rates to students. Costs for books will also need to be considered. All students will need to belong to a professional counselling / psychotherapy body e.g. BACP, UKAHPP. Students on the TA Pathway will need to be either a Student or Contractual student Membership of the I.T.A. (approx £55 or £130). TA Pathway students will need to check that their personal therapist is either UKCP registered or has successfully applied for ITA Approval as holding UKCP Equivalence.
Standard Post Graduate Programme Course Entry Requirements:
Successful completion of the Graduate Certificate Humanistic Psychotherapy Course, or Level 6 equivalent;
Plus:
A university degree, or
A qualification in one of the helping professions e.g. nursing, social work, teaching, etc.,
Plus:
At least five years experience — in a professional, voluntary, full or part-time basis — of work, which involves establishing ‘helping relationships’.
Plus:
<! Student membership of the 'Institute of Transactional Analysis' for TA Pathway students; or
<! Associate Membership of the UKAHPP for UKAHPP pathway students.
Non-Standard entry: In the event that any of the above entry requirements are not met, may involve evidencing the entry requirements through an interview, a portfolio of achievement and references. The Course Director will need to be assured that candidates are able to grasp the techniques of scholarship required at postgraduate level.
In these cases candidates may be offered the opportunity to submit a Diagnostic Assignment prior to the start of the course. In the case where this work falls short of the level from where postgraduate work could begin, feedback will be offered and the implications for the candidate made clear.
Application Process: In all cases candidates will need to complete a full application form, including a personal statement and provide references from two referees who are not relatives and are able to comment on the candidate’s suitability for the programme. One of these can be an employer or previous tutor. All candidates will also attend an interview and selection day.
During the selection day all candidates will be required to take part in a number of group exercises. The purpose of the selection process is to establish whether the student has demonstrated that they have the following UKCP requirements:
A lively and enquiring mind.
A capacity for critical reflection and self-directed learning.
An ability to listen and respond with compassion and respect.
Awareness of prejudice and the ability to respond openly to issues of race, gender, age, sexual preference, class, disability, ethnic, spiritual / religious and cultural difference, and diversity.
Awareness and sensitivity in relation to the political, socio-cultural and religious / spiritual contexts of people's lives.
In-depth self-reflection
Self-awareness and commitment to self-development. Sufficient emotional competence and the internal resources necessary to engage with the demands of the training and the work of psychotherapy.
By the end of the selection process all candidates will have been interviewed and assessed by at least two tutors from the programme.
Successful candidates will be admitted onto the Graduate Certificate initially. Students who successfully complete this stage may apply for admission on to the Postgraduate Programme. Students who successfully complete the Postgraduate Diploma will be able to register for the M.Sc. Students who possess an equivalent Postgraduate Diploma from another institution may apply to register for the M.Sc. Each case will be considered to ascertain whether there is equivalence between the content of their diploma and that taught at the BPCC. Depending on the outcome of this comparison, the applicant may be able to register directly, or be required to complete a programme of prior study, or register for one or more of the units/modules from the diploma stage in order to fill in any gaps.
C.T.A. Examination: Requirements All training facilitated by a P./T.S.T.A. on the Foundation Certificate in Transactional Analysis, the Graduate Certificate and Postgraduate courses counts towards accreditation as a Certified Transactional Analyst (C.T.A.) with a Psychotherapy Speciality. This qualification is recognised by the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (U.K.C.P.), which is the leading body in this country for the recognition of psychotherapists, and it will provide eligibility for registration.
Psychotherapy training and accreditation is a continually developing and evolving area, an aspect which is in keeping with the philosophy of Transactional Analysis. Qualification as a ' Certified Transactional Analyst' is via written and oral examinations. The written examination consists of a professional portrayal; a description of training experience; a case study of work with a client; plus a number of mini essays in which the candidate describes and illustrates how they use various T.A. concepts within the work they undertake with clients. The oral examination entails an interview with a panel of four qualified practitioners. That interview will focus on how the candidate applies T.A. to their professional practice and utilises three audio transcripts of the candidate's work with clients.
Eligibility to sit the examinations depends on the satisfactory completion of the training programme, the agreement of your contracted trainer as to your readiness, and with the meeting of E.A.T.A./I.T.A.A. and U.K.C.P. entry requirements. The key elements of these eligibility requirements cover training hours, work with clients, supervision, personal therapy, professional membership of I.T.A., training contracts and mental health familiarisation placement.
Success in the C.T.A. examination enables Professional Membership of the 'Institute of Transactional Analysis'. This membership, in turn, carries the right to be listed in the U.K.C.P. National Register as a Transactional Analysis Psychotherapist'.
The C.T.A. qualification is also recognised by T.A. organisations worldwide as a certificate of competence to practise. It is a necessary step if you intend going on to become a T.A. trainer within the international E.A.T.A./I.T.A.A. framework. The current hours requirements for eligibility for the C.T.A. exam are 2,000 hours of professional preparation for the C.T.A. examination, including training, supervision, practical experience and personal development, and of these hours, there must be a minimum of:
1. 750 hours practical experience - of which at least 500 must be as a primary practitioner using T.A., and at least 150 of which must be of work with groups, couples or families;
2. 150 hours supervision - of which at least 75 must be in T.A. by a P.T.S.T.A. or T.S.T.A.;
3. 600 hours of training and professional development - of which at least 300 must be T.A. training;
The additional hours, (i.e. those required to make up the overall total of 2000 hours), can be accrued according to national requirements and guidelines. They may take the form of additional training, psychiatric placement, supervision, personal psychotherapy, seminar presentation, peer case discussion, etc.
Note that you are expected and encouraged to gain a proportion of your Advanced Training and T.A. Supervision hours totals by working with other accredited T.A. trainers that are outside The Bodmin Psychotherapy & Counselling Centre. Thiscould be by attending short courses or workshops with other I.T.A. registered Training Establishments or by attending workshops facilitated by P./T.S.T.A.s at the annual National I.T.A. Conference or any other I.T.A.A. or E.A.T.A. Affiliated conferences.
UKCP Requirements: To achieve U.K.C.P. (Humanistic Integrative Psychotherapy Section – H.I.P.S.) registration as a psychotherapist the requirements are:
1. Candidate has completed not less than 900 hours of appropriate advanced training/supervision over a period of not less than 4 years.
2. Candidate has met all the learning outcomes for the Mental Health Familiarisation Placements as published by the HIPS Section, U.K.C.P., dated 20th May 2003 and amended by the Assessment Board 2nd July 2003.
3. Candidate has completed not less than 450 hours of supervised clinical practice.
4. Candidate has practised psychotherapy for a minimum of 2 years under supervision.
5. Candidate has received supervision at a ratio of 1 hour per 6 hours of client contact on no fewer than 450 client contact hours.
6. Candidate has established a regular caseload including at least two long-term clients and has demonstrated successful closure of at least one case.
7. Candidate has had an experience of psychotherapy congruent with the psychotherapy they have trained in. Has done a minimum of 40 hours therapy per year for 4 years with a U.K.C.P. registered psychotherapist or equivalent.
8. Candidate has successfully completed a written psychotherapy dissertation/case study.
Practice, Supervision and Personal Therapy: Application of theory to clinical practice is an important part of training to be a therapist. Students are required to have a psychotherapy placement for the duration of the Postgraduate Certificate onwards if they are not already working with clients within the psychotherapy professions, and are also expected to receive regular supervision in accordance with U.K.C.P. requirements. It is usual for students to have to have a satisfactory enhanced CRB check before they can see any clients. It is a requirement of BPCC that any students seeking a placement at the centre have a satisfactory CRB/ ISA check. Please check with your placement provider whether the student or provider is responsible for the payment of the CRB fee - this is currently £52+VAT.
Students who wish it may join a supervision group of 2 or 3 other students who will meet on a monthly basis to discuss the application of theory to their clinical cases. Individual supervision is also available. The fees for supervision are in addition to the course fees.
It is recommended that all students have access to a therapist for the duration of their training. For those intending to become Certified Transactional Analysts or to gain U.K.C.P. Registration, there is a requirement that they experience personal therapy with a U.K.C.P. Registered psychotherapist, or equivalent, of a duration and type that they intend to put into practice with clients. In addition, the U.K.C.P. further state that students must have a minimum of 40 hours personal therapy per year for a minimum of 4 years and throughout the duration of their training. These requirements are laid down by the I.T.A. and U.K.C.P. as a professional and ethical necessity.
Teaching and Learning:
Teaching and learning is based on the premise of working from the student’s existing frame of reference. This frame is then challenged by the introduction of theories, philosophies and experiences that may offer alternative ways of thinking, feeling and behaving. Psychotherapy training can be transformational process, the purpose of the teaching and learning methods used is to facilitate student’s ability to develop self awareness, to offer alternative ways of thinking, feeling and behaving so that the student becomes a robust, ethical and competent clinician with the ability to comprehend and appreciate a wide range of frames of reference, all of which have equal validity even though they may differ significantly.
Students are encouraged from the start to become reflective practitioners and to begin developing research skills to explore theories, personal experience, published information to support or challenge beliefs, values and attitudes.
Students will be expected to prepare for each training weekend by researching the topics for discussion. This will be presented to the training group for discussion, debate and critique. This process enables the student to decide what theories/philosophies, models and approaches will influence their clinical practise. It will also enable to student to articulate, support and critically analyse their chosen style.
Participation of the student in the group process is an essential component of the programme. It provides an opportunity for members of the group to develop an awareness of how they interact in groups and provides students with an opportunity to give and receive feedback from group members. This tutor-facilitated process provides an opportunity for student discussion of personal challenges inherent in the educative process to enhance the skills and knowledge of an integrated humanistic psychotherapist.
Students can expect a variety of teaching and learning strategies, that will range from traditional lectures, through to student led seminar presentations, group work, and simulation.
The course team has a wealth of experience in respect of teaching, academic knowledge, and clinical experience. However there will be instances in the programme when ‘clinical experts’ in their discipline and in the field will be invited to deliver aspects of the programme in order augment the programme team.
Tutorials: Formal tutorials will be held twice a year in order to review the student’s participation and progress in the training. Areas that are important to discuss include large and small group participation, skills practice and coursework. The importance of ensuring that students have a personal readiness to progress to the next stage of the training is reviewed and discussed at this meeting. Issues related to their personal journey may also be explored as would any issues regarding supervision or personal therapy.
Portfolio: Students are required to keep a portfolio of practice. The following information is required to be recorded in the Portfolio: A record of all client contact hours; (Signed by their supervisor.) A record of all supervision hours; (Signed by their supervisor.) A copy of all placement reports; (Signed by their supervisor.) A record of all personal therapy hours; (Signed by their personal therapist) A record of all personal development hours:(Signed by their personal tutor.) A record of case studies and case summaries; A reflective journal; Personal Development planning; and Record of Attendance.
The next Interview and Selection Day for the TA Foundation Course, Graduate Certificate and Postgraduate Training Courses is on Saturday 4th September 2010.
