Pre-Clinical Course in Couple & Individual Counselling & Psychotherapy

This course prepares students for entry into a clinical training in working with both couples and individuals.

In this intermediary level course, students build on their basic counselling skills and develop a deeper understanding of psychodynamic and psychoanalytic theories and concepts with a particular focus on the couple relationship.

By the end of the course, students will have formed an understanding of working therapeutically with couples and individuals in the context of relationships. They will have an understanding of the psychoanalytic theory that underpins this practice, enabling them to decide whether they wish to train for a career in psychotherapy with a specialism in relationships. From here students can apply for a place on one of our clinical training programmes.

Psychodynamic counselling and psychotherapy theories are introduced with special emphasis on the intimate relationship. Applied clinical skills are developed by both observing and participating in role plays.

Seminars cover topics such as the impact of children on couples, affairs, blended families, bereavement and relationship difficulties of the serial singleton. Identity and difference in the individual and in the couple relationship are a key focus throughout the course, encompassing gender, sexuality, race and ethnicity.

Teaching and learning:

• Theory seminars, including weekly reading of theoretical papers
• Experiential learning – group exercises and role plays
• Developing understanding of relationship dynamics and concepts through use of film and case material
• Self-reflective essay
• One to one tutorial with course tutor

Our Pre-Clinical training is for applicants who know they want to train as therapists and are considering applying to do their clinical training at Tavistock Relationships. Applicants for this course will have undertaken demonstrable steps towards them preparing for a career in becoming a therapist. They will have an interest in relationships and in working with both individuals and couples.

The entry requirements are a little more demanding than we ask for our Foundation Certificate. For example, some experience of personal therapy is essential not optional. And, in most cases, applicants will have some work experience and/or training in mental and emotional health settings (voluntary or paid).

Candidates should have:

• Relevant work experience and/or training – this being work/training in emotional and mental health and wellbeing (paid or voluntary). For example: attended a basic level counselling course such as access level counselling training at an FE college or other institution, or as part of job training such as volunteer counselling with Samaritans or similar.
• Undergone or are currently undergoing own personal therapy (preferably either psychodynamic or psychoanalytic psychotherapy)
• Good first degree or equivalent professional qualification.

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, empathic, 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.

Candidates will be shortlisted for interview based on the extent to which they meet the above criteria. We are expecting a high level of interest in this course and we have limited places.

Amanda Hughes

Head of Foundation Courses and Applications, Clinical Lecturer and Head of Alumni

Training: Co Lead, Clinical Skills Module, Psychodynamic Training

Amanda is the Programme Head for the Psychodynamic Clinical Qualification Training at Tavistock Relationships, responsible for student applications and the Foundation and Pre-Clinical trainings. Amanda also teaches on the Certificate in the Study of the Couple Relationship (for qualified individual therapists), the Pre-Clinical course and the Clinical training.

Amanda has a long career in learning and development, HR, and coaching, having occupied Director positions in blue chip organisations as well as posts in education as a University Lecturer and a college Deputy Principal. She has an extensive background in teaching and training in both the private and public sectors.

An experienced couple and individual psychotherapist, Amanda sees clients at TR and in her private practice.

Rohina Ilyas

Clinical Lecturer

Training: Co Module Leader, Psychoanalytic Thought, Psychodynamic Programme

Rohina is a couple and individual psychodynamic counsellor and psychotherapist and faculty member at Tavistock Relationships. In addition to the psychodynamic training, Rohina also teaches the Pre Clinical Course. She is an experienced organisational consultant providing consultation to organisations, reflective practice and training to teams and also role consultation and coaching to individuals. Rohina has worked within the business, public and third sectors. Her consultancy practice is informed by a psychodynamic model. Rohina has a MA in Psychoanalytic Approaches to Consultation from the Tavistock and Portman

2 Fridays and 2 Saturdays, plus one to one online tutorial with course tutor. Independent study of 2-3 hours per week for the self-reflective essay, reading, and other homework.

• Day 1 - Friday, 6th May, 10am to 4pm - online
• Day 2 - Saturday, 7th May, 10am to 4pm – Hallam House
• Day 3 - Friday, 20th May, 10am to 4pm - online
• Day 4 - Saturday, 21st May, 10am to 4pm – Hallam House
• Deadline for Self-Reflective Essay - Monday 6th June, 10am
• One to One Tutorials - Monday 6th June to Friday 10th June