Diploma / MA in Relationship Therapy
Master
In Doncaster
Description
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Type
Master
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Location
Doncaster
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Duration
3 Years
Have gained an advanced knowledge and understanding of relationship therapy from the perspectives of systemic therapy, psychodynamic theory and human sexuality to a level where they will have gained the training requirements for professional accreditation with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). Be equipped to work in either the voluntary sector or as an independent practitioner in the field of relationship therapy.
Facilities
Location
Start date
Start date
Reviews
Course programme
About the course
This three-year programme, validated by the University of Hull, has been designed in accordance with the course approval criteria of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy. On completion, students will be fully equipped and qualified to work with couples, families and individuals on relationship issues.
The first year of the programme examines both systemic and psychodynamic theory together with notions of human sexuality and how these ideas support relationship therapy. Year two extends the theory base and looks in detail at the relevance it has for specific concerns often presenting in relationship therapy. A particular strength of the programme is the emphasis on integrating these two theoretical models. Integration will be the principle focus of the first module in the third year. The second module will consider practitioner research.
The programme has been designed to fulfil the likely requirements of a future statutory register. It provides a route for people who want a practice focus in year 3 rather than a research project.
The taught element of the programme is nine* two-day blocks in each of the first two years and eight two day blocks in the third year. Each day begins at 9.30am and ends at 5pm. Students will also undertake a placement, normally at a Relate Centre, of 250 hours of supervised clinical practice over the three years. The clinical placement runs alongside the taught element in each year.
In addition to the taught programme, students will be required to attend three events from the Relate programme of Professional Development days (CPD), or relevant external events. These are paid for separately.
Ten two day blocks for those without previous experience of couple counselling.
Course content
Modular structure
In each of the first two years of the programme there are three modules of 20 credits each at level 7.
- Module 1 and 4: A systemic approach to relationship therapy
- Module 2 and 5: A psychodynamic approach to relationship therapy
- Module 3 and 6: Human sexuality & an integrated approach to relationship therapy
In the third year of the programme there are 2 modules of 30 credits each at level 7
- Module 7: Adopting an integrated approach to practice
- Module 8: Qualitative research in relation to practice. (This is an opportunity to consider three research methods and how they can be used in relationship therapy.) There is no requirement to do a research project.
Themes
An introduction outlines principles that underpin the whole of the training, the framework of the programme and its theoretical content. These principles include the development of a) ethical anti-discriminatory practice and b) a theoretically based understanding of the purpose of clinical supervision and how to make best use of it for the benefit of clients.
Systemic theory and practice develops a theoretical understanding and clinical practice in the adoption of key systemic concepts, in particular the notion of reflexivity.
Psychodynamic theory and practice develops theoretical understanding and clinical practice in the adoption of key psychodynamic concepts and also fosters an understanding of the influence of the self of the practitioner on clinical practice in terms of conscious and unconscious processes.
Human sexuality offers the opportunity to understand sexual relationships and to explore the nature of sexual problems in a couple context, in an effort to facilitate change in the couple's sexual relationship.
An integrated approach encourages therapists to develop ways of accommodating the two theories in their practice.
Teaching
The programme uses a variety of methods. These include formal lectures, structured skills development and practice, workshops and programme group meetings. As this programme is a clinical programme, there is a strong emphasis on practical and experimental work, including Personal and Professional Development groups.
An essential aspect of the philosophy of the Relate Institute's approach to teaching and learning is the importance we place on student feedback and evaluation. We try to incorporate students' ideas whenever practicable and appropriate within the programme structure.
Assessment
Assessment is by written assignments that are designed to evaluate students' theoretical understanding and competence.
There is an annual supervisor's report and students will be required to submit a Professional Portfolio.
Students are required to adhere to the BACP Ethical Framework.
Entry criteria
Prospective students must have:
- A counselling skills qualification at level 2 or 3, or similar suitable counselling skills training
- A first degree or equivalent academic achievement at level 6
- Access to a practice base in a Relate Centre or other approved clinical setting
All successful applicants will be required to have undergone a Criminal Records Bureau check at enhanced level within the 12 months leading up to the start of the programme.
Applicants are strongly advised to ensure that they have adequate word processing skills, IT skills and access to the Internet before embarking on this course.
Interview criteria
Applicants who do not have a previous Relate practitioner qualification will be required to attend for interview and will need to demonstrate personal qualities relevant to therapeutic practice and the training context, which include:
- Respect for and valuing of others, and their differences
- A commitment to anti-discriminatory practice
- A capacity to cope with the professional and academic demands of the course
- A capacity to be reflexive and use experience and feedback constructively
Quality
The course is validated and continuously monitored for the quality of its course content, teaching delivery, assessment and course management according to the procedures of the Relate Institute, University Centre Doncaster and the University of Hull.
Additional information
Diploma / MA in Relationship Therapy