Psychotherapeutic Practice: Humanistic PGDip

The interdisciplinary approach which underpins this programme offers trainee Counselling practitioners a fusion of new and traditional approaches, backed by research.

The foundation of this programme draws on the work of Carl Rogers and the therapeutic relationship; the focusing work of Eugene Gendlin, and the dialogic and experiential work of the Gestalt tradition. From this, the contemporary approach of Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) opens up greater access of human emotion, as it engages with a close interest in the growing understanding of neuroscience and how emotions function differently from cognition in the brain.

The theory will underpin the application to practice through a therapeutic placement comprising of 100 clinically supervised practice hours. In addition, students will undertake a minimum of 25 hours of personal therapy which will support and strengthen both personal and professional development.

The programme will be taught in small groups so that the students have a significant opportunity to engage in the practice and development of their therapeutic competence. In addition, students will be taught through formal lecture and seminar groups where there will be an opportunity to discuss with each other and the tutors, the rich, diverse and often complex issues addressed in the programme.

A good standard undergraduate degree in a compatible subject in the Humanities or Social Sciences. An introductory skills course: evidence of what was covered and at what level will need to be produced at interview. Places for the course are offered subject to interview. Applicants for the programme will be given an opportunity to come and talk to the lecturers so that you can assess whether this is the course for you and we can also make that assessment.