Masters Degrees (Family Therapy)

Summary

This course provides an introduction to systemic ideas and their relevance in helping us gain a better understanding of individuals, families and the organisations in which we all function. In particular it will appeal to all those working in the caring professions who have an interest in developing their practice in terms of working with families. Moreover this type of training offers a broader perspective and understanding of how crucial family dynamics are in the development and maintenance of problems. At the same time it provides creative ways of involving the family in finding solutions to their difficulties.

The programme is fully accredited for Foundation Level Training with the Association for Family Therapy and Systemic Practice. It therefore forms the first step in training to become a fully qualified Family Therapist. Graduates of the course can go on to undertake the next stages in this training - that of Intermediate Level and Masters Level. In addition to this, students working in a variety of work contexts will also benefit from supplementing their own professional skills with the systemic theory and skills learned on the course. Given the broad appeal and applicability of systemic therapy principles, this course will inform and enhance students' understanding and approach to supporting individuals, couples and organisations, as well as families.

This course is undergoing academic revalidation during 2016/17, and course content/modules are subject to change.

About

The course aims to:

• Introduce the participants to the field of systemic theory, practice and research;
• Introduce the participants to the basic skills, applicable to their work settin;
• Increase participants’ awareness and acceptance of the need for professional practice to be characterised by respectfulness and reflexivity;
• Provide a basis from which the student may proceed towards intermediate level training.

At the end of the course, successful students will be able to:

• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the development of systemic theory in the context of other therapies
• Evaluate the various schools of thought pertaining to family therapy
• Identify how stages in the family life cycle can impact on family dynamics
• Reflect on the impact of culture on families
• Define and apply the theories underpinning the Milan/ Post-Milan school of family therapy
• Reflect on their personal and professional stage of development and the impact of systemic theory on these
• Identify ways in which systemic theory/ practice can be used in other settings

Structure and content

The course is composed of two modules:

Family Therapy and Systemic Practice 1 (30 credits)

In this module, students are introduced to the major models of family therapy and systemic practice and are given the opportunity to learn and practise specific skills and techniques from systemic psychotherapy. The module offers a broader perspective and understanding of how crucial family dynamics are in the development and maintenance of problems, while also providing creative ways of involving the family in finding solutions to their difficulties. Material is covered via lectures and Peer Groups, where students will have the opportunity to put theory into practice through role play and group discussion.

Family Therapy and Systemic Practice 2 (30 credits)

This module builds on students’ knowledge of the main schools of family therapy, to incorporate considerations of working in different therapeutic contexts, working with bereavement, domestic abuse, and child-focused practice. Students engage in full-day teaching workshops, exploring and experimenting in further systemic principles and techniques. This is cemented in ongoing Peer Groups, where students will expand on experiential learning through associated group tasks.

Attendance

Duration

The course runs from September to June.

Mode of Attendance

The course is taught as two modules:

Module 1 is conducted as one full day (Thursdays) of teaching and seminar work per week across Semester 1 (September to December).

Module 2 runs in Semester 2 (January to June). It is composed of 6 teaching/workshop days (10.00am – 4.30pm), and 5 Peer Group/seminar days (9.30am – 1.00pm). The teaching days and Peer Group days alternate each week (on Mondays).

Placement activity

In addition to the above days on campus, you will be expected to spend at least one day per week throughout the programme in your placement or work context (pre-arranged by you), where you will apply the theory and skills from your training.

Work placement / study abroad

The clinical placement associated with this programme is arranged by students themselves. The training presents a number of opportunities to connect clinical placement with studies on campus, through exploring and assessing students' clinical experiences in this area of practice.

Career options

This course is fully accredited for Foundation Level Training with the Association for Family Therapy and Systemic Practice. It therefore forms the first step in training to become a fully qualified Family Therapist. Graduates of the course can go on to undertake the next stages in this training - that of Intermediate Level and Masters Level. In addition to this, students working in a variety of work contexts will also benefit from supplementing their own professional skills with the systemic theory and skills learned on the course. Given the broad appeal and applicability of systemic therapy principles, this course will inform and enhance students' understanding and approach to supporting individuals, couples and organisations, as well as families.

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New Master's Scholarships available. Find out more and apply.

Our Family Therapy MSc course offers a comprehensive course of clinical training in family therapy, including extensive supervised work with families in both adult and child mental health settings.

We are proud to have been awarded an IoPPN Excellence Award in 2017 for student satisfaction in the Postgraduate Taught Education Survey (PTES).

Key benefits

• Strong focus on training professionals to work within multi-disciplinary settings.
• Small groups and a high level of tutor support.
• Provision of supervised clinical practice.

Description

Our Family Therapy course is designed for professionals working in a mental health setting, such as nurses, GPs, paediatricians, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and occupational therapists.

The MSc in Family Therapy is a qualifying level training. On completion you will become eligible for registration with the UK Council for Psychotherapy as a Family and Systemic Psychotherapist.

Applicants need to have significant prior clinical experience and to have completed an Association for Family Therapy Accredited Intermediate Level training in Family Therapy/ Systemic Practice.

Course format and assessment

Format

The Developing Therapist

• Seminars / Tutorials (40 hours) | Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning (400 hours) | Self-directed study (160 hours)

Embedding the Evidence into Practice

• Seminars / Tutorials (300 hours) | Self-directed study (300 hours)

Dissertation

• Seminars / Tutorials (50 hours) | Project Work (520 hours) | Self-directed study (30 hours)

Contact time is based on 30 academic weeks with weekly supervised clinical practice over 48 weeks.

Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.

Please note for part time students the contact hours will be split evenly over the two years

Assessment

Examination (25%) | Coursework (50%)| Practical (25%)

Extra information

Course accreditation

The Family Therapy MSc confers eligibility for application for registration with the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy.

Career prospects

Our programme prepares students for registration with the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy as a systemic family therapist.

Our graduates go on to work within the NHS or similar settings. Successful graduates can apply for family and systemic psychotherapy posts and work privately.

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Sign up to the King's Postgraduate Health & Life Sciences Open Evening - Wednesday 14 March 2018. 

Our Family Therapy Grad Cert course enables mental health professionals to develop useful theoretical knowledge and practise skills to enable them to work effectively with couples and families in the context of their own professional practice.

The focus of the course is in working in mental health settings, and the teaching draws from a range of different approaches. This integrative approach ensures that students have a solid grounding which enables them to adapt their practice to different client groups.

At the end of the course students will have gained confidence in working with more than one person in the room and be able to use a number of approaches to help people towards positive change. There is a focus on evidence-based practice and on the development of good therapeutic relationships.

Key benefits

• Introduces students to the field of systemic theory, practice and research.
• Introduces basic practice skills and their application to clinical practice.
• Enables students to begin to develop a stance of self-reflexivity and prepare for entry to qualifying level training.

Description

Our Family Therapy course is designed for professionals working in a mental health setting, such as nurses, GPs, paediatricians, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and occupational therapists.

At the Graduate Certificate level the course provides an introduction to the field of systemic theory, practice and research and will begin to develop your clinical skills and practice. This is an ideal course for entry into qualifying-level training.

Assessment

You are assessed through a combination of coursework and examinations and may typically expect assessment by: 

Examination (25%) | Coursework (75%)

The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they may change if the course modules change.

Extra information

Course accreditation

The Family Therapy Grad Cert is accredited by the Association of Family Therapy as a foundation and intermediate course in systemic practice with families and couples and fulfils the first part of the recognised training in family therapy.

Career prospects

Students can go on to study the final part of the training (MSc in Family Therapy) or use their knowledge and skills to incorporate systemic work in existing clinical practice.

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The Master of Marriage and Family Therapy (MMFT) program is well established having graduated its first students in 1992. The strength of the MMFT is its clinical focus. The core of the program is the 500 hours of therapy under supervision that each student completes primarily at Aurora Family Therapy Centre located on The University of Winnipeg campus. Another reflection of the clinical focus is that all Faculty members are themselves practicing therapists, and all Supervisors are Approved by or Supervisors-in-Training with the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

The program is structured to meet the needs of the part‑time student; this fits for those already working in the field who wish to develop a specialty in marriage and family therapy, and for those who are just beginning their career and need time and life experience to develop as a therapist.

Our student body is composed of persons from various backgrounds, the majority with some prior experience as helping professionals. We also have trainees who are choosing family therapy as their first profession, persons in mid-life who are totally changing their career direction, and retirees who are finally realizing a lifelong dream to achieve therapy credentials. We are committed to a policy of non-discrimination, and we welcome diversity, including differences in ethnic origin and sexual preference. Diversity in our learning community mirrors our pluralistic social context and enriches the experiential learning process for everyone.

Research and experience both substantiate that the core predictable indicator of successful therapy is the person of the therapist; thus much attention is paid to this dimension in the MMFT program. Students are taught a variety of therapy theories and are invited to attend to their own professional and personal development in order to become the best therapist possible.

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The Master's in Counseling Psychology program with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) prepares students to be socially and culturally responsive relationship and family therapists and mental health counselors. At its core, the MFT’s clinical training program upholds values of equity, social justice, community and cultural wealth, and collaborative problem solving.

MFT Program Strengths

• Curriculum attends to the mental health needs of diverse cultures and communities.
• A focus on a community mental health recovery and wellness approach to serving clients and providing treatment options.
• Three-course cognitive behavioral therapy sequence that includes theory, skill building, and practice of broad treatment interventions.
• Courses that integrate a life-span development, family systems, multicultural, and social justice perspective in mental health practice.
• Small class sizes with faculty who are invested in student growth and learning.
• Many instructors are practicing mental health clinicians.
• Emphasis on incorporating evidence-based practices and client strengths.
• University-wide supportive services and opportunities to collaborate with instructors and students.
• Collaborative cohort learning model facilitates future support, resources, and continued networking opportunities after graduation and licensure.

PROGRAM DELIVERY

• 60-credit program with classes in the fall, spring, and summer semesters.
• Cohort-based model with fall (eight semesters) and spring (seven semesters) entry dates.
• Late afternoon (3:45-6:15 p.m.) and evening (7:20-9:50 p.m.) weekday classes with some Saturday sessions during fall and spring semesters.
• Intensive summer sessions starting no earlier than 3:45 p.m. on weekdays with some Saturday sessions.

Program Learning Outcomes

Self-Awareness and Contextual Understanding: The MFT program will prepare students to become culturally competent therapists who can critically analyze themselves and their clients across ecological contexts. Students will be able to:

• Develop a practice of cultural self-awareness and reflectiveness that critically evaluates how one’s beliefs, values, behaviors, personal experiences and cultural context affect one’s approach towards providing mental health treatment with clients of diverse backgrounds, belief systems, and relationship constellations.
• Identify the ways in which the surrounding socio-political, historical, and cultural contexts impact the mental health experiences of individuals and communities of diverse identities and cultural backgrounds.
• Explore and analyze power, privilege, and marginalization, as it relates to therapy practice, through multiple perspectives, worldviews, and epistemologies

Theoretical Grounding: The MFT program will prepare students to identify and critically analyze theory to address a wide range of clinical counseling and mental health issues, such that students will be able to:

• Identify the legal and ethical standards related to marriage and family therapy and professional clinical counselor practice and understand how they apply in various service contexts and with diverse populations.
• Understand the major theoretical concepts of counseling and mental health treatment to address a variety of mental health concerns and diagnoses from a strengths-based and culturally inclusive perspective.

Diagnosis, Assessment, and Research: The program will prepare students to become culturally competent therapists who understand socio-cultural complexities associated with diagnosis, assessment, and research. As culturally responsive therapists, students will be able to:

• Conduct culturally sensitive clinical and diagnostic assessments of clients’ mental health functioning that account for the influences of relationships, cultural backgrounds, identity, biological determinants, historical context, and developmental variables.
• Conceptualize psychopathology and psychiatric diagnosis in a way that recognizes the impact of environmental variables, social norms, cultural values, physiological and biological determinants, and relationship dynamics as variables that influence the presence of pathology.
• Develop foundational crisis assessment and intervention strategies that promote stabilization, utilize community resources and strengths, and respects clients’ unique cultural, developmental, mental health needs.
• Understand concepts of psychological trauma, including the range of traumatic experiences, symptomatology, and issues related to diagnosis, developmental impacts, and counseling treatment.
• Understand ethical research, procedures and practices, such as reflexivity in the role of the researcher, and what methods align with distinct forms of inquiry.
• Understand how to be a consumer of research in marriage and family therapy and how to use research to inform and improve culturally competent practice.

Therapeutic Interventions and Clinical Practice: Students in the program will be able to understand, develop, identify, and demonstrate the foundational components of culturally competent counseling in marriage and family therapy, clinical counseling, and relationship therapy. As practitioners, students will be able to:

• Understand the components of collaborative treatment planning, employing a client-centered and strengths-based approach.
• Identify culturally accountable, strengths-based evidence-based treatment interventions for application to diverse populations with a variety of mental health diagnoses.
• Provide effective, evidence-based, and culturally responsive therapy and counseling treatment for individuals, children, groups, families, couples, and diverse relational constellations dealing with mild to severe mental health issues under appropriate supervision of trained mental health practitioners.
• Demonstrate culturally responsive, evidence-based counseling and psychotherapy skills necessary for working with a wide range of individuals, families, couples, groups, and other relationship constellations across the lifespan.

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The Postgraduate Certificate in Systemic Practice covers the first two years of family therapy training and combines both Foundation and Intermediate level training in systemic practice. Each level of training is accredited by the Association of Family Therapy and Systemic Practice

The programme is multi-disciplinary and covers aspects of working with families in clinical settings, as well as wider applications of systemic thinking and practice. It is suitable for professionals working in nursing, psychiatry, social work, clinical psychology, voluntary organisations and related fields.

The programme is accredited by the Association for Family Therapy and Systemic Practice and successful completion meets the training requirement for application to the qualifying course in Systemic Family Therapy leading to UKCP registration.

More information

The Leeds Family Therapy and Research Centre has been training therapists for over 20 years to help individuals, couples and families find ways of tackling their problems.

You can study this subject at other levels:

• Foundation course in Family Therapy
• Family Therapy (Intermediate)
• Systemic Family Therapy MSc - this course will not recruit again until 2019

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the Association for Family Therapy and as such fulfils the training requirements for Foundation and Intermediate Level training in Systemic Practice. Read more on the Association for Family Therapy website.

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If you’re committed to a career as a qualified systemic psychotherapist then this postgraduate certificate (PG Cert) is your first stepping stone. Over two years you’ll study flexibly to fit around your work commitments. The course is also for any professional who wants to develop skills in working systemically with individuals, couples and families.

See the website http://www.anglia.ac.uk/study/part-time/family-therapy-and-systemic-practice

Our PG Cert is the first two years of a four-year qualification for Family and Systemic Psychotherapy. Made up of two modules, our course is accredited by the Association of Family Therapy (AFT), so you can be confident that you’re developing skills that are up-to-date and relevant for a career in family psychotherapy. Each module can be studied alone as part of your continued professional development, or they can be combined as you work towards your full training to become a qualified systemic (family) psychotherapist.

Our course is suitable whatever client groups you work with and will build on your knowledge, beliefs and experiences within your own work context. You’ll develop a deep understanding of systemic thinking and practice and how to put this into practice with clients and families, exploring a range of presenting problems and contexts spanning the lifecycle from birth to old age.

Teaching times: Year 1, Tuesdays 3-8pm. Year 2. Wednesdays 3-8pm. Seventeen weeks of the year during term-time.

See the website http://www.anglia.ac.uk/study/part-time/family-therapy-and-systemic-practice

Careers

By successfully completing your PG Cert you’ll be able to continue your studies to the completion of your MSc, which will then allow you to register as a family and systemic psychotherapist, on the basis that you fulfil AFT requirements. You’ll also be able to refer to yourself as a systemic practitioner, which will be a significant addition to your professional portfolio.

- Links with industry and professional recognition
Our course is carried out at a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit and we have strong links with the local mental health trust, allowing you to come into contact with a wide range of professionals already working in family psychotherapy.

Core modules

An Introduction to Working Systemically with Individuals, Couples and Families
Further Developments in Systemic Practice

Please note that you will need to complete all of the above core modules. This course does not have any optional modules. Modules are subject to change.

Assessment

You’ll be assessed in a range of ways to determine your expertise as an advanced reflective practitioner, including case and paper presentations to peers, a reflective portfolio, a case study and, at the end of the second module, a presentation to peers on a systemic concept of your choice and its application to practice. Assessment is on-going throughout the course and small group learning develops your skills with formative and informal feedback available on an ongoing basis.

Your faculty

The Faculty of Health, Social Care & Education is the largest provider of health, social care and education courses in the East of England, with over 6,000 students from more than 20 countries.

With 95% of our students finding full-time employment within six months of graduating, you can be sure that our courses have been designed with your career in mind. We’ve been educating nurses, midwives and social workers for over 25 years.

At the cutting edge of research, we offer a range of internationally recognised undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses taught by friendly and experienced staff.

Designed to enhance your learning experience, our facilities include state-of-the-art simulated skills laboratories that mirror real-life clinical situations and UK hospital wards. Our students also benefit from our Early Childhood Research and Resource Centre; a space in which they can experiment with equipment and play activities.

You’ll study in an exciting, modern faculty which has strong links with regional, national and international organisations, including healthcare trusts, schools and academic institutions.

Your enthusiasm. Our passion. Your best foot forward.

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Summary

The programme provides an opportunity for students to enhance their skills and knowledge in areas of applied psychology related to mental health practice and research. It trains and equips students wishing to:

• Enter further professional training in Clinical, Counselling, Educational or Forensic Psychology;
• Become more employable for positions in the public and private sector (such as Assistant and Associate Psychologist posts, Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner posts, and Research Assistant/Analyst posts);
• Pursue PhD research in the area of mental health.

In addition, the course has gained full AFT accreditation for Foundation Level training in Family Therapy and Systemic Practice, and full BPS accreditation for Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner training. These can be taken as routes within the MSc programme.

This course is undergoing academic revalidation during 2016/17, and course content/modules are subject to change. 

Structure and content

To complete the Masters programme, students are required to successfully complete 180 university credits. Programme Routes: There are three different ‘routes’ that students can take during their time on the programme, depending on their interest or the experience they would like to gain from their training. These routes have been designed because feedback from students suggests that some people like to maintain a broad range of skills and experience, whereas others prefer to focus on a particular area of practice. The route students choose may depend on the kind of work or further training that they want to pursue beyond the MSc course itself (note that all 3 routes include the carrying out of an MSc Research Project):

• The ‘Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner’ route – This route incorporates training as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP), which is fully accredited by the British Psychological Society. PWPs work in primary care mental health services, delivering low intensity psychological interventions (with a CBT focus) for people experiencing mild to moderate emotional problems such as depression and anxiety. This is a well-established role in mental health services in England, and services in Northern Ireland are developing to include a focus on this way of working. Students taking this route will spend time on clinical placement during the course, arranged by the course team (more on this below).
• The main course route, entitled ‘Mental Health and Psychological Therapies’ – This route offers a breadth of experience in theory and skills training, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Family Therapy & Systemic Practice skills modules, Advanced Research Methods, and a choice amongst key Mental Health and Professional Issues modules.
• The ‘Mental Health with Family Therapy and Systemic Practice’ route – this incorporates elements of the main course route (e.g. CBT, Mental Health modules, research methods), as well as Foundation Level training in Family Therapy and Systemic Practice (fully accredited by the Association for Family Therapy and Systemic Practice). The training focuses on approaches implemented when supporting families, but also on how these approaches and concepts can be applied to working with individuals. Students on this route must have secured their own work in a therapeutic setting (to enable them to practice systemic therapy skills), including supervision by an accredited therapist.

Professional recognition

British Psychological Society (BPS)  

Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) against the requirements for qualification as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner.

Work placement / study abroad

The programme has a number of opportunities to connect clinical placement experiences with studies on campus. The BPS-accredited Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner Training (which composes part of one of the course routes), includes a 9-month clinical placement in low-intensity psychological therapies services, arranged by the course team. The AFT-accredited Foundation Level Training in Family Therapy and Systemic Practice (which composes part of another course route), includes a module that explores and assesses students' clinical experiences in this area of practice - placement for this module is arranged by students themselves. Finally, the MSc presents a further placement opportunity for students who have completed the course, in the form of a 15-credit standalone placement module ('Clinical Placement in Applied Psychology'). A selection of clinical placements have been secured in Psychology Services in the Western Health and Social Care Trust, in specialisms including Adult Mental Health, Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Paediatric Psychology, Older Adults, Personality Disorder, and Autism Spectrum Disorder Services. This post-MSc module is only open to those students who have completed the MSc at Ulster, and students who enrol on this module will be working as the equivalent of Assistant Psychologists on a voluntary basis in these services (length of placements are typically between 6 months and one year).

Career options

Currently, our graduating students are successful in acquiring Assistant Psychologist positions, which with experience is allowing people to apply for Associate Psychologist positions. Others are successful in gaining entry onto Professional Doctorate programmes in Clinical, Counselling and Educational Psychology, or PhD scholarships in Psychology across UK and Ireland. In addition, students who undertake the accredited Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP) training strand within the course will be able to seek accreditation with the BPS for working as a PWP. Finally, students who undertake AFT Foundation Level Training will have completed Stage 1 of 3 in their training to become a qualified Systemic Psychotherapist.

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The masters in counselling award provides a framework for theoretical understanding and skills development in the application of a systemic approach to working with individual adults and children, couples and families as well as supervision of counselling practice. Alongside these frameworks, students can enjoy a detailed analysis of models and practices in supervision, including an understanding of wider systemic influences that impact practice.

Systemic approaches to psychotherapy and family therapy have been the cornerstone of the Family Institute’s clinical practice, teaching and research since 1967. The Institute was the first centre in the UK to develop these approaches to problems in living. Forty years on, progress in family therapy has occurred at a rapid pace. The application of systems thinking and practice in health and social care contexts has grown considerably. It has, therefore, become essential to ensure the highest standards of practice, training and qualification in applying systemic approaches effectively within these fields.

“The course allowed me to find my own way around the myriad of counselling and psychotherapy approaches, and to appreciate the theoretical support of such approaches.” Ann Jones, BSc Systemic Counselling

See the website http://courses.southwales.ac.uk/courses/751-msc-systemic-counselling

What you will study

You will study the following modules:
- Foundation in Family Therapy and Systemic Practice
- Using Systemic Practice in the Work Setting
- Research Methods
- Counselling Supervision and Consultation

The programme aims to offer students opportunity to:
- develop in-depth understanding of conceptual frameworks underpinning systemic theory and practice applied to counselling;

- understand and utilise methods of integration in order to develop their own personal epistemology in counselling practice;

- develop skills in responding to challenging or complex issues that may arise in counselling;

- develop and promote appropriate treatment responses and skills in working with areas new to their experience and knowledge (e.g. serious mental illness, couples, children, families, elders, refugees, forensic settings, new theoretical developments, methods and techniques);

- develop knowledge and practice of appropriate supervision in counselling;

- develop an understanding of organisational development and the interaction between relevant wider systems in the practice of supervision, for example, management and governance of services;

- promote high professional standards.

Learning and teaching methods

The award integrates practice-based evidence with evidence-based practice and offers excellent training in research methods. You will study through a mixture of lectures, group discussion via action learning and independent study. Assessment will involve directed study assignments, analysis of practice in supervision and video or audio review.

Practice based learning is a central component to this award and is embedded in the philosophy of the award. The award has been designed to develop the professional requirements of counsellors from a variety of professional backgrounds and takes into account current British Psychological Society criteria for Chartered Counselling Psychologists.

Staff delivering this award have extensive experience of designing and teaching Family Therapy and Systemic Practice programmes at postgraduate level (UKCP accredited) as well as Counselling programmes leading to a BSc Hons in Counselling (BACP accredited). The Institute is a member of the European Family Therapy Association and also the Universities Psychotherapy and Counselling Association.

Work Experience and Employment Prospects

There is an increase in the demand for counsellors and there is a corresponding need for supervision and continuing professional development. The demands on counsellors to practice to the highest ethical, theoretical and practical standards increase as we move towards statutory regulation (possibly by 2012). In the context of increasing focus on evidence-based practice, the practitioner’s relationship to the scientist’s practitioner model will influence how they locate their practice and thinking within wider networks of research and collegial exchange of good practice, not only as practitioners but also as supervisors.

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Systemic approaches to psychotherapy and family therapy have been the cornerstone of The Family Institute’s clinical practice, teaching and research since 1967. The Institute was the first centre in the UK to develop these approaches to problems in living. Forty years on, progress in family therapy has occurred at a rapid pace. The application of systems thinking and practice in health and social care contexts has grown considerably. It has, therefore, become essential to ensure the highest standards of practice, training and qualification in applying systemic approaches effectively within these fields.

This course will develop knowledge and skills that you can apply to your area of practice. It is ideal if you want to enhance your existing expertise, gain new skills for career development or a career change, or address CPD aspects of professional qualifications. The Family Institute attracts a wide range of professionals to its courses, offering the added opportunity of shared learning between health and social care professionals from diverse backgrounds.

Our course and its components are also pre-requisites for further clinical training in psychotherapy or counselling, and aspects of this course may be required if you want to work in various therapeutic contexts. People undertaking counselling psychology training have used this course as part of their portfolio submission. This award also includes the curriculum for foundation and intermediate level training. As such, it satisfies the first two years of a four-year postgraduate training programme leading to professional qualification as a UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) Registered Family and Systemic Psychotherapist.

See the website http://courses.southwales.ac.uk/courses/310-postgraduate-certificate-systemic-counselling

What you will study

You will study the following modules:
- Foundations in Family Therapy and Systemic Practice
- Using Systemic Family Therapy Approaches in the Work Setting

New modules are being developed due to restructuring of this course.

Learning and teaching methods

An adult learning approach characterises the learning environment and actively involves a variety of learning activities, including interactive tutorials, student-led seminars, critical incident analysis, use of resource-based learning materials and a variety of group-work activities.

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Critical and reflective examination of systemic theory is at the heart of this course, and you will also focus on the application of a systemic framework to practice and research.

You study different approaches to therapeutic work across a range of subjects and client groups, including adult mental health, individuals, couples, children and families.

You will also sharpen your own critical responses to discourses relating to power, difference and diversity, and develop the skills needed to address issues of discrimination.

This course is delivered in partnership with the Institute of Family Therapy in London.

Intermediate qualifications available:

• Postgraduate diploma – 120 credits at Masters level

Choose Family and Systemic Psychotherapy MSc and:

• Study through a combination of lectures, group exercises and activities, and in addition to focusing on research and theory, benefit from the programme’s clinical practice component
• Explore a range of qualitative methods for conducting research, before designing and conducting a piece of work in an area of your own interest and practice that you will write up for your final dissertation
• Develop systemic practice skills through weekly attendance of a supervision group where you will work directly with clients assessing risk, safety and vulnerability, the therapeutic relationship, interventions, and theories of change
• Gain an opportunity to develop your professional interests and contribute to the development of knowledge within the systemic field
• Benefit from power and diversity group plenaries which will support you in the development of a deeper understanding of the issues surrounding power and discrimination.

Visit the website: https://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/courses/postgraduate/next-year/family-and-systemic-psychotherapy#about

Course description

The Research component of the course encourages independent learning, providing you with an opportunity to develop your own professional practice interests in initiating and taking responsibility for a research project and dissertation, contributing to the development of knowledge within the systemic field. The course aims to help you develop your work with families and couples, to increase and consolidate your theoretical and clinical skills and your understanding of the use of the self in practice. The inclusion of a wide range of approaches is an important characteristic. It is part of the course philosophy to encourage you in the development of a critical approach to theory and practice examining the inequalities and differences for example of race, class, gender, and to encourage an ethical and anti-discriminatory approach to clients. Use of self and self-reflexive practice is a core aspect of training,

A particular feature of the course are the Power and Diversity group plenaries, which support you in developing your understanding of issues of power and discrimination. These plenaries supplement and support the acquisition of these skills in your supervision group to apply this understanding in your therapeutic practice.

Subject to the agreement of your agency, you will be expected to bring your own case material for discussion and video or audio recordings of your work. Where appropriate signed, informed consent will be obtained from families for this purpose. For review of work during the course through DVD consultation, the consent forms for therapy include consent to record and review for the purposes of training. The academic and experiential learning provided encourages you to develop a broad critique and to apply a range of interventions in family and other related contexts in which you have a professional role. .

The course is the final stage of training leading to qualification as a family / systemic psychotherapist and eligibility to register with the UKCP.

The part time structure of the course enables you to continue in your employment while you study. The combination of evening and day time study and its central location make it accessible geographically to students from different parts of the UK. Tutors and supervisors are all registered systemic psychotherapists and systemic supervisors, many of whom have a PhD, combining academic rigour which is also grounded in clinical practice, contributing to a rich learning experience.

Modules

• Advanced Theory In Context (ASS044-6) Compulsory
• Clinical Practice: The Developing Therapist (ASS042-6) Compulsory
• Clinical Practice: The Maturing Therapist (ASS045-6) Compulsory
• Research Dissertation (ASS043-6) Compulsory
• Research Methods (ASS040-6) Compulsory
• Theory In Context (ASS041-6) Compulsory

Assessment

The spirit of the course is developmental learning and the promotion of connections between different aspects of the course and modes of learning. You will build on the skills and learning achieved in your Foundation and Intermediate level courses, taking them to a greater level of complexity.

The course employs a range of assessment strategies which respond to the learning outcomes of the course. The strategies include written assignments that give you the opportunity to show your systemic writing skills and critical use of the literature, particularly in the Research and Theory Units. In extending this assessment strategy, in different units on the course you will produce written analyses of your systemic work with clients showing the development of your application of theory to practice in both your course and agency-based places of work, as well as in vivo presentations. The strength of this strategy is that it draws on a range of strengths, and applies equally well to organisational dilemmas as well as case consultations and gives you the chance to extend your systemic thinking beyond the frame of direct work.

Career/Further study opportunities

This course qualifies you to practice as a family and systemic psychotherapist, and to apply for registration with the UKCP. Depending on your background and first professional qualification you may also have the possibility to apply for designated family therapist posts within the NHS. Following the Munro Report published in 2011 opportunities are beginning to open up for family therapy posts within the Social Care context, and a growing number of independent and third sector agencies are interested in having a qualified family / systemic psychotherapist on their staff, or providing consultation to their work. Other students go on to develop independent practice, often alongside posts within the statutory sector

Qualified practitioners with post-qualifying experience are eligible to apply for further study to become qualified systemic supervisors.

They may also apply for further study at Doctorate level, contributing to the development of knowledge within the field.

Students also use the increased confidence in their written and academic abilities to contribute written articles to journals within the field, for example the Journal of Family Therapy and to further develop their research interests.

Funding

For information on available funding, please follow the link: https://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/money/scholarships/pg

How to apply

For information on how to apply, please follow the link: https://www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply/course/applicationform

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Family systems perspectives on theory and practice have been rapidly developing across a wide range of professional disciplines and practice contexts. If you work with adults, children, couples or within the family healthcare field, this is your opportunity to further your knowledge and develop the skills to practice therapeutically at a specialised and advanced level using systemic theoretical frameworks.

This award integrates taught clinical practice, theory, personal development and research. It forms Years Three to Four of The Family Institute’s psychotherapy training programme and builds on the Institute’s long experience of teaching psychotherapy. It is designed to meet UKCP, UK Association for Family Therapy and European training standards.

“I have had a good experience of studying other courses. I enjoyed the practical aspect of this course. I also enjoyed spending time at the Family Clinic within the University.” – Tracy Brain, MSc Systemic Psychotherapy, Health Visitor

See the website http://courses.southwales.ac.uk/courses/356-msc-systemic-psychotherapy

What you will study

Year One:
- Systemic Approaches to Clinical Practice
- Systemic Psychotherapy in Context
- Integrating Systemic Theory, Practice and Research

Year Two:
- Communication, Change and the Development of Therapeutic Practice
- Second-Order Cybernetics and Complex Systemic Organisation

Learning and teaching methods

Curriculum hours of study are designed to meet national Association for Family Therapy (AFT) and European Family Therapy Association (EFTA) standards. Live supervised practice is based at the Institute’s clinic. Years One and Two comprise 40 taught days in a pattern of fortnightly two-day blocks, with a full week to start each year.

Work Experience and Employment Prospects

Assessment methods:
You will be assessed through lecturer/supervisor assessment, self-assessment, summative and formative assignments. Emphasis is on reflective practice. You must pass both theory and practice components of each module.

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Why choose this course:

• Our courses are highly regarded by professionals working within family therapy, and this course is accredited by the Association of Family Therapy (AFT).

• When you complete this course you will be able to register as a systemic psychotherapist or family therapist with the UK Council Psychotherapy (UKCP).

• With over ten years' experience of teaching systemic psychotherapy, our experienced teaching team is keen to pass its expertise on to you.

• If you have already completed the PG Cert Systemic Thinking and Practice or have passed an Association of Family Therapy (AFT) accredited intermediate course, this course is ideal for you.

About the course:

This two year part time course offers you the flexibility of continuing your professional development without taking a break from your career.

In your first year you'll study for the PG Dip Systemic Thinking and Practice, which includes a weekly supervised training clinic for 40 weeks.

In your second year the teaching will be focused on the MSc Systemic Psychotherapy, which also includes a weekly supervised training clinic for 40 weeks of the year.

You'll need to study both years to form the MSc Systemic Psychotherapy.

You'll be taught in our Clinical Skills Suite, which is a working clinical environment where you'll be able to learn and develop your practical and research skills. The cost for live clinical supervision for both years is covered by the course fees.

You'll study some parts of the course with students on other psychotherapy courses, so you'll have the opportunity to critically appraise systemic practice and other psychotherapy and counselling models.

You may be eligible for Learning Beyond Registration (LBR) funding if you choose this course, contact us for more details.

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Why choose this course:

• This course builds on 11 years' experience of training in Systemic Practice at Derby.

• Our course team are skilled systemic therapists who practise in a variety of agency settings and so offer contemporary theory and practice.

• It's aimed at multi-agency, multi-professional participants who work with a range of client groups presenting a range of challenges, symptoms, issues or difficulties.

• There's an emphasis on creating a safe group context both in the academic and clinical aspects of the course, to facilitate learning.

• The research appraisal half module is delivered jointly with participants from Postgraduate Certificate programmes in different models, for example Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy which offers the opportunity to view research issues from many perspectives.

• The course is accredited by the Association for Family Therapy (AFT) at Intermediate level.

• Following successful completion of the course, you would be eligible to carry on training to Clinical MSc level.

About the course:

The course would be of interest to you if you wish to extend your knowledge of systemic practice and if you have successfully completed the University Advanced Diploma in Systemic Practice and Family Therapy or equivalent Foundation level training. The Postgraduate Certificate will enhance your knowledge and skills and is accredited as intermediate level training. It's taught in a modular programme.

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The course is aimed at professionals working with children and young people with mental health issues. The course has been developed by a multi-professional team to provide new insights into working with complex family mental health issues in the community. The perspectives of practitioners from health, social care and education is integrated into the delivery of both modules.

The first module provides you with the framework for assessment of children and young people and the factors which impact on their emotional health. During this module attachment, family dynamics, concepts of risk and resilience are examined in depth.

The second module presents the aetiology of mental disorders and their management and treatment. You build your knowledge and skills in diagnostic tools, cognitive behavioural therapy, motivational interviewing, solution focused therapy, family therapy, sensory assessment/integration and psychotherapy through role play and personal research.

All practitioners are required to demonstrate extended specialist knowledge in their chosen speciality when they are applying for career progression. Completing this course allows you to demonstrate your extended knowledge in caring for children, adolescents and families with mental health issues. This course enables you to contribute to the workforce transformation agenda as you apply these skills in your workplace.

Course structure

Core modules

• Early intervention in child, adolescent and family mental health (30 credits)

Focused upon early years: neuro/cognitive/physical development; attachment; family relationships; risk/resilience, parenting; etc.

• Enhancing practice in child, adolescent and family mental health (30 credits)

Focuses on disorders and interventions/strategies that arise from childhood into adolescence, and how these impact upon the whole family and the community at large.

Modules can be undertaken as stand-alone, or as part of the PgCert and the credits awarded can then be transferred to further awards (PgDip, MSc Advanced Professional Practice) as appropriate.

Assessment

Written assignments and production of health promotion resource

Employability

Upon completion of a postgraduate certificate, you are able to complete your postgraduate study to Masters level, via PgDip and Masters route, through the Advancing Professional Practice MSc.

The MSc Advancing Professional Practice is an existing flexible route offered in the Faculty of Health and Wellbeing that provides the opportunity for students to transfer their postgraduate credit while continuing to advance their practice through completion of modules that are relevant to their practice context. 

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