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Diploma / MA in Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy

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Our Training Approach

BCPC's training approach is based on an informed appreciation of the historical roots of theories within the field, across a spectrum from Humanistic to Psychoanalytic. Experiential learning aims to bring the theoretical concepts alive. This enhances and develops self-awareness and reflectiveness helping BCPC graduates formulate their own synthesis: an individual integration which creates a unique, coherent and considered approach to integrative psychotherapy.

We are also interested in developing contemporary approaches in our training. In 'contemporary psychoanalysis' we find Intersubjective Systems Theory (IST) allows us to expand our Humanistic ethos which accepts the primacy of the client's experience, into a fully relational stance. We embrace IST as an elegant and robust theory which firmly places the relationship at the centre of the therapeutic endeavour, as an organic, lived experience. In contemporary humanistic approaches, we find 'Dialogical Gestalt' highly compatible with IST and have integrated these two theories for the last fifteen years. The 'relational sensibility' that is core in BCPC's identity thus finds a unique integration and theoretical underpinning.

Entry requirements

Applicants need to have completed the BCPC Foundation Certificate or an equivalent certificate course externally. Applicants who already have a counselling diploma (from BCPC or an equivalent training) can join the Diploma at Stage One, Year 2.

External applicants wishing to enter at Stage One, whether in Year 1 or Year 2 (for those with a counselling diploma equivalent to the BCPC qualification), are required to attend an Orientation Day which is held 2 weeks before start of term, at no additional cost. See the course information sheet for more details.

The entry standard for the Diploma is at postgraduate level. Students without a prior undergraduate degree will be eligible with sufficient prior learning and/or life experience (Approved Prior Learning (APL)/Accreditation of Prior and Experiential Learning (APEL) procedures will apply).

Course Structure

The Diploma/MA is divided into three stages. It takes between 5 to 7 years to complete the taught training, followed by up to 2 years to submit qualifying papers.

We require students to be in individual therapy at least weekly with a psychotherapist on our Approved Practitioner Lists throughout the duration of the course, the cost of which is not included in tuition fees. Students are also required to keep a journal. This helps develop self-reflection, and awareness of process which is necessary for the cultivation of an authentic psychotherapeutic relationship with the client.

Individuals admitted onto this programme will embark on a thorough and in depth training that involves:

• Group building workshops

• Theoretical and practical seminars

• Work discussion groups

• Business meetings

• Video taped skills sessions for reflection and discussion

• Peer and individual supervision

• Teaching of core models of supervision

• Tutorials

• Agency placements

• Guidance for setting up in private practice

• Specialised core study courses

• Facilitated learning community

• Tutoring and feedback in preparation for writing the final submission

Course Outline

STAGE ONE

The Primacy of the Client-Therapist Relationship

Length of Stage: 2 years

In the first two years of training the course meets weekly, with 32 day-long meetings within each academic year. Full attendance is recommended. Students are also expected to support their learning by reading all set books for the stage as well as a selection from a broader reading list. We recommend allowing four hours per week for study.

Year 1:

Students work with clients in agency placements where they receive regular supervision. In addition to the placement, individuals meet for theoretical and practical seminars, workshops, discussion groups, and tutorials.

Each student receives three tutorials during the year (two of 25 minutes and one of 50 minutes), which take place outside the designated course time.

Year 2:

Students begin to set up in private practice with the support of tutors and supervisors. The agency placement from the previous year is usually dropped during this year to allow room for the private practice to develop. In addition to this, the course meets for a business meeting, theoretical seminars, facilitated peer supervision groups, and a final one-day workshop.

Each student receives four tutorials of 50 minutes which take place outside the designated course time. Individuals are also required to arrange, and meet the cost of, fortnightly supervision sessions outside of course times, initially with core teaching staff and subsequently with one of the supervisors from our Approved Practitioners List.

Students have the option of registering for the MA programme at the beginning of the Spring term of this year.

STAGE TWO

Development of an Authentic Therapeutic Approach

Length of Stage: 2-4 years

The course meets three Saturdays per year for group days. In addition to this, students are required to undertake two Core Study Courses - Relational Process and one other option.

Students in this stage continue to develop their private practice and also undertake a mental health placement. They will continue in individual and peer supervision. A training contract is established and renewed each year in consultation with the tutor. Overall this stage furthers the process of internalising the learning from previous stages while moving into the role of psychotherapist.

Each student receives two tutorials of 50 minutes per year.

STAGE THREE

Integration in Therapeutic Practice and Assimilating Theory, Practice and Personal Experience

Length of Stage: 1 year

This stage meets for 18 day-long meetings. It allows for the students, now confident and competent in their practice of psychotherapy, to articulate their own style and theoretical perspective as they continue to prepare for independent practice and the final submission of written work. The student group forms a learning community to develop their thinking and plan their writing. Students are introduced to experiential research methods to identify and define individual research interests/concerns, and are encouraged to find creative means of exploring their dissertation subject area.

Each student receives three tutorials of 50 minutes which take place outside the designated course time.

STAGE THREE - SUBMISSION PHASE

Length of Stage: up to 2 years

Students may take up to 2 years to submit their final qualifying papers for the Diploma / MA after the Stage Three taught year. There are no course fees during this submission phase.

Personal therapy, individual and peer supervision continue as before.

Tutorials are arranged on the basis of individual need and paid for separately. It is recommended that students have a minimum of three tutorials per year.

Core Study Courses

Core Study Courses are open to BCPC students in advanced stages of training. Sample courses include ‘Relational Process’, ‘Reflection and Presence: a Contemplative Approach to Psychotherapy’, ‘Intersubjective Dialogue in Working with Difference’, and ‘Working with Body Process’. On average they run every two years. Relational Process runs yearly and is a mandatory Core Study Course for Psychotherapy Diploma students in Stage 2 of the training. These courses are also of interest to graduates for CPD purposes, refreshment, or further study.

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