Overview
Please note this course has recently changed from an MA, a Master of Arts, to an MProf, a Master of Professional Studies. While the learning outcomes remain the same, the course name, structure and modules have changed. View the previous version here.
Take the next step to becoming a UKCP registered psychotherapist.
This course forms a key part of your professional training to become a UKCP registered psychotherapist. Working part-time over four years, you'll build on your existing knowledge to become a skillful and ethical professional – able to think independently, critically and creatively while undertaking a highly responsible job.
As this is a part-time course, we aren't able to sponsor students for a Student visa.
Why Regent’s?
- Small class sizes: experience more individual attention, support and guidance
- Professional reputation: UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) accredited
- Subject specialism: in year two, choose to follow an Integrative or Existential pathway
- Unique content: one of two UK courses to offer training in the Existential modality
- Clinical placements: help to secure placements in professional practices
- Flexible learning: ideal for those changing career or with other commitments
- Unparalleled connections: gain insights from leading industry professionals
What to expect
Combine research, academic study and clinical practice with research on this rewarding part-time Master's, revisiting theoretical perspectives (existential and humanistic/integrative) and challenging your own thoughts and biases before starting to develop your own approach to psychotherapy and counselling.
You'll be taught in a way that celebrates difference and encourages discussion, constructive feedback and healthy debate. Through a combination of seminars, skills training sessions and professional development groups, you’ll learn to apply tools and techniques practically within a safe classroom environment, under the supervision of academics and practitioners with years of clinical experience.
Your engagement in weekly psychotherapy sessions (40 per academic year, half of which must be in person) will encourage you to reflect upon your beliefs and prevent any prejudices (such as race, gender, religion, age, class, etc.) from influencing your professional practice. You’ll also take part in a variety of clinical placements – applying your knowledge and skills to real workplace scenarios. Previously, students have worked in:
- Local charities
- Medical care – e.g., the NHS
- Research agencies
- Higher education – e.g., Royal Academy of Music
- Social services
- Private practices
This will involve at least half a day of practice each week, during and outside of term time. Our dedicated coordinator will work closely with you to secure a placement quickly with organisations who really value Regent's trainees.
At the end of your first year, you'll choose a specialist pathway to focus on – Integrative Psychotherapy or Existential Psychotherapy. From year two onwards, you must complete at least 100 hours of clinical practice per year (at least half must be in person).
Upon completion of four years, you'll receive an MProf in either Existential Psychotherapy or Integrative Psychotherapy – able to gain professional recognition as a psychotherapist and work as a private practitioner, join a therapy service or progress to doctoral research (MPhil/PhD). Should you chose to leave after three years, you'll be eligible for an MA award.
Professional membership
Regent's is an Organisational Member of the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) and, throughout your time with us, you'll be encouraged and supported to become both student and trainee members – before applying for full accreditation. Please note, to apply for UKCP accreditation, you’ll need to have accrued at least 450 supervised client hours.
If you train in the existential modality, you'll join the Constructivist and Existential College (CEC) of UKCP. You'll do this through the Society for Existential Analysis (SEA). If you train in the integrative modality, you'll join the Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy College (HIPC) of UKCP through Regent’s.
We also meet the training requirements for the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and, after your first two years, you'll be able to apply for registered membership.
London-centric learning
With London on your doorstep, you’ll have opportunities to engage with all aspects of the industry – gaining practical experiences and building valuable relationships.
- Join guest speakers on campus – e.g., author and psychotherapist, Dr Dwight Turner
- Experience placements at private clinics and public institutions, such as the NHS
- Participate in international lectures, like the ‘Meaningful conversations’ series
- Meet successful alumni and academics who have launched careers all over the world
A tailored experience
We put you in the driving seat – shaping your education from day one:
- Your own support officer: receive tailored advice and support when needed
- Academic guidance: access regular one-to-one sessions and a unique open door policy
- Designated placements officer: helping you to secure a placement early on.
Course is subject to validation.
How to apply
Applying to Regent's is quick and easy. We accept direct applications year-round and there's no application fee. If you haven't received your exam results, you can still apply and we'll issue you with a conditional offer. You just need be clear in your application which qualifications you're currently studying for.
Step 1: Apply
- On our website, details here
During the application process, you'll have the chance to upload supporting documents, including:
- A copy of your passport (photograph ID page)
- Academic transcripts and certificates from all previous studies
- A 500-700 word personal statement (view guidance)
- If you're not a native English speaker, proof of your English proficiency
Step 2: Receive a response
You can expect to receive a decision on your application within 10 working days. We'll assess whether you meet our entry requirements and will notify you of our decision via email. UCAS applicants will also receive official notification via the UCAS system.
For some of our courses, the selection process may include an interview or audition. They can take the form of a one-to-one interview, a group interview or a portfolio review, which may be conducted by telephone or online. Arrangements of these are made between you and the Admissions department.
Step 3: Accept your offer
If you wish to accept your offer, you must pay your (non-refundable) advance tuition fee deposit. This will confirm your place. Here's how.
Step 4: Register
Closer to the start of term, our Admissions team will send instructions regarding your registration process. This will include information on completing your online enrolment before you arrive, as well as a checklist of documents you'll need to bring with you to campus.
Scholarships and funding
There are a wide variety of funding and scholarship opportunities to help you finance your studies. For more information, please visit our scholarships and funding page.
Fees
Tuition fees per academic year:
- £10,500
Non-refundable advance deposit:
UK students: £1,000
International students: £4,000
Read more about tuition fees.
When do I need to pay?
If you receive an offer for a course, you’ll receive a pro forma invoice. To accept your offer and secure your place, pay your deposit payment as soon as possible.
What do fees include?
Fees cover the cost of all tuition and access to the University’s IT infrastructure and library learning resources. Fees are presented for the first level of study which equates to two terms.
What other costs should I budget for?
You will need to budget additional funds for accommodation and living expenses, travel, and any additional trips, visits, activities or courses that you choose to participate in outside of the tuition offered as part of your course.
The library holds a limited number of copies of core textbooks and where possible in e-format. You will be encouraged to purchase your own textbooks and will need to budget approximately £80-£100 per year, depending on your course.
How you'll learn
At Regent's, you’ll have the freedom to explore your interests in a dynamic, supportive and collaborative environment with interactive classes, industry opportunities, specialist facilities and tailored careers advice – ensuring you develop the skills, experience and confidence you need to pursue a career in this life-changing field.
Rather than promote a single approach, we teach a range of perspectives (covering existential, psychoanalytic, humanistic and integrative) via debates, simulations and placements – preparing you to make informed choices in your practice and meet the professional challenges of this rapidly-evolving field.
You’ll pair academic knowledge with hands-on experiences – taking part in a blend of learning formats to give your studies context:
- Seminars, lectures, tutorials
- Practical simulations and debates
- Professional clinical practice
- Training supervision
- Guest lectures and masterclasses
- Peer group participation
- Industry placements
- Independent individual therapy
Based in London, you'll also have opportunities to meet industry leaders and employers through guest lectures, live briefs, events and field trips.
Contact hours
6+ hours per week of timetabled teaching classes. In your second and third year, clinical work and placement supervision also require additional time – approximately half a day or more each week, both during and outside term time.
Teaching staff
You'll be taught by academics who all practice professionally and are recognised for excellence in their fields. They frequently speak at international conferences, so you can feel confident that you’re being taught the most cutting-edge methodology and thinking, and practice a wide range of therapy approaches – ensuring you’ll study contrasting views in an open and constructively critical arena. You'll also:
- Attend guest lectures with leading businesses and brands
- Be allocated a personal tutor, who you’ll meet with regularly on a one-to-one basis
Independent learning
Throughout your time at Regent’s, you'll be expected to undertake extra reading, research, revision and reflection – working alone and collaboratively with classmates.
You'll be required to remain in once-weekly individual therapy with a UKCP member therapist throughout your training. You'll need to find your own therapist as this isn't something Regent's can provide, although we can assist with your search. Please note this isn't included within the course fee and prices vary.
Method of assessment
Your knowledge and skills will be assessed via essays, case study analysis, clinical portfolios, training supervision, process reports, skills reflections and presentations – ensuring your learning is always:
- Inclusive – fostering a student-focused approach
- Engaging – encouraging interaction and participation
- Authentic – based on real business challenges
Disability support
We welcome and support students with a wide range of disabilities and health concerns. Please speak to us as soon as possible, so we can provide the help you need.
Entry requirements check
Academic requirements: Level 7
We're interested in your potential, as well as your prior achievements – and we review each application comprehensively on its own merit. You'll need the following qualifications:
- Minimum second class UK undergraduate degree (or equivalent)
- Introductory certificate in psychotherapy and counselling
- Minimum of six months’ relevant work or volunteering experience
As well as:
- A 500-700 word personal statement outlining your experience and ambitions
- A detailed CV outlining your academic qualifications and professional/voluntary history. This must be accurate, particularly in reference to your qualifications
- Two letters of recommendation – one academic, one work experience
You may also be required to attend an interview, where you'll:
- Engage in discussions and identify issues
- Relate to, and engage well with, others
- Share personal materials and experiences
- Reflect on personal learning experiences
Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning
We also welcome applications from students who don't meet our usual entry requirements. To be accepted for exceptional entry, you must:
- Have relevant work experience if you hold a degree lower than a 2:2 (or don't have one)
You'll need to provide us with:
- A personal statement outlining your experience and ambitions – this must clearly detail how your work experience is relevant
This will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by academic referral only.
English language requirements
Minimum English proficiency requirement through one of the following qualifications (or equivalent):
| Qualification | Subject | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| GSCE* | English | B (6) |
| IB SL or HL* | English A | 5 |
| IB HL* | English B | 5 |
| US HSD (studied in a majority English-speaking country)* | Grade 11 and above English | B |
| IELTS* | Academic | Overall score of 7.0, with 6.0 or above in each component |
| UG degree | From English-speaking countries – defined by the UKVI | Second class |
Please note, we do not accept home/online editions of English language tests.
*Qualification satisfies the English language requirements of the UKVI for non-UK/Irish nationals.
We also offer conditional students a free, online diagnostic test known as the Regent’s English Proficiency Test (REPT). This must be booked in advance. Discover more.
Careers
We aim to educate students to become skilful and ethical professionals – able to think independently, critically and creatively, and undertake highly responsible jobs.
Employment opportunities are wide ranging, with our graduates pursuing careers in NHS hospitals, GP practices, universities, colleges and schools, counselling centres, agencies offering specialised counselling, and private practice. Some graduates continue in their existing careers, working as practitioners on a part time, private basis.
Careers support
Don't worry if you feel overwhelmed – our Careers, Enterprise and Industry team are here to provide personalised advice and access to resources for life!
- 24/7 access to online guidance and resources
- Exclusive internships, networking opportunities and industry events
- Personalised consultations – from interview and CV prep to business advice
- Access to Handshake, connecting you with 650k+ global employers
Influential alumni
- Dr Maria Luca – psychotherapist and lecturer with three internationally-recognised books
The Regent's Model
We've designed our curriculum for you – expanding your knowledge, skills and thinking. During term time you'll attend classes for around six hours, once a week. Lessons will be supplemented by personal study, clinical placement practice and personal therapy.
Induction – students starting in September 2025
Wednesday cohort
Starting 10 September 2025
10:00 – 17:00
Thursday cohort
Starting 11 September 2025
10:00 – 17:00
Friday cohort
Starting 12 September 2025
10:00 – 17:00
View your academic calendar.
Course structure
Year one
- Theories of psychotherapy –existential, humanistic/integrative
- Training seminars on skills from various approaches, skills practice and evaluation
- Professional development – ethics, choice of modality, preparing for placement
- Personal and professional development (PPD) groups
- Independent study (self-directed)
- Personal therapy (minimum weekly)
Years two and three
- Choose from two pathways – Integrative or Existential psychotherapy
- Academic seminars on aspects of theory and practice
- Placement in an approved setting – to gather 100 client contact hours*
- Training supervision linking academic learning with clinical work
- Personal and professional development (PPD) groups
- Independent study (self-directed)
- Personal therapy (minimum weekly)
*Private practice is not accepted as a clinical placement in Year two.
Year four
- Completion of a substantive research project linking literature to clinical practice
- Academic seminars on aspects of theory and practice
- Placement in an approved setting – to gather another 100 client contact hours*
- Training supervision linking academic learning with clinical work
- Personal and professional development (PPD) groups
- Independent study (self-directed)
- Personal therapy (minimum weekly)
*Private practice is limited to a maximum of 20%.
Please note: it may be necessary to change the weekly day of study from year to year. We will always endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of forthcoming study days.
Additional information
Prior to the start of the course, you'll be required to attend an induction day to register and meet your classmates. This usually runs from 09:00-16:30. You also must complete a minimum of 100 hours of supervised clinical practice during years two, three and four. This means meeting with a minimum of three adult clients at least once per week, which will count towards the total of 450 hours needed for UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) membership. At least 50% of clinical hours need to be conducted in person.
MProf Psychotherapy
Year 1
| Module title | |
|---|---|
| Theory and Practice of Integrative Psychotherapy | This module introduces you to contemporary integrative-relational principles (e.g., core conditions, intersubjectivity, intersectionality, phenomenology, embodiment) in light of racial-cultural identity and humility, anti-discriminatory awareness and practice, and constructive critique. We critically examine the rapprochement between humanistic and contemporary psychodynamic approaches, with focus on similarities and complementarities. The seminar sessions address ‘self in relation’, self in action’ and ‘self in experience’ in form of presentations, discourse and experiential explorations to cultivate an integrative ethos and foundation for future psychotherapeutic practice. In weekly integrative skills practice and personal and professional development group sessions, you'll strengthen a sense of ‘self as practitioner’, including concepts such as embodied-relational presence, intersubjective-focused interventions and intersectional awareness of self and other in process. |
| Existential Phenomenology | This module introduces you to phenomenology in the context of contemporary psychotherapy. It's considered as a foundation for different modality approaches, not just existential but also psychodynamic, Gestalt, embodied and CBT/mindfulness. You'll explore diverse phenomenologies, including descriptive, hermeneutic, existential and embodied, and how these form the foundation for clinical practice. You'll also examine how phenomenology reveals the existential dilemmas that clients bring to therapy. Understanding the difference between applying a theory versus phenomenological enquiry reveals the meaningful nature of the client’s lived experience. This situates phenomenology as an ethical practice that respects the uniqueness and diversity of clients, paying attention to intersectionality and power dynamics. You'll engage in small reflexive and experiential exercises to deepen your understanding of phenomenology drawing on your own lived experience. Skills sessions give you opportunities to experience and practice diverse phenomenological approaches including descriptive, hermeneutic, existential and embodied. |
| Professional Matters in Psychotherapy | This module will be co-delivered by tutors across the existential and integrative modalities, deepening your professional awareness of psychotherapeutic processes and the impact of therapist and client lived experience on the therapeutic relationship. It will facilitate you to be able to make an informed decision in choosing either the existential or integrative clinical pathways in which to continue your training. You'll develop your understanding about the application of safe, trauma-informed psychotherapy and UKCP ethical principles to clinical practice, and explore short-term and long-term in-person therapy and remote practices which will be consolidated and underpinned by the fundamental principles of evidence-practice and practice-based evidence. In preparation for placement, you'll work closely with the Clinical Practice Team and Regent’s Careers Team to ensure that engagement with placement enhances your overall learning experience. In the practice skills sessions, you'll strengthen your foundations in the existential and integrative therapeutic frames. This will include working with risk and complex client material and contracting and assessment within each of the modalities. |
Year 2 – Existential pathway
| Module title | |
|---|---|
| Psychodynamic Psychotherapy and Existential Phenomenology | You'll explore different aspects of the psychotherapeutic encounter through both a psychodynamic and an existential perspective and recognise the ontological and epistemological implications of these two approaches and how they inform the psychotherapeutic stance. You'll be introduced to key psychodynamic theories (drive theory, object relations, attachment theory, intersubjectivity) in dialogue with existential phenomenology. This will include examining the therapeutic relationship, the role of interpretation, the issue of embodiment, change and temporality, interpersonal power and vulnerability, ambiguity and uncertainty in psychotherapy. |
| Existential Perspectives on Clinical Practice |
This module exposes you to some fundamentals of clinical practice and what it means to be with diverse clients in their various forms of being and suffering. This will encompass human development, neurodiversity, gender and sexuality, as well as trauma and psychopathology. You'll increase your awareness of, and sensitivity to the interplay of individual, cultural and sociopolitical factors, and how these are embodied and conceptualised with regards to these diverse aspects of human experience. Additional to academic content and relevant theory, an experiential and embodied element will be offered as part of the learning process through group experiences, dyad work, role-play, meditative movement, creative engagement etc. The exploration of human development includes a critical engagement with other traditions, whilst deepening an existential-phenomenological lens on the stages of human life. You'll also consider neurodiversity through being-in-the-world, and some practical concerns when working with neurodiverse clients. Gender, being sexual and sex will be considered from an existential stance, in order to expand your perspectives on these topics. This will inform your work with clients from a diversity of gender and sexual backgrounds, and will promote a deeper reflection upon their own lived experience. You'll be supported to work with clients presenting with different experiences of psychopathology, such as anxiety, depression, addiction, psychosis, with a particular focus on trauma, and engage with modern discourses around trauma and their implications for psychotherapy. You'll critically consider and evaluate theories and practices from different modalities, connecting them to an existential phenomenological approach to psychopathology and trauma. The module will also foster awareness of your level of competency and resilience when faced with diverse client presentations and distress. |
Year 2 – Integrative pathway
| Module title | |
|---|---|
| Contemporary Integrative Relational Theory and Practice | Broaden and deepen your knowledge and understanding of the philosophy and epistemology of integrative psychotherapy in theory, research and practice. You'll pursue the critical analysis of contemporary, relational intersubjectivity in psychodynamic and humanistic psychotherapy introduced in your first year of study. The synthesis of theory and integrative psychotherapy practice in placement is foregrounded in weekly seminal sessions and training supervision, encouraged by principles of co-creation of understanding and self-knowledge in the relational experience of the therapeutic dyad. From an embodied perspective you will examine how the therapeutic dyad evolves in concrete developmental phases as well as symbolically in forms and in enactments of projection, transference and countertransference. Discussions and reflective practices will be based on published client vignettes, tutors’ practice examples and your client material in placement, adhering to UKCP’s ethical principles applied to psychotherapy training and engaging in integrative case formulations. |
| Contemporary Gestalt and Focusing Principles and Associated Interventions | This will be your first experience with our ‘Theory in Action’ modules on the MProf Integrative Psychotherapy pathway. These modules are delivered as a combination of theory and practice on specific approaches or interventions. This module will centre around contemporary Gestalt principles and focusing techniques in the weekly seminar sessions. Practice will be supported with tutor demonstrations, ‘fish-bowl’ exercises and skills practice with peers in role of therapist, client and observer. All practice sessions will be video recorded for practice and assessment purposes. You'll be introduced to the four pillars of Gestalt therapy, i.e., phenomenology, the dialogical relationship, field theory and experimentation (based on theories and concepts developed by Perls, Yontef, Jacob). Secondly, focusing techniques foregrounding reflectivity, reflexivity, and mindfulness (based on Gendlin and contemporary practices proposed by Kabat-Zinn Gilbert and others) will enhance your embodied awareness and prepare for practices relevant to trauma-informed integrative psychotherapy. In addition, weekly practice of mindfulness will facilitate your introspective, qualitative research and offer opportunities for critical evaluation of lived experience. |
| Critical Psychopathology Part 1 |
In this module, we begin with a critical evaluation of current classification and diagnostic systems (DSM-V-TR; ICD-11) for anxiety and mood disorders. You'll consider relevant assessment models in the context of a closer examination of the intersectionality and criticality necessary in clinical formulations. You'll gain insight, experience and a growing confidence in delivering trauma-informed, relational psychotherapy considering the implicit and explicit power dynamics enacted in the clinical dyad. In this module, the lived experience of you, your fellow students and clients will be paramount for the analysis, interpretation and discussion of theoretical concepts. Seminars introduce you to pertinent theoretical positions from where published case vignettes as well as available client material provided by tutors and students, and the contemporary discourse will be questioned. Continuing with a more detailed analysis of students’ case presentations in training supervision and lived experiences in the personal and professional development groups, your understanding of self and other in a clinical context will be strengthened. In the assessment, you'll integrate the acquired knowledge and understanding into your clinical practice in placement. In weekly training supervision you'll be supported to develop case formulations, critically examining your competences and remain working within your professional limitations. |
Year 3 – Existential pathway
| Module title | |
|---|---|
| Perspectives in Existential Phenomenological Psychotherapy, Philosophy and Practice |
This module offers you a direct engagement with existential phenomenological philosophy, pertaining to the topics of hermeneutic phenomenology, embodiment and intersubjectivity, in order that you begin to develop your own philosophical stance and practice. You'll undertake close dialogical readings of a selection of primary texts, coupled with secondary literature that makes clear the clinical relevance of the philosophy. The experiential aspects of the module will facilitate a deep and embodied apprehension of philosophy as it applies to practice. They will encourage reflexivity of your own lived experience and your experience of others; your predilections, biases, boundaries and limits, all of which are crucial for ethical psychotherapeutic practice. You'll gain a solid understanding of hermeneutic phenomenology, its emphasis on the interpretative and meaningful quality of human experience, and its relevance for comprehending clients' lived experiences in therapeutic settings. You'll critically evaluate the subject-object distinction that underpins many modern psychotherapeutic approaches, considering their ontological basis in relation to modern life in general. You'll consider the implications (for both psychotherapy and everyday living) of the human being as being-in-the-world, as someone profoundly embodied, contextual and temporal and examine existential texts on embodiment and the vitality and vulnerability of human being, including perspectives on eros, illness and death. You'll critically engage with intersubjectivity, exploring how human connection and relationality shape existence and therapeutic practice, and examine themes such as empathy, mutuality, freedom, responsibility, power and oppression, in both philosophical and contemporary contexts. You'll consider the intersectionality of historical, ethnocultural, gender, sexual and racial contexts in shaping the understanding of both therapist and client, highlighting the significance of language, embodiment and intersubjectivity. You will be expected to challenge yourself at a deeper level through more elaborate and complex experiential exercises. |
Year 3 – Integrative pathway
| Module title | |
|---|---|
| Critical Psychopathology Part 2 | Continue with the critical evaluation of current classification and diagnostic systems (DSM-V-TR; ICD-11) with a focus on more complex mental health conditions such as personality disorders (including BPD/EUPD and NPD) and psychosis, schizophrenia and bi-polar disorder, building on the foundations established in previous modules. Your own lived experience, as well as those of other students and clients, will be paramount for the analysis, interpretation and discussion of theoretical concepts. You'll address developmental and intersectional-related trauma, stress tolerance, shame and interpersonal effectiveness. Advanced knowledge and understanding of psychodynamic and humanistic concepts, research evidence and the diverse, subjective expression in clients will translate into contemporary application of psychotherapeutic interventions, and inform initial and ongoing assessment, case conceptualisation and formulation and growing insight. In training supervision, the continuing articulation of integrative practice will increasingly foreground your formation of a unique integrative practice. |
| Contemporary Dialectical and Relational Practices in Integrative Psychotherapy |
In this second ‘Theory in Action’ module on the MProf Integrative Psychotherapy pathway, you'll continue to develop your integrative psychotherapy practice with focus on relational cognitive behavioural psychotherapy (CBT) and associated approaches. These include compassion focused therapy (CFT), acceptance and commitment therapy (CFT), emotion-focused therapy (EFT) and the core principles of dialectical behavioural psychotherapy (DBT) and their digitally available services recommended by NICE. Building on the theoretical scaffolding which you previously studied, this module examines evidence-based practice and practice-based evidence in the aforementioned approaches in seminar sessions with the opportunity to practise specific skills and case formulations with your peers. You'll also draw on published case material, tutors’ clinical practice examples and your and your fellow students’ experiences in placement. In training supervision further opportunities will establish integration of theory, research and practice. You'll be encouraged to continue reflecting on your personal and professional experiences with dialectic, relational practices in your PPD groups bringing into focus embodied resonances in response to the theoretical material. |
| Personal and Professional Development in Integrative Practices | ‘What is integration in psychotherapy?’ and ‘how do we achieve integration successfully and effectively?’ will be the pertinent questions we will ask throughout this module, completing the final building block for the third year and facilitating your readiness to practice as an autonomous psychotherapy practitioner. You'll carefully examine the ontological and epistemological positions of integrative psychotherapy, pluralistic and eclectic psychotherapy practices developing a stronger awareness of the political dimension of psychotherapy with contemporary challenges, such as ecological awareness, the climate crisis and social justice. Psychodynamic and humanistic topics will be revisited and re-evaluated from different perspectives in the context of your personal and professional values, understanding of power-dynamics and existing dominant discourse in psychotherapy. |
Year 4 – Existential pathway
| Module title | |
|---|---|
| Advanced Perspectives in Existential Phenomenological Psychotherapy, Philosophy and Practice |
Articulate your emerging identity as an ethical existential-phenomenological psychotherapist, with ethics as a lived and embodied attitude of humility running throughout the year. Explore humility as a foundational principle in therapeutic practice, attuned to the limits of knowledge, language, and control. Reframing the therapeutic encounter as a dialogue of difference rather than domination, this module challenges you to engage with the ‘stranger within’ – the unassimilable aspects of self and Other that test the therapist’s capacity for acceptance and ethical presence. The module’s objective is to cultivate therapists who can be with the darker and most distressing aspects of their clients’ experiences, and to respond to the unspoken and unspeakable dimensions of the human condition. Building on this ethical foundation, which honours human diversity, intersectionality and difference, the module introduces advanced psychopathology from a phenomenological perspective, examining the lived experiences of temporality, embodiment, and altered states. These are explored as disturbances within the structures of existence, offering a deeper understanding of the human condition. Alongside a philosophical consideration, these disturbances will be explored in an embodied and dynamic way within the experiential component of the module. Cultural and historical understandings of madness are critically engaged with, alongside reflections on psychiatry as a technological practice, including its reliance on medication, manualised therapies, and institutionalisation. The final term deepens your understanding of existential therapy by exploring advanced applications, including supervision, group work, couples therapy, and systemic approaches. It introduces areas that may inspire post-training specialisation, fostering professional development and broadening the scope of existential practice in varied therapeutic contexts. |
Year 4 – Integrative pathway
| Module title | |
|---|---|
| Creativity, Symbolism and Spirituality in Integrative Psychotherapy |
This is the third ‘Theory in Action’ module which sets the tone for the beginning of the final MProf year, leading you towards UKCP accreditation. You'll integrate theoretical knowledge established in previous modules, an ontological position of the ‘being-in-relation-with-all-living', with the expressive and experiential psychotherapies: from subtle exploration to in-depth relational experimentations, touching on play and symbolic expression. This will be in the context of your sense of and relationship with spirituality and continues with the themes of lived experience, social justice and ecological awareness previously established. Your self-awareness will expand from the therapeutic dyad examined throughout the course to the collective and communal experiencing where culturally embedded, symbolic values and transpersonal elements stimulate intersubjective, relational psychotherapy reaching for the human creative potential and healing capacity. You'll experience how the creative expression brings unconscious processes to the conscious thought and feeling. In training supervision and your PPD group, you'll continue to explore your personal and professional experience of group settings bringing into focus embodied responses to creativity, symbolism and spirituality. |
| Advancing Contemporary Integrative Psychotherapy Practices |
This module presents the culmination and celebration of four years training towards the MProf Integrative Psychotherapy. It therefore consolidates your autonomy in critical analysis, reflexivity and growing confidence in the professional articulation of integrative psychotherapy. You'll bring together theory, research and practice, exploring models of integration and reach for the wider context of integrative psychotherapy, such as the ‘Self in Context of a Group’ including interpersonal frameworks, family systems, psychosexual concepts and multiple state models. You'll also explore ‘Self as Innovator and Leader’ expanding your knowledge around private practice and also management of psychotherapy services. Client material provided by you, your tutors’ and other students’ clinical practice will form the platform in seminar discussions and training supervision from where research (including case study research, heuristic inquiry and interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA)) and theory will be critically studied to further your professional competencies, awareness of limitations and the need to refer clients on to specialist services and practitioners. |