Frequently-Asked Questions

WHAT IS THE INTEGRATIVE APPROACH?

This is hard to sum up neatly. We see it as a a synthesis of the main theoretical and methodological strands of psychotherapy and counselling, encompassing both humanistic and psychodynamic understandings, along with contemporary understandings of attachment and neuroscience.

The foundations of our integrative approach lie in the recognition that there is not one single therapeutic approach which is more effective than all others. Integrative practitioners use a variety of theories and skills to "meet" their clients, rather than guiding the client conform to a set model of treatment.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY?

Counselling and psychotherapy are more alike than they are different. However, in the UK, counselling trainings are often two or three years part-time and Diploma awards require 150 hours of clinical practice (at present). They are often seen as being at an equivalent level as study at undergraduate degree level.

Psychotherapy trainings are usually four years part-time and require many more hours (450hrs at present) of clinical practice to qualify and are considered to be a level of study equivalent to a postgraduate university degree.

Often, counselling refers to shorter term, goal-oriented therapeutic work while psychotherapy tends to refer to longer term work, with a deeper and more wide ranging focus. `

HOW DO I KNOW WHICH PATHWAY IS BEST FOR ME?

It can be difficult to know whether to train as a counsellor or psychotherapist. We don't expect you to make this choice immediately, as the pathways to either qualification are identical for the first two years of professional training. Our tutors will help you in your decision here.

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO YOU OFFER?

We offer:

• Diploma in Integrative Counselling accredited by BACP
• Advanced Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy and Counselling accredited by UKCP
• Masters Degree in Integrative Psychotherapy and Counselling in collaboration with Middlesex University

It is possible to be awarded all three qualifications during the course of training.

WHAT DOES THE TRAINING INCLUDE?

Our training includes teaching of theory and skills along with plenty of opportunity for personal development. Students are encouraged to find their own voice, style and personality as therapists, rather than being forced to mould themselves into a prescribed way of thinking or acting.For more on this please click here.

WHY DO I NEED TO BE IN THERAPY WHILE TRAINING?

Training as a counsellor or psychotherapist involves a deep exploration of the experience of being human. This includes what causes sadness, anger, fear and distress; what people mean to each other; how life experiences form our sense of self, the tension between being an individual and being part of a group, what brings happiness … and much more.

In order to support you in your training, we think it is necessary to be in your own personal therapy. Some of the reasons include:

• It is important to understand from the inside what it is like to be a client; otherwise you are unlikely to be able to treat clients with understanding.
• When you are working with clients/in training, your 'buttons can be pressed'. Therapy helps us to work out what these 'buttons' are, and what it is that presses them. We need to be less reactive as a therapist.
• 'Breakthroughs' in your own therapy can give you courage to work with your clients until they have breakthroughs of their own. Therapy involves hope.