Programme Aims:

This programme provides professional training in Intercultural Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, with a flexible specialism in working with refugees and asylum seekers.

Intercultural Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy places the relationship between client and therapist at the centre of the intervention, with a focus on the deficits resulting from the individual’s early development, external trauma and/ or culture-bound symptoms that may be presented within the therapeutic context. The intercultural approach uses the psychoanalytic clinical structure allowing space for some flexibility, so that consideration may be given to issues of race, culture and genuine concerns of the client that may otherwise fall outside the experience of professionals trained and working only within the western framework. The focus of this programme is on building intercultural competencies in both theoretical and clinical arenas, with a specific focus on refugees. It takes into consideration issues such as the social and intrapsychic impact of racism, prejudice and discrimination, as well as the issues particular to refugees such as separation, loss, and arrival in the place of refuge. The programme’s core teaching is psychoanalytical, with continuous reflection upon the application of psychoanalysis to intercultural interventions with refugees, and other black and ethnic minority groups. Theory is taught within its historical context, as well as with an emphasis on how it relates to contemporary practice. Critical enquiry is emphasised, drawing upon research as it relates to theory and practice.

The training will place emphasis on transference and countertransference within the psychoanalytic framework, self-reflective practice, interpersonal encounters and sensitivity to attunements, and mis-attunements arising from cultural differences, in maintaining an effective therapeutic alliance. By creating and maintaining a clearly formulated and secure working alliance, both patient and therapist are able to focus upon complex interpersonal and intrapsychic issues at conscious and unconscious levels.

The MA programme will provide you with the opportunity to acquire the skills, knowledge and experience necessary to practice as an independent Intercultural Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist, including skills necessary for work within different services, e.g. the NHS and voluntary organisations. Successful completion of the full MA programme leads to eligibility for registration with the United Kingdom Council of Psychotherapy (UKCP) – Council for Psychoanalysis and Jungian Analysis (CPJA) Section. If you wish to exit after completion of the PGDip, you will be qualified to work as an intercultural psychodynamic counsellor and may independently register yourself with BACP (although not accredited by BACP at this time, the programme does meet BACP’s training requirements).

• This programme is one of the first of its kind in Europe: combining psychoanalysis with intercultural perspectives and flexible specialism in working with refugees and asylum seekers. 
• It will equip you with practical knowledge of the clinical and theoretical aspects of intercultural psychoanalytic psychotherapy in relation to working with refugees, and other black and ethnic minority groups.
• You will be receiving training from the RTC: a nationally recognised, reputable organisation which specialises in providing therapeutic services for refugee and asylum seekers.
• Regular teaching staff are a wide range of experts with specialist knowledge in the field.
• It is a flexible programme with an option of awards at certificate and diploma level for students who do not wish, or are unable, to complete the full MA.

Selection is on the basis of a written application form and interview. Prospective candidates must meet the following criteria:

• A relevant first degree or equivalent, although candidates without a formal academic background but with adequate relevant experience may be considered.  All applicants will be asked to complete a timed essay on the day of their interview as part of the assessment of their academic ability (reasonable adjustments will be made for students with a disability, for example dyslexia. All candidates will be asked to inform RTC of any disability prior to the interview date, and supply evidence of their need).
• At least two years related work-experience with relevant client groups, and be currently engaged in such work. 
• Possess an understanding of basic psychoanalytical knowledge before starting the programme, i.e. having successfully completed RTC’s Introductory/Foundation Course on counselling refugees or equivalent.
• Be in personal therapy with a psychoanalytically based psychotherapist approved by RTC for approximately a year prior to entering the programme, at a minimum frequency of twice weekly for candidates wishing to complete the full MA and become registered with UKCP, or once a week for candidates wishing to exit with the PGDip and to register themselves independently with BACP.
• Be able to demonstrate a commitment to the objectives of the programme and to achieve the standard required for the work.
• If relevant, candidates must also have the endorsement of their previous training institution and clinical supervisor; both of whom will be required to submit references.
• In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, then IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) is required. International qualifications will be checked for appropriate matriculation to UK Higher Education postgraduate programmes.
• Students who apply to enter stages of the programme may be admitted through normal Accreditation of Experiential Learning (AEL) or Accreditation of Certificated Learning (ACL) processes, or through an approved articulation agreement. Therefore such applicants must be able to demonstrate and evidence that they have the required learning outcomes as listed in the modules for which they are seeking exemption.

Candidates will be interviewed by two members of the RTC team and are expected to demonstrate:

• Evidence of capacity for study at postgraduate level.
• Self-awareness and the personal maturity appropriate for developing as successful counsellors/ psychotherapists.
• Ability to critically evaluate life experience and account for the impact of life events and social, historical, cultural and political factors in the development of the self; and an ability to evaluate readiness for psychotherapy training.
• A commitment to ongoing personal and professional development.
• Personal readiness and an emotional, intellectual and psychological capacity to work therapeutically in a professional manner that is safe, ethical and competent.

The principles of equal opportunity will be applied. Applications from refugees and asylum seekers, as well as candidates from other black and ethnic minority backgrounds, will be encouraged and positively assessed.

Teaching and learning is based on lectures, seminars, experiential group work, clinical seminars, self-directed and peer study, clinical placements/private practice, supervision, personal therapy, preparation of written work, seminar presentations and training/professional logs.

Teaching will take place at RTC in Islington. Learning resources include a specialist library with dedicated study space at RTC, as well as access to UEL’s specialist library and IT facilities including electronic journals and databases.

Students are assessed based on each module and assessment methods vary. Assessments include essays, observations, journals of personal learning, seminar presentations, clinical case studies, professional practice portfolio incorporating supervisor’s reports, exams and a dissertation.

In line with UKCP & BACP training requirements, student progress will be assessed throughout the programme, including knowledge and understanding of both the theoretical and clinical aspects of the programme, an assessment of how well each student is coping with the programme, and ultimately an assessment of each student’s readiness to undertake the responsibilities of a professional psychotherapist.

This is an applied programme. PGDip and MA students must complete clinical placements during their second year; students will be responsible for securing appropriate clinical placements within the NHS or similar clinical setting.

Students aiming to qualify as psychoanalytical psychotherapists will also be encouraged to start their own private practices from the end of second year of their training (in order to be eligible for registration with UKCP, trainees will need to have seen a minimum of two clients at least twice per week; one for not less than 18 months and one for not less than 24 months). Students who successfully complete the MA, but do not yet meet the UKCP clinical requirements, may continue to work on their clinical practice with support from RTC’s staff and will only continue to pay for their supervision and personal therapy.

Students must ensure they adhere to the UKCP and BACP codes of ethics and practice, and have in place appropriate indemnity insurance and regular clinical supervision before starting placements and seeing clients.

Students undertaking the full MA programme will have the opportunity to develop their own ideas for their research dissertation. At the end of the second year, students moving on to the third year will be asked to submit preferences from a range of possible topics; depending on space, each student will then be allocated a Dissertation Supervisor with expertise in their subject area. The student’s resulting research proposal must satisfy the Programme Leader and their Dissertation Supervisor. Students will conduct a thorough literature review of their topic area; and design, carry out, analyse and interpret an original empirical investigation in this area. Students will have obtained the skills needed for such work via the research components and lectures integrated into previous modules.

• PGDip students will gain confidence and ability to practise as counsellors. They will have the specific knowledge and experience to help them pursue a career in specialist agencies working with refugees and asylum seekers. Diploma graduates may continue academic and professional development to Masters’ level, opening the door for further study and research.
• Successful completion of the MA programme and all the clinical requirements will qualify graduates to practise as Intercultural Psychoanalytic Psychotherapists with a specialism in work with refugees.

• Each student is assigned a Personal Tutor with whom they meet with at least three times a year to discuss their individual progress, as well as other professional or personal concerns.
• Open Seminars are held each semester for students to raise any questions about the programme, gain additional support with learning, and gain advice on career paths.
• Students attend a fortnightly Clinical Seminar group throughout the training.
• Students must engage in their own personal therapy as a requirement of the programme as a means of support for their personal emotions and study-related encounters.
• Writing skills support is available for those who have English as a second language.
• Each module has a Module Leader who is responsible for ensuring smooth running and effectiveness of students’ learning, and providing academic support during that module.
• Each student is supported in their research by their Dissertation Supervisor who they meet with regularly.
• Students will have access to support services provided by UEL via the Skillzone, the Employability Team and the UEL Student Union.