Tavistock Relationships specialises in couple relationships and is the leading couple therapy centre in London but many individuals also choose to come to Tavistock Relationships for therapy because at the core of many of the issues or dilemmas seen in the consulting room is often a relationship difficulty of some sort.

Another unique feature of TR’s psychodynamic psychotherapy training is that clinicians receive specific psychosexual training which enables them to work sensitively, knowledgeably and skillfully with this area of the couple’s intimate relationship. Individuals encountering psychosexual and intimacy difficulties may be seen in TR’s clinical service and clinicians are trained in how to help those who may not yet have been able to have a sexual relationship or who have developed particular difficulties in sustaining one.

Four core academic modules in skills, psychoanalytic thought, couple theory 1 & 2

• Three core professional modules in clinical technique, essentials and research
• Self-reflective practice groups
• Weekly group supervision and 300 hours of clinical case work undertaken at Tavistock Relationships
• Weekly clinical seminars when undertaking clinical work
• Written work
• Support from a personal tutor throughout the course

A requirement of the course is that all students have personal psychoanalytic psychotherapy of at least once a week for the duration of the course.

• To offer a pluralistic, rich and wide-ranging programme of study in the therapeutic approach to people in couple relationships. 

• To encourage a study of unconscious processes. 

• To understand and analyse the process of the therapeutic relationship and the purpose and practice of intervention. 

• To encourage students to reflect at all times on their own life experiences and to use this creatively in understanding the work. 

• To encourage a thoughtful and critical approach to the programme. 

• To encourage practice-based research. 

For direct entry into our clinical qualification training, you will need to meet all of the following criteria:

• Relevant voluntary or paid work experience – this being work in emotional and mental health and wellbeing – for a minimum of 6 months
• Completed our Foundation Certificate in Couple Counselling and Psychotherapy or an equivalent level (Foundation/BACP Stage 2) psychodynamic or psychoanalytic counselling skills training
• Good first degree or equivalent professional qualification
• Have undergone a minimum of 12 months psychotherapy, preferably psychodynamic or psychoanalytic psychotherapy.

Please note: it is a requirement of our clinical trainings that you are in personal therapy with a BPC registered psychoanalyst or psychoanalytic psychotherapist (NOT a psychodynamic psychotherapist) within 2 months of starting the course. This is in addition to the required minimum 12 months of psychotherapy cited above. Students’ training therapists need to be approved by us, so you are advised to check first before entering into a new therapy at the same time as applying for a place on the training. For those established in current, ongoing therapy, we will discuss this with you at interview should you be shortlisted.

In terms of personal qualities, we are looking for applicants with the following:

• Self-awareness, maturity and stability
• Ability to make use of and reflect upon life experience
• Capacity to cope with both the emotional and intellectual demands of the course
• Appropriate level of interest and motivation for learning about counselling and relationships
• Non-judgemental, empathetic, and capacity to be a good listener.

We are mindful of the emotional demands involved in training to become a therapist and always seek to provide a supportive learning environment. It is also important that applicants are sufficiently emotionally and mentally robust to undertake our trainings. Personal readiness is a significant requirement that will be explored as part of the application assessment process.

• DVD recorded session & process recording, case studies, training log and journal
• Couple theory paper, seminar review paper, oral presentation
• Ongoing assessment by supervisors, seminar leaders, self-reflective group conductors, and tutors

Exemptions may apply for APEL’d components.

If you are an experienced individual psychotherapist or a couple therapist, you may be eligible for entry with advanced standing. This could enable you to complete the taught part of the programme in a minimum of two years.

Advanced Standing Course content and structure

• Self-reflective practice groups
• Weekly group supervision and 300 hours of clinical case work
• Weekly clinical seminars when undertaking clinical work
• Personal psychoanalytic psychotherapy of at least once a week for the duration of the course
• Support from a personal tutor throughout the course

Assessment includes:

• Couple theory paper, case study, oral presentation
• A qualifying dissertation and couple assessment report
• Ongoing assessment by supervisors, seminar leaders, self-reflective group conductors, and tutors