About training

What is meant by the term psychodynamic?
Refers to the model of therapy based on the idea that we all have areas of the mind of which we are not aware. These areas nevertheless have an effect and can contain patterns left over from the past which can have a damaging effect on the present.

What is the difference between psychodynamic and other models of therapy psychotherapy?
Psychodynamic therapy seeks to relieve mental suffering by uncovering the patterns of thinking; feeling and behaving which are hidden beneath the surface but reveal themselves in the relationship with the therapist.
Other models, in general, concentrate on what is on the surface and already known.

What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?
The model of counselling that we use is psychodynamic and therefore both are using the same basic ideas. The difference is that the psychotherapist has a longer training and therefore is able study the theory at greater depth and has had more clinical experience, usually, but not always, in working with more frequent sessions, usually more than once per week.

About wpf training

What qualities etc. are you looking for in interviews?
In the individual interview: primarily the capacity to reflect on one’s past and present experiences; the capacity to relate one to one in a way that is not overly defensive.

In the group interview: the ability to empathise; the potential to think psychodynamically; the ability to relate to the group; the ability to listen and respond appropriately.

What is the criteria for entry onto the Postgraduate Diploma in Psychodynamic Theory and Practice?
• Successful completion of a basic counselling skills course that is equivalent to sthe wpf introductory certificate.
• Some experience of using counselling skills, preferably in a one to one context. This could be befriending or use of such skills in the workplace.
• Possession of academic potential, though not necessarily a degree.
• Usually be over the age of 25.

What is the drop-out rate?
We allow for a 5% drop-out but it seldom reaches that level. This is in part because we interview carefully for all our courses and there is no automatic progression from one level to another. It is important to us that applicants have as full an understanding as possible of what a course will involve and demand of them. The interview also provides an opportunity for applicants to obtain answers to their individual questions so that they have a more rounded view of what each course entails.

How many years will I need to train before I can practice as a counsellor?
If an applicant is starting with little or no experience of counselling training then the minimum number of years is four. However it always needs to be borne in mind that each person is different and though this may be the minimum possible time it does not mean that each person is able to achieve the necessary skills and qualifications in that time. Each stage of the training is assessed and progression is dependent achieving a number of pre-set criteria. Some people decide they want to take more time and some people may be advised to take more time.

Can I get work as a counsellor before I finish the training?
Trainees are not qualified to work independently as counsellors while they are still training. The exception to this is applies to trainees who enter the third year of the Postgraduate Diploma because they hold previous counselling qualifications and are working under the auspices and ethical codes of that training body.

Why do I need to be in personal therapy whilst I am training?
Personal therapy is seen as an essential requirement as this is the place where one can begin to understand and integrate the learning about relationships with oneself, clients, colleagues and others so that the work with clients is safe, contained and useful; i.e. not defensive, retaliatory or acted out.