Stage Two (b): Clinical Training

What does the Stage Two (b) cover?

We designed this year to deepen and develop your clinical knowledge and skills and introduce you to some of the main specialist areas within counselling and psychotherapy, and to extend and expand your clinical skills further.

Examples of course content

• Trauma: neurobiology and affect regulation
• Sex and psychosexual issues
• Addiction
• Grief and loss
• Depression and anxiety
• Safeguarding, assessment of risk and suicidal ideation
• Shame
• Working with couples
• Difference, Diversity and the 'Cultural Parent'
• Setting up in private practice
• Research and the development of theory

During this year, you will need to complete 1 x 2500 word essay, present a research poster in small groups and have a reflective discussion with your tutor, continue with your journal, and at the end of the year, hand in your clinical supervisor’s report.

What outcomes can I expect from Stage Two?

At the end of Stage Two, you will have an understanding of theories of the mind, mental conflict, distress and deficit across wide ranging and specialised clinical contexts. You will also have been taught and have practised more complex clinical skills.

We have designed our course for maximum flexibility, giving you three options to choose from at this point:

• Successfully complete the final assessment stages necessary to qualify with a NCPS accredited Connexus Institute Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling and end your training.

• Take your accredited Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling and then carry on to ‘Stage 3’, the final year of your formal TA training, in preparation to become a UKCP Registered Psychotherapist and/ or an internationally accredited Certified Transactional Analyst.

• Continue to Stage 3 of your Psychotherapy studies without taking the optional Diploma and complete your final year in preparation to becoming a psychotherapist and CTA.