WPF Post Graduate Diploma/MA in Group Analytic Psychotherapy

Programme Aims

To qualify trainees to practice competently and ethically as group-analytic psychotherapists in a variety of settings, including setting up and running private therapy groups and groups with agencies such as WPF Therapy or the NHS, and who respond creatively to complex, unpredictable situations.

To enable trainees to assimilate and critically assess the main models of group therapy, with a particular emphasis on group analysis, so that they can arrive at a personal synthesis and style.

To equip trainees with the skills and techniques of the group analytic model: to develop a therapeutic relationship and to respond and interpret appropriately within it.

To inform trainees of the limits and context of their approach.

To equip trainees to work independently as reflective practitioners.

To enable trainees to engage in the theoretical debates within the subject area and to contribute to its knowledge base.

To enable trainees to probe the empirical base and the theoretical rationale for the body of techniques used in the field and to add to the understanding of what constitutes best practice.

To provide an opportunity for trainees to develop a professional stance and to begin to integrate into the psychotherapy profession, fulfilling their personal/professional goals.

To encourage a commitment on behalf of the trainee to lifelong learning and advancing of knowledge; developing flexibility and adaptability in practice as group psychotherapists.

Masters Degree

To promote independent, creative thinking, reflection and research on group analytic psychotherapy.

To provide an opportunity for further post graduate theoretical work – to MA degree level – for those already qualified to work theoretically an clinically at postgraduate diploma level in group analytic psychotherapy.

To enable trainees to demonstrate tht they have assimilated and can critically assess the main models of group analytic theory and can compare and contrast.

Practical Skills

Trainees who successfully complete the programme will be able to:

Competently and ethically conduct an outpatient psychotherapy group including evaluating the impact of their clinical interventions on both the group and the individuals in the group.

Competently and ethically conduct a variety of task and theme focussed groups.

Exercise initiative and creativity, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks relevant to running and facilitating groups (ie dynamic administration).

Apply and appraise clinical concepts, knowledge and skill in working with group processes with originality and creativity.

Examine assumptions, conjectures and prejudices and the challenge to the analytic model from areas such as work, class, sex and gender, culture and race, religion and faith, and develop an understanding of working with issues of difference in the group.

Use supervision effectively to develop their practice and supervise themselves internally.

Assess clients appropriate for group and know when to refer on to other practitioners and/or agencies.

Employ self knowledge and awareness to function usefully and ethically in a therapeutic relationship.

Describe, evaluate and apply effectively to their own practice the relevant professional codes of ethics and practice, and the legal and ethical issues arising in a variety of complex situations arising in practice.

Manage the boundary between the group and organisational setting to the benefit of the group.

MA Dissertation Stage

Select an appropriate focus for the dissertation.

Construct a proposal for a dissertation that is clear, focussed and feasible.

Carry out a thorough survey of the relevant literature dealing with the specific focus that they have given their dissertation.

Prepare for writing the dissertation, using a knowledge of the resources available to them.

Compose, structure and express their work with clarity and appropriate presentation including references, bibliography etc.