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Stage Two (a): Clinical Training

Exploring different TA Schools and approaches and their applications to clinical settings

Introduction

Building on your Certificate in TA Theory foundation year, you continue into clinical training, which runs over 2 consecutive years.

Stage Two (a) extends your theory knowledge and skills into the schools and approaches of TA and how you apply these to work with clients in a therapeutic context.

At the end of the two years, you have the option to qualify with a Connexus Institute Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling. This qualification is fully accredited by NCPS. You then have the option to progress to Stage Three, completing your final year in preparation to become a UKCP registered Psychotherapist and an accredited Certified Transactional Analyst.

Please see Our qualification framework page to understand the benefits and implications of accreditation.

What does the Stage Two (a) cover?

Over eleven weekends, you will be introduced to the main schools and approaches of TA to explore how they understand therapeutic change, diagnosis and treatment planning, as well as being taught the professional clinical skills needed to work with clients in a therapeutic context.

This is the year that you will start a voluntary placement as a trainee counsellor and experience what it’s like to be in a therapist’s chair working with live client issues under the guidance of a supportive clinical supervisor.

Examples of course content

  • ‘Neuroscience, the ‘Social Brain’ and our perception of safety in relationships
  • A client's clinical journey
  • Contracting for therapeutic change
  • The Classical School; psychological games, decontamination and psychopathology
  • The Redecision School; self-actualisation, fundamental change and impasse theory
  • The Cathexis School; co-dependency, symbiosis, passive behaviours and reparenting
  • Relational TA; development of the ‘self’, emerging unconscious process, empathic transactions, transference and countertransference
  • Professional Practice and Ethics
  • Working with difference and diversity
  • Relational contact and dynamics in the therapy room

During this year, you will need to complete two x 2500 word essays, have a reflective discussion with your tutor and have your counselling skills endorsed as ready for placement. You will also need to continue with your journal, and at the end of the year, hand in a supervisor’s report if you have started your clinical placement. Our aim this year is giving you a solid start in developing your clinical competency and your skills, and our highly experienced tutors are here to help you every step of the way.

Why attend?

This course is designed for those wishing to become a NCPS accredited TA Counsellor, a UKCP registered Psychotherapist or an internationally accredited Certified Transactional Analyst. At Connexus we welcome applications from both graduates and non-graduates who have completed a Foundation year in TA. Apply today or contact us if you want to talk with about your individual application.

Discover more about 'Learning at Connexus' 

Now Taking Applications for Sep 2025 Start

 

Length: 11 weekends over one academic year

Times: Sat 9:30 to 17:00 & Sun 9:30 to 16:00

Mode: Face-to-Face

Dates for this course are:

  • 6 & 7 Sep 2025
  • 4 & 5 Oct
  • 1 & 2 Nov
  • 29 & 30 Nov
  • 3 & 4 Jan 2026
  • 31 Jan & 1 Feb
  • 28 Feb & 1 Mar
  • 4 & 5 Apr
  • 2 & 3 May
  • 30 & 31 May
  • 27 & 28 Jun

Cost: £3,100 (inclusive of VAT)

Instalment payment plans available

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More Information?
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Meet the tutors

Lisa Bedford-Cooper

MSc.TA Psychotherapy, Dip Psych, Dip Couns, CTA(P), TSTA(P), UKCP Reg Psychotherapist and Supervisor. Lisa has been a director of International Training and Management Development for multi-national corporations and held clinical leadership of a respected international psychology company. She has also been a Consultant Trauma specialist for one of the UK’s leading emergency service providers. Lisa holds an MSc in Transactional Analysis, is an internationally approved trainer, and is a UKCP registered psychotherapist and clinical supervisor. She combines her extensive knowledge of training and management development with her passion for TA, to make the learning at Connexus stimulating, inclusive and always relevant.

Patrick Brook

BA (Hons), DELTA, MA, Dip.Couns, Dip Sup, CTA(P), TSTA(P), UKCP Registered Psychotherapist and Supervisor. Patrick is a UKCP registered psychotherapist and supervisor, a Certified Transactional Analyst, CTA (P), a Teaching and Supervising Transactional Analyst, TSTA (P) and an NCS Senior Accredited counsellor and supervisor. As well as being the academic director of Connexus Institute, Patrick has a private psychotherapy and supervision practice in Brighton and Hove. He integrates his work as a psychotherapist into his work as a Director and has written and delivered a number of workshops on themes supporting healthier organisational dynamics.

Nancy Dalton

Nancy Dalton has a thriving counselling and psychotherapy practice in Tunbridge Wells and online, and many years of experience working at a senior level in the healthcare sector. She is passionate about extending the knowledge and experience of professionals in the field of mental health, and about improving the therapeutic experience of clients.

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