ObjectivesThis is a part-time modular programme which enables you to become a disability psychotherapist, with the skills and knowledge to apply a psychotherapeutic perspective to people with disabilities. The programme aims to integrate and balance psychotherapy theory and practice with a broad spectrum of disability perspectives.
Entry requirementsApplicants will normally need to possess a first degree and/or a professional qualification. However, applicants may be able to produce evidence of the ability to study at postgraduate level. For example, they may have been employed to carry out an intellectually demanding position that would normally require a professional qualification or degree, over an extended period of time. These latter circumstances will be reviewed on an individual basis and the applicant will be guided to seek an initial interview with the programme tutor before entering into the admissions process proper.
Academic titlePsychotherapy and Disability MA, PgD
Course descriptionWork placement
It is essential that you negotiate a psychotherapy placement where you can gain clinical supervised practice for the three final years of the programme, with people with disabilities. The clinical practice placement forms a major part of the programme and is vital to the completion of the programme if you wish to be awarded a professional practicing psychotherapt qualification. We will provide support and guidance with this.
Careers
Becoming a Disability Psychotherapist is a new breed of psychotherapist amongst the current provision. You could apply for psychotherapy positions within health or social care settings as well as developing your own private practice as a Disability Psychotherapist. There are a small number of organizations that provide psychotherapeutic support to people with disabilities, such as RESPOND (see website) and you would be eligible to apply for positions within these types of organizations. There may also be some private and voluntary organizations for people with disabilities that would welcome an application for management positions from people with these qualifications.
Teaching methods
The programme is designed to help students learn the complex concepts of psychotherapy and apply these to the equally as complex range of disability issues. Therefore, students are required to utilize the broad range of teaching activities offered; from traditional teaching methods to more explorative and use of experiential learning. One very important teaching component is that of the Personal Development Groups, which are facilitated. Students are expected to engage in all of these processes from academic, professional and personal perspectives.
Course content
Year 1 - full details
Core modules
-Advanced Psychotherapy (incl. Child Development)
-Disability
-Dissertation
-Humanistic & Psychodynamic Approaches
-Introduction to Psychotherapy
-Supervision and Clinical Practice 1
-Supervision and Clinical Practice 2
-Supervision and Clinical Practice 3
-Systemic Alternative Approaches and Integration & Personal Development