Frequently Asked Questions
Who Undertakes Training at elan?
Broadly there are three types of people who undergo training here.
One group of people who wish to learn the application of Transactional Analysis in the professional setting in which they work - this can include managers, teachers, organisational trainers, and those in the helping professions. This group normally undertakes the two-year Theory and Practice of Transactional Analysis module.
The other group of trainees intend to become qualified Transactional Analysis or Integrative psychotherapists. They undergo a training program that last between 4 and 7 years and culminates in exams leading to accreditation as a Transactional Analyst or as an Integrative Psychotherapist. This qualification allows them to apply for registration with the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy.
The third group of students are wishing to obtain either a Postgraduate Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy or an MSc in Integrative Psychotherapy validated by the University of Wales at Cardiff. The MSc component is also a UKCP recognised qualification and successful completion of the Dissertation leads to professional registration as an Integrative Psychotherapist.
Most people initially undertake the training as an enhancement to their own profession and some then go on to undertake the full training.
Why Choose This Programme?
The trainers on the programme are all highly qualified and experienced trainers, supervisors and psychotherapists who are internationally known.
· elan offers a highly flexible approach to psychotherapy training with students able, towards the end of their training, to choose one of two qualifying routes. They can be examined as either a Transactional Analyst or an Integrative Psychotherapist.
· elan training and development is the longest running Transactional Analysis training programme in the North West of England. It also has a well-established success record in professional exams. Over the years many people have taken and passed their professional exams – and to date no one has failed them!
· At elan we consider psychotherapy training to be demanding and testing and do not believe that training should be undertaken in addition to a full working week. All courses take place during the week. We are the only TA training centre in the UK who can offer this.
· The centre itself is comfortable and well apportioned providing an excellent environment for learning and developing.
· Hilltop Centre can be easily reached from all the major cities in the North West of England. It is situated very close to Manchester airport and a major motorway network.
What Qualifications are Needed?
No formal qualifications are needed to start training at elan. Students who wish to enter the Post Graduate courses are required to have done 240 hours in a core model of practice this can include a Diploma in Counselling, 240 hours TA training or 240 hours gestalt training etc.
What exactly is Transactional Analysis?
Transactional Analysis is a theory and method of psychotherapy originally developed by Eric Berne in the 1960’s. It is a flexible, wide ranging theory and methodology that is taught all over the world. A good way to get an understanding of TA is to attend the introductory two day module often called the 101.
What exactly is Integrative Psychotherapy?
Integrative Psychotherapy represents a coming together, or synthesis of many different ideas and approaches. We take the approach that an Integrative understanding requires a core theoretical model on which a practitioner builds other ideas, and methods. Essentially Integrative psychotherapists construct their own theory utilising the therapeutic relationship as the integrating principle in their work and draw on a wide body of knowledge to enhance their effectiveness.
What Is The Structure of the Training Programme?
The training programme is designed to be flexible to meet the unique needs of each trainee and we are keen to discuss with trainees their individual needs and how the training programme may be adapted to meet them.
In any year about forty people are training at elan at various levels. At any stage in their training students can elect to become qualified in either Integrative Psychotherapy or Transactional Analysis. Students electing to take the Integrative route must have completed a 240 hour training in a Core Model of psychotherapy such as Transactional Analysis, Gestalt, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy or Person Centred.
We offer a two day introductory course which will give you a flavour of now we run things here. This course also fulfils the requirements for the Introductory Transactional Analysis course called the 101. This is a good place to start. From then on the training is divided into four differing strands:
• Course Work
• Clinical Supervision
• Clinical Practice
• Personal Psychotherapy
Course Work
1. The Theory and Practice of Transactional Analysis - this course lasts for 2 years. Each year there are 10 monthly two-day blocks. A basic grounding in the theory and practice of TA is given in a small group setting. The course is a blend of theory and practical application with participants having ample time to practice and acquire a solid skill base in the use of TA. The teaching methods used are straightforward presentation of material, experiential exercises, and discussion. This provides the core model teaching required for students who wish to become Integrative Psychotherapists and fulfils the European and International requirements for hours of Transactional Analysis training.
3. Psychotherapy Training Group - this is a group of trainees who are going on to become qualified psychotherapists. The course lasts for 2 years. Year One focuses on the Therapeutic Relationship and its Application and year two focuses on psychopathology and disorders of the self. Each year there are 10 monthly two-day blocks. Participants focus on integrating a wide variety of psychotherapy approaches to produce an holistic approach to psychotherapy practice. As we are now the Manchester site for the Northern Guild of Psychotherapists there is opportunity for students on this course to undertake a Postgraduate Diploma and MSc in Integrative Psychotherapy validated by the University of Wales at Cardiff.
4. Exam Preparation Group - this is for trainees who are one to one and a half years off taking their oral exam. It is a small group that meets one day a month for 10 months in the year.
A certificate of attendance is provided for each course.
Clinical Supervision
People who are wishing to be qualified as Transactional Analysts, Integrative Psychotherapists and Diploma/ MSc students are required to have their work supervised. They join a supervision group once a month that meets for three hours. People who are starting the training or not wishing to be psychotherapists are not required to have supervision.
Clinical Practice
Subject to approval trainees are encouraged to develop a clinical practice in the setting of their choice. Assistance is provided in how to set up a practice, in getting referrals, and in monitoring clinical practice.
Personal Psychotherapy
It is recommended that anyone doing psychotherapy or counselling training has access to a therapist or counsellor for the duration of their training. Those who are wishing to become qualified psychotherapists are required to have personal therapy during their training. This needs to be a minimum of 160 hours. Again assistance is provided in the selection, duration and mode of psychotherapy that might best suit the trainee.
Ethics and Professional Practices
All practising counsellors or psychotherapists are required to work to a recognised code of ethics. Transactional Analysis trainees are required to work to the British Institute of Transactional Analysis Code of Ethics and Professional Practice guidelines - copies of which are available on request. Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy students are required to work to the Northern Guild of Psychotherapists ethical and professional practices codes – again copies are available on request. Elan is an equal opportunities training institute and welcomes applications from all people.
What Qualification Do I Get?
All courses and supervision count towards accreditation as a Transactional Analyst and as an Integrative Psychotherapist. These are formal psychotherapy qualifications that are recognised by the UK Council for Psychotherapy and thus will be acceptable for registration purposes. Attendance on any of these courses and supervision can also lead towards accreditation with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy as an accredited counsellor.
The two year Integrative programme leads to a Postgraduate Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy validated by the University of Wales which can be converted to an MSc in Integrative Psychotherapy once students have submitted a suitable dissertation.
To become qualified a practitioner needs to have done:
• 240 hours core module training i.e. TA
· 240 hours further psychotherapy training
• 75 hours supervision
• 750 hours of clinical practice
• 120 hours psychiatric placement
• 160 hours of personal psychotherapy of the type and duration they wish to practice
They then need to have written and passed a Case Study and present tapes of their clinical work to an exam board who assess competency.
Psychotherapy Flow Chart
Introductory Course
Year One - Transactional Analysis Training Module
Year Two - Transactional Analysis Training Module
Year Three - Psychotherapy Training Group
Year Four - Psychotherapy Training Group
Year Five - Exam Preparation or MSc Dissertation
Year Six - Exam leading to UKCP Registration
How Much Does It Cost?
It's hard to estimate the total cost of this training up to exams but I estimate it to cost to be around £15000 for a five to seven year period. Payment for any of the courses will be arranged on the offering and acceptance of a place. As far as possible this can be arranged to suit the financial arrangements of the applicant, for example payment on a monthly basis is acceptable. It is recommended that you enter the programme step by step rather than commit yourself to the whole programme.
How Do I Apply to Join the Programme?
Submit a professional cv detailing which course you would like to join. We will then contact you back and arrange a mutually agreeable time to discuss your training needs.
Applicants are encouraged to apply on a year by year basis. Any training undertaken at elan is usually recognised by other psychotherapy training institutes.
elan - training and development
Hilltop Centre
217 Ashley Road, Hale
Altrincham
Cheshire WA15 8SG
Tel:0161 928 9997 Fax:0161 929 6916
You can reach us by email at: admin@elantraining.org
Transactional Analysis Training Courses at elan
Transactional Analysis Training at elan
Frequently Asked Questions About Transactional Analysis Training
Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy
Personal Development Courses in the UK and abroad
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