Doctorate in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy by Professional Studies (DCPsych)

A Joint Programme with Middlesex University

Joint Heads of Department: Professor Maria Gilbert and Professor Vanja Orlans

Programme Leader: Professor Vanja Orlans

This 5-year part-time programme commenced in September 2006. It replaced our previous BPS accredited MSc in Integrative Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy and was designed to meet the new BPS requirements for the training of Chartered Counselling Psychologists.

The programme is based on a practitioner research philosophy and comprises an innovative design which seeks to integrate research and practice at doctoral level. It is open to psychology graduates who possess the Graduate Basis for Registration (GBR) as specified by the BPS, and who believe that they have the capabilities to make a significant contribution to practice based knowledge in the psychological therapies. The course offers an integrative programme of study in the theory and practice of psychological therapy, and covers both clinical and research training. It is offered over ten monthly 3day units at weekends over each academic year, thus allowing students to combine their broader life commitments with the demands of further study.

Applications are invited for the 2012/13 academic session. The application process will commence in January 2012 and includes attendance at an Introductory Workshop and at a group assessment interview.

Successful graduates will also be eligible to apply for registration with the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP).

Our emphasis on integration reflects our belief that there is no one therapeutic approach suitable for all clients or presenting difficulties. At the same time, what is offered to clients needs to be based on a coherent philosophy and a well integrated set of skills. We therefore offer a broad curriculum based on a relational philosophy for practice, and incorporating a range of insights from current research. We draw on leading edge areas in the field, addressing such issues as current developmental perspectives, implicit and explicit levels of relationship, and the important contribution of current neuroscientific research to our understanding and practice in this field. While our main emphasis is on humanistic and psychodynamic approaches to psychological therapy we also cover aspects of cognitive behavioural approaches.

The course overlaps with the MSc in Integrative Psychotherapy and is run over ten 2 to 3 day weekends over the academic year. In addition to formal training time students develop their skill level with clients in placement settings and engage in their own personal therapy over the duration of the programme.

For further information please email our Joint Academic Co-ordinator, Anna Kopec or call her on +44 (0)20 8832 3075.