Couple and Individual Psychodynamic Psychotherapy MA/PG Dip

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.

Further details about the course can be found under the tabs to the right (of Overview). If you still have a question, please use the Enquiry box below.

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 200 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

Teaching occurs one afternoon and evening each week during term time, with sessions typically scheduled from 3pm until 8.30pm. In addition, there are essential workshops in each training year which may fall on a different day, the dates of which will be confirmed before the start of the academic year. Please note that the training day is different for each year cohort. Currently, Year 1 is on a Thursday, Year 2 on a Tuesday and Year 3 on a Wednesday. Additionally, in some/ all years there are mandatory Saturday workshops, dates of which are again confirmed before the start of each academic year.

When clinical placements commence, students will be required to make more time to engage in once-weekly supervision (90 minutes) for a minimum of 36 weeks per calendar year. For the clinical placement a commitment of 44-46 weeks per calendar year is expected. Please note that supervision is generally, but not exclusively, within office hours and most likely not on the main training day, timings of which are confirmed before the start of the new academic year.

There is also a requirement to be in a minimum of once-weekly therapy, in person with a BPC registered psychoanalytic psychotherapist within two months of starting the course. For further details please read Entry Requirements section below.

• 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 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
• Good first degree or equivalent professional qualification. 

It is recommended that applicants complete (prior or current):

• The Foundation Certificate in Couple Counselling and Psychotherapy or
• An equivalent level (Foundation/BACP Stage 2) psychodynamic or psychoanalytic counselling skills training

Please note it is a requirement of our clinical trainings for all trainees to be in in-person once weekly personal therapy with a BPC registered psychoanalyst or psychoanalytic psychotherapist (NOT a psychodynamic psychotherapist). If you are offered a place on the training, it is recommended that personal therapy with a suitable therapist should be established before beginning the training and certainly within 2 months of starting the course.

https://www.bpc.org.uk/information-support/find-a-therapist-or-clinic

For those established in current ongoing therapy, we will discuss this with you at an 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 and clinical papers, seminar review paper, oral presentation
• Ongoing assessment by supervisors, seminar leaders, self-reflective group conductors, and tutors

Exemptions may apply for APEL’d components.