Tavistock Education and Training

I decided to study at the Tavistock because it has been teaching about groups and organisations for a long time, and has a good reputation in this area. Since I’ve been on the course, I’m more able to understand the emotions I’m experiencing, what might lie behind them and make sense of what’s happening in the teams I’ve been working in.

The course fills – for me – an important clinical skills and knowledge gap for working with individuals with trauma. It is very well designed with a comprehensive theoretical aspect and a central focus on the clinical [aspect] which complements my original psychodynamic training. I am so glad to have this opportunity to broaden what I can offer clinically, with the guidance of the course leads who provide a really supportive, collaborative and expansive learning environment and in the company of my course colleagues with whom I can continue to develop.

The training was life-changing in ways that I had never expected and could never have anticipated. It has been fascinating, holding an endless potential for learning, exploring and questioning, and has changed the way I think about the world and my experiences.

If you want to be in an environment where you can learn new skills and broaden your perspectives both personally and professionally then I think the Tavistock is the place to be. It will make such a difference to how you work professionally and in other aspects of your life.

The course has had a life changing impact on my life, and career. I have become more mindful of others and what they might or might not be going through, I have become more reflective, empathetic and considerate of others. I would advise anyone considering applying to do so, be open, prepare to be challenged, stimulated and thrust into a world of self-discovery.

My course has taken me on an amazing journey and provided me with professional skills and tools that make a positive impact on the development of the children and young people I work with.

I chose to enrol on this course as a mature student. I was immediately engaged and inspired by the dynamic nature of learning within the course. The experiential methods of learning were deeply engaging. The excellent support via tutor engagement, seminars and the selected reading helped with the academic demands of the modules. I feel that Emotional Care of Babies, Children, Young People and Families (EC1) was an essential springboard in deciding to pursue further education at the Tavistock and offered a strong foundation for my continued learning. Crucially, the impact of this course on my existing work was profound and I have seen my own practices benefit greatly from the thoughtful and considered seminars and support.

I made up my mind to study at the Tavistock after visiting an open day. I already knew of the Tavistock's reputation but felt reassured by the fact that all courses are delivered and developed by clinician-tutors, who can draw upon their direct experiences of working within the NHS.

When the executive coaching course pops into mind, a smile comes to my mind. I love it: I think the group works well and is forming a nice cohesive and empathic whole. The slow-but-deep teaching style and the complementary approaches of the two teachers works well for me. I like the balance of theory and experience, a cycle of thinking-reflecting-doing-reflecting and I like it too because, so far at least, even when I’m in the hot-seat, I’ve felt safe. This is not an easy environment to create, but when it is created, it really fosters learning and higher levels of motivation.

Following the Introduction to Counselling and Psychotherapy (D12), [this course] allowed essential time and space for consolidating the knowledge base acquired in the foundation. I would highly recommend this course to those without clinical experience. It is an invaluable year with experienced teachers which offers a smaller setting and the time to dig deeper into the concepts

The Tavistock has a world renowned reputation in Child Psychotherapy training, and highly experienced clinical educators. I feel fortunate that I have been able to begin my training journey here on the Working with children, young people and families: A psychoanalytic observational approach (M7) course, and I will qualify as a Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist from this course.

Studying on this course has impacted my life, career, practice and myself. The theoretical concepts, combined with the depth of practice experience from my placement, has helped me prepare for the next steps in the journey. The diverse group sharing has created a deeper understanding and preparedness for future work. The courses I studied also impacted my own dynamic understanding of direct work with patients in a mental health setting and of the underlying dynamics present in the healthcare environment.

I am deeply grateful for my time on the course, which significantly enhanced my knowledge and consolidated my practical experience. It has equipped me with the skills to manage the tensions and pressures of practicing social work in a hospital setting while maintaining my social work values and reflective capabilities. My supervisors have been instrumental, providing understanding, patience, and expertise that have greatly boosted my confidence and self-efficacy. Starting the doctorate as a newly qualified social worker, I have now progressed to a leadership position, a testament to the invaluable experience and knowledge gained on this both challenging but equally rewarding course!