The Integrative training programme devised by the Sherwood Psychotherapy Training Institute is a developmental-relational approach that uses a synthesis of Humanistic Psychology, Object Relations Theory and Psychoanalytic Self-Psychology. Further integration of Developmental Psychology is made via the work of John Bowlby, Margaret Mahler, Daniel Stern and others.

This Psychotherapy programme focuses on the dynamics and potential of human relationships, with the aim of facilitating the individual’s ability to respond choicefully and to create more satisfying relationships.

The central aim is to establish a therapeutic relationship which will lead to a corrective emotional relationship. This involves:

• Understanding the internal and external barriers that people create to the formation of successful relationships.

• Understanding how these barriers relate to the problems the person experiences.

• Engaging the person in a therapeutic relationship which provides the opportunity and therapeutic support for engaging with these relationship problems.

The effectiveness of this kind of Integrative Psychotherapy is based on the ability of the psychotherapist to make an informed relationship with the client and to use his/her understanding of the difficulties in the relationship (including conscious and unconscious aspects, emotional and intellectual understanding) to address the client's difficulties.

The psychotherapist has to use both his/her theoretical and personal skills in this engagement and be sensitively aware of their own contribution to the relationship. This responsibility requires a high degree of self-awareness, honesty, receptivity, professional acceptance and ethical endeavour on the part of the therapist. Thus the course demands that trainees and students are willing and able to examine their own capacity for relationship and reflect on these processes.

Module Outline

YEAR 1 - PREPARATORY STAGE

Module 1 - Contexts of Integrative Psychotherapy/Counselling & Introduction to the Relational Self

This module will critically explore the history and development of psychotherapy and counselling in general and an integrative approach in particular and thereby establish the foundation and broad theoretical frame for the entire four-year programme.

Module 2 - The Relational Self: Object Relations Theories (Part 1) & Self Psychology (Part 2)

This first part of the module will focus on the theory of ‘object relations’ as way of understanding relational dynamics as they develop from our earliest experiences with primary care-takers through to adult-hood. This second part will focus on the theories of Self Psychology paying particular attention to the role of empathy within the therapeutic relationship. It will also demonstrate how an understanding of Object Relations and Self Psychology are relevant to relational developmental Integrative Psychotherapy and counselling.

Module 3 - The Fundamentals of Ethical and Preparation for Clinical Practice

This module addresses the fundamental aspects of ethical and professional practice necessary for undertaking a clinical practice placement as a Integrative psychotherapist.  The emphasis is on placing ethical thinking centrally within the process of Integrative psychotherapy by drawing attention to the personal and moral qualities of the practitioner and the application of codes of conduct and/or ethical frameworks to therapeutic practice.

Module 4 - Processes and Theories of Change in the Therapeutic Relationship

This module will introduce students to the notion of emotional literacy & intelligence as an essential component of ‘healthy’ human functioning. As such it will reflect the contemporary interest in affect regulation evidenced in the growing dialogue between psychotherapy and neuroscience and contextualize Integrative Psychotherapy and counselling within the overall therapeutic field.

YEAR 2 - PG CERTIFICATE STAGE

Module 1 - The Relational Self and Human Development

This module will focus on the significance of core concepts in developmental psychology that have particular relevance for psychotherapy and counselling in general, and Integrative Psychotherapy in particular.

Module 2 - The Relational Self and the Unconscious Relationship

This module will focus on the powerful dynamics of transference communications which appear in the therapeutic relationship giving rise to important considerations for clinical and ethical practice. The learning in this module will ground students in both theory and practice of these phenomena so that their understanding facilitates their clinical practice, professional development and personal growth.

Module3 - The Clinical Application of Integrative Psychotherapy and Counselling 

The module provides students with an opportunity to develop and advance their understanding of the practice of Integrative psychotherapy and counselling in the context of its history and continuing development. The emphasis on values and principles is maintained, stressing the personal and professional dimensions and the quality of the Integrative relationship in theory and ethical practice

YEAR 3 - PG DIPLOMA STAGE

Module 1 - Research, Psychotherapy and Counselling

The module introduces psychotherapy and counselling as a research endeavour, demystifying and making it both accessible and useable by practitioners of Integrative psychotherapy. It establishes the foundation upon which students can begin to develop a reflexive approach to research and its ethics. The emphasis is on practice-based research findings in an attempt to support and advance professional practice. It will familiarise students with the philosophical origins and assumptions of the major research paradigms. Finally, students will be equipped to write a research proposal relevant to the theory and practice of Integrative psychotherapy and counselling.

Module 2 - Psychopathology: Integrative Perspectives

The module with focus on differential treatment planning and an Integrative approach to psychotherapy and counselling. Emphasis will be placed on exploring Axis I and II disorders and upon differing models for assessing and working with presentations of trauma. Consideration will also be given to particular presenting issues, such as shame, anxiety and depression.

Module 3 - Consolidating Clinical Practice

This module provides opportunities to consolidate knowledge and understanding of clinical practice and offers students a focus for further development of self-reflexivity and personal style as an Integrative practitioner.

YEAR 4 - INDEPENDENT STUDIES STAGE

Module 1 - Case Study & Process Report

This module involves the preparation and undertaking of a substantial case study and a process report; having equal weighting.  This will provide evidence of the student’s integration of theory and practice within their clinical work. 

Module 2 - Research Project

This module involves the undertaking and writing up of a small-scale research project relevant to the theory and practice of Integrative Psychotherapy and Counselling.  It aims to produce research-competent practitioners capable of advancing the profile of Integrative Psychotherapy and Counselling. 

Parallel Clinical Obligations

The module will focus on the student’s continued personal development and professional development which is cumulative throughout all Stages and will enable the student to meet the requirements for registration with the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy. 

In order that the MSc Integrative Psychotherapy and Counselling continues to meet the standards set by regulatory bodies, minimum requirements will be regularly reviewed and may be subject to change.  Please ask for further details.

If you would like further information about this course please contact our office.

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