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Programme summary for Professional Doctorate Couple Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy

Recruitment to this programme is currently suspended.  It is anticipated that recruitment will re-commence for a September 2012 intake.

About the programme

The PD programme in Couple Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy is a unique programme. It fosters the development of highly skilled professional practice with advanced academic study and research. It offers an Infant Observation as well as a Masters programme that offers a unique opportunity to study qualitative research methodologies appropriate to work with couples and to be supported in a clinically-relevant research study. Subsequent to this, it offers an opportunity to carry out in-depth advanced research from a psychoanalytic perspective in furtherance of a Professional Doctorate. It is run by the Tavistock Centre for Couple Relationships at their premises in Swiss Cottage, London NW3

Programme structure

The full programme takes a between 3 and 6 years study, part time and is divided into three awards, run in parallel with TCCR’s Clinical Training in Couple Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy and effectively inseparable from it. The first two awards (a Postgraduate Associate Certificate and an MA) are academic qualifications linked to progression through the Clinical Training. The third award of a Doctorate in Couple Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy is an advanced research degree that takes place after achieving the TCCR Qualification in Couple Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy. The teaching components take place largely on Tuesdays afternoon and evening. There is flexibility in other parts of the programme. The clinical work is carried out at TCCR.

Career opportunities

Previous graduates have pursued careers in the health service, working in adult mental health departments and in private practice. Others have used their qualification to develop work with parents in child and adolescent mental health services. Students meet with the professional body SCPP once a term to discuss career opportunities. A CPD (Continuous Professional Development) seminar is now run for those who have completed the clinical component of the programme.

In addition, MA Award holders, as qualified Couple Psychoanalytic Psychotherapists, are eligible to apply to undertake a shortened individual psychoanalytic psychotherapy qualifying training as an Associate Member of the British Association of Psychotherapists, or the 2-year Membership Course in individual psychoanalytic psychotherapy at the London Centre for Psychotherapy.

Support

We aim to provide students with a supportive and rewarding learning environment. The intake is limited so seminars are small in size. Each Student has a personal tutor who supports them through the programme and a research tutor. Students also benefit from the use of the Tavistock Clinic Library which is recognised as a Special Resource Library by the British Library with the status of Specialist National Psychotherapy Library. Students also have access to the UEL libraries and to three others they may wish to nominate. Programme staff are all Senior Couple Psychoanalytic Psychotherapists engaged in clinical and practice and research at the Tavistock Centre for Couple Relationships (formerly the Tavistock Marital Studies Institute).

In the parallel Clinical Training, each student has a supervisor for clinical work and two supervisors for the research component. Initial clinical work is carried out with a senior member of staff and as a result students are well supported in their work

Admission

A first degree or preferably an MA or equivalent such as a professional qualification in counselling, social work or psychoanalytic psychotherapy is needed. Previous or current work with couples is generally also required. Admission is on the basis of interview and satisfactory references.

Students are required to be in an approved personal psychotherapy or psychoanalysis for a minimum of three times weekly from 12 months prior to the start of the programme.

Entry with advanced standing is possible for applicants with a psychoanalytic psychotherapy qualification or TCCR’s PG Diploma in Psychodynamic Couple Counselling. Admission is on the basis of two interviews – one focussed on work experience, the second personal suitability for the clinical part of the programme. Satisfactory references are required.

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Key facts

UCAS code N/A

Final award Professional Doctorate

Intermediate awards available PG Associate Certificate MA Couple Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy TCCR Qualification in Couple Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy –this is not an academic award but an award conferred by the Tavistock Centre for Couple Relationships upon completion of the clinical training component of the programme

Details of professional body accreditation United Kingdom Council of Psychotherapy –UKCP Full Membership of the Society of Couple Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy -SCPP

Relevant QAA Benchmark statements N/A

School HSS

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