MA Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy

Overview

This programme provides the training in counselling and psychotherapy necessary to become eligible for BACP (British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy) individual practitioner registration.

The programme, accredited by the BACP, is based on an integrative relational approach to counselling and psychotherapy, which has been developed over many years by our cutting-edge teaching team. Our integrative approach, at the forefront of counselling and psychotherapy theory, practice, and research, incorporates aspects from three main therapeutic traditions; person-centred, cognitive, and psychodynamic. You will be encouraged to explore psychological processes and experiences from these different perspectives, and recognise the theoretical, personal, and cultural assumptions which influence your work.

The course emphasises the central importance of the therapeutic relationship. Therefore, as well as developing cognitive and reflective skills, you will also learn practical ways of working with your clients in a therapeutic relationship to address conscious and unconscious needs and produce a change in emotional and cognitive processes and behaviour. Central to developing your therapeutic skills is a sustained effort of atonement to the client as well as openness to and awareness of their and your internal processes. This involves integrating complex and advanced skills, and responding creatively to complex, novel and unpredictable situations. As well as having a theoretical understanding of these processes, from the first year you will have modules allowing you the opportunity to practice your counselling skills.

Our teaching includes life-span developmental theories, therapeutic skills practice in small groups, supervision of client work in small groups, critical analysis of approaches and research into counselling and psychotherapy. You will be taught through interactive lectures and seminars, experiential skills workshops, small clinical supervision groups, and personal development work. ?Much of your learning will be a reflection on your experience of skills practiced and the use of demonstration, observation, self, peer, and tutor feedback as well as a more traditional academic study.

You will develop a critical understanding of the role of research in the development of the counselling and psychotherapeutic disciplines and be able to incorporate research knowledge into clinical practice. You are required to be in personal therapy throughout the course, which will help you to develop a high level of awareness of self and the therapeutic process, to be able to use this constructively in therapeutic encounters. You will be equipped with the necessary skills to work with a wide range of people with a range of psychological issues in a variety of settings.

Career Options

Graduates can work in health and social services, voluntary organisations, and the education in counselling field.

You need an undergraduate degree at grade 2.2 honours or above in psychology or the social sciences or an arts related subject, plus a basic counselling skills training (Level 2 or 3), plus evidence of experience of working in a helping role with vulnerable adults in either employed or voluntary work.