Entry requirements* This is a postgraduate course but students with sufficient relevant therapeutic experience may also apply. * You must have completed one of the Introductory Courses in Group Analysis recognised by the Institute of Group Analysis (London) or an equivalent introductory course. This includes the Introductory Course provided by the Turvey Centre. * Candidates are normally required to have had experience of analytically orientated psychotherapy prior to application. * For those who have insufficient psychiatric experience it will be necessary to acquire this via a voluntary placement in a psychiatric setting.
Academic titleMSc / PGDip Group Psychotherapy
Course descriptionThe course is accredited by the UKCP (Analytic Section). The Turvey Institute is a member of the University Psychotherapy and Counselling Association. Graduates from this course are eligible for membership of the Institute of Group Analysis (London).
The MSc in Group Psychotherapy offers a full clinical and academic training in group-analytic psychotherapy. On completion you may expect to have achieved recognised professional status, the requisite skills to be an independent practitioner of group psychotherapy, and to have developed an awareness of the ethics and values expected of a psychotherapist. The course is based at the Turvey Institute of Group-Analytic Psychotherapy in the grounds of Turvey Abbey near Bedford.
Course content
Personal Group-Analytic Therapy Normally, in the year preceding the academic programme students join a therapy group at the Turvey Centre for Group Therapy, together with patients of the centre. There are six group sessions each weekend. Students also participate in 20 large-group sessions.
Theory You will attend a modular academic programme consisting of lectures/seminars/tutorials on:
* key psychoanalytic concepts
* key group-analytic concepts
* applications of group-analytic psychotherapy
* developmental theory
* psychopathology
* the individual and the group
* the social-psychological foundations of group therapy
* the provision of psychotherapy services
* research methods.
Practice You will be required to conduct two groups under supervision, one for a minimum of two years. Supervision takes place in small groups during residential weekends as well as by telephone conferences.
You will also work under supervision with individual patients. This may take place locally with an approved supervisor.
Teaching, learning and assessment
Continuous assessment takes place in addition to annual written self-assessment and supervisors' reports. Assessment is also by means of written theory assignments, case studies and a clinical paper. Completion of the MSc will require submission of a dissertation of 12,000-15,000 words.