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The Psychotherapy Training Journey

Having a clear idea of the pathway towards becoming a fully qualified UKCP accredited psychotherapist is needed for prospective trainees to make an informed decision. Below is a detailed list of the stages, expected costs, requirements and qualifications the training leads to.

Step One: TA101

The first step for anyone wishing to train in Transactional Analysis is to attend a TA101. This is an internationally recognised introduction to ta theory.

 

Fee: £210

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Length: 12 hours over one weekend

 

Requirements: 100% attendance and active engagement over the weekend.

 

What you come out with: An internationally recognised TA101 Certificate.

Step Two: Foundation Certificate

A year's training in TA theory. This year gives you a foundation theoretical grounding in TA and is a stand-alone certificate.

 

Fee: £2950

 

Additional costs to consider: Between £35 - £65 per session for weekly therapy; between £50 - £80 for monthly supervision. Annual student membership of UKATA.

 

Length: 11 modules, held on a Friday evening and Saturday daytime. 150 hours.

 

Requirements:

 

  • 80% attendance of the training.

  • Active engagement with the training.

  • To keep a reflective learning journey.

  • Two 2000 word written assignments.

  • To be in weekly personal therapy with a UKCP registered psychotherapist for 40 hours a year.

 

What you come out with: An internationally recognised Foundation Certificate in TA and 150 hours of Advanced TA Training.

Step Three: Clinical Year One

Clinical year one is the first of three clinical years, where you will learn to work deeply with clients to facilitate meaningful change. This year, students will be encouraged to start a volunteer counselling placement to build up client experience.

 

Fee: £2950 for training

 

Additional costs to consider: Between £35 - £65 per session for weekly therapy; between £50 - £80 for monthly supervision. Annual student membership of UKATA.

 

Length: 11 modules, held on a Friday evening and Saturday daytime. 150 hours.

 

Requirements:

 

  • 80% attendance of the training.

  • Active engagement with the training.

  • To keep a reflective learning journey.

  • Two 2000 word written assignments.

  • To critically read a set psychotherapy article each month.

  • To be in weekly personal therapy with a UKCP registered psychotherapist for 40 hours a year.

  • To start a volunteer counselling placement.

  • Private supervision

 

What you come out with: 150 hours of Advanced TA Training. Clinical experience working in placement. An ever-deepening understanding of working as a Transactional Analyst through an embodied perspective.​

Step Four: Clinical Year Two

Clinical year two is the second of three clinical years, where you will continue to learn to work meaningfully with clients. Once students have gained 100 hours of client experience in a volunteer setting, it is possible for you to be signed off for private practice as a trainee Transactional Analyst.

 

Fee: £2950 for training

 

Additional costs to consider: Between £35 - £65 per session for weekly therapy; between £50 - £80 for monthly supervision. Annual student membership of UKATA.

 

 

Length: 11 modules, held on a Friday evening and Saturday daytime. 150 hours.

 

Requirements:

 

  • 80% attendance of the training.

  • Active engagement with the training.

  • To keep a reflective learning journey.

  • Two 2000 word written assignments.

  • To critically read a set psychotherapy article each month.

  • To be in weekly personal therapy with a UKCP registered psychotherapist for 40 hours a year.

  • If you have met the criteria, you may be able to start private practice as a trainee psychotherapist.

 

What you come out with: 150 hours of advanced TA training. To be signed off for private practice and begin to earn money for your work.

Step Five: Clinical Year Three

This is the final year of formal psychotherapy training. It provides the opportunity to consolidate and integrate everything learned throughout the programme while further developing advanced therapeutic skills. Alongside this, trainees begin working towards their final qualifications, preparing for UKCP accreditation.

 

Fee: £2950

 

Additional costs to consider: Between £35 - £65 per session for weekly therapy; between £50 - £80 for monthly supervision. Annual student membership of UKATA.

 

Length: 11 modules, held on a Friday evening and Saturday daytime. 150 hours.

 

Requirements:

 

  • 80% attendance of the training.

  • Active engagement with the training.

  • To keep a reflective learning journey.

  • Two 2000 word written assignments.

  • To critically read a set psychotherapy article each month.

  • To begin to write your UKCP case study for your final qualifications.

  • To be in weekly personal therapy with a UKCP registered psychotherapist for 40 hours a year.

 

What you come out with: 150 hours of Advanced TA Training. A completed four-year programme needed for UKCP registration. A supportive environment to begin writing your case study needed for qualification.

Step Six: Exam Prep Group

Once you have completed your formal years training, you may choose between two different examination pathways:

 

Somata Advanced Diploma in Adult Psychotherapy

 

UKCP registered Certified Transactional Analyst

 

It is possible to choose either of those, or indeed to achieve both eventually. There are pros and cons to each, and your trainer will be happy to help you decide. Both exams require a written case study and an oral exam.  

 

Whichever route you choose, this year is about writing your written case study and preparing for an oral exam. Though not mandatory, it is advised that you join an Exam Prep group (button) to support you through this year.

 

Fee: £65 per sessions.

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Additional costs to consider: Between £35 - £65 per session for weekly therapy; between £50 - £80 for monthly supervision.

Step Seven: Somata Advanced Diploma in Adult Psychotherapy

Academic level 7 (SCoPED Column C)

 

This qualification leads to UKCP registration via UKATA as UKCP registered humanistic psychotherapist.

 

Fee:  £950

 

Additional fees to consider: Any additional supervision to support the exam process.

 

Requirements for qualification:

 

 

What you come out with: An accredited UKCP psychotherapist vis UKATA qualification. You may therefore publicise yourself as a SCoPEd Column C, fully qualified psychotherapist, and use UKCP and UKATA membership and logos (in line with policy).

Step Eight: UKCP Certified Transactional Analyst (CTA)

The Certified Transactional Analysts (CTA) is an internationally recognised qualified awarded by the European Association for Transactional Analysis, which also leads to UKCP accreditation.

 

Fee: £375 for the written exam; £132 for the oral exam.

 

Additional costs to consider: Additional supervision support. The cost of your supervision reading your 24,000-word case study before submission. If you take the exam in person, you may need to consider hotel and travel costs.

 

Requirements for qualifications:

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  • At least 600 hours of TA training over no fewer than 4 years

  • Minimum of 750 client hours (500 using TA, with individuals, couples or groups)

  • Minimum of 150 hours supervision (at least 75 of which are with a TA supervisor)

  • Minimum of 40 hours per year of personal therapy across at least 4 years training.

  • A mental health familiarisation report and placement (for more information see here: https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/media/e0jkuntz/hipc-mhf-mental-health-familiarisation-guidelines.pdf).

  • At least two long term clients, with successful completion of at least one case.

  • A 24,000 word case study and an oral exam.

 

 

What you come out with: A registered UKCP TA psychotherapist via UKATA qualification. Use of the title Certified Transactional Analyst. Use of professional logos (TATA, UKATA, UKCP) in line policy. To be eligible to go on to train as a UKCP recognised TA trainer and supervisor one year post qualification.

 

 

For more information on the CTA route: https://www.ukata.org/ukcp-registration-through-ukata

Contact Somata

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