Psychotherapy and Counselling MA

University of Leeds

The MA in Psychotherapy and Counselling is a British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) accredited course. The programme offers a strong focus on high quality research and clinical skills training. It provides an opportunity to critically and creatively evaluate current theory and practice issues. Psychotherapeutic theory which prioritises the therapeutic relationship as the crucial factor will be critically examined and you will be encouraged to learn more about yourself in relationships, to develop your own approach to therapy based on your own values and beliefs (a values-based approach). You will be able to deliver psychological therapy across different socio-cultural contexts considering the ethical and intersectional dimensions of your practice.

We teach a relational ‘not knowing’ approach to counselling and psychotherapy. This means that the focus is on the therapy relationship. It is consistent with the evidence base that the ‘common factors’ which describe aspects of the relationship are responsible for positive outcomes in therapy. The course also covers the philosophical foundations to relational intersubjective theories.

You will be equipped to work as a professional counsellor/psychotherapist and make independent clinical decisions in a variety of settings including complex and unpredictable situations. You will learn to carry out specialist psychotherapeutic assessments, communicate and present complex and sensitive information and gain knowledge of adult safeguarding procedures.

You will engage in experiential learning activities to develop your self- and intersubjective awareness when becoming a relational practitioner. Many students bring a wealth of personal experience that helps them to reflect on a range of human issues.

In addition to the taught elements of the programme you must complete 100 supervised practice hours to become eligible for BACP membership. You must find your own placement but our practice placement unit has a comprehensive list of approved placement opportunities in a variety of clinical settings and are available to support you.

You’ll benefit from the knowledge of experienced counsellors, psychotherapists and practitioner psychologists, with senior levels of registration. Our teaching staff are also active researchers, with a range of specialisms. You’ll develop the knowledge and skills to conduct independent in-depth research into a complex specialist area.

Course highlights

• High quality and intensive clinical skills training enabling you to become effective relational practitioners.
• Maximum of 24 students per cohort. This small group approach enables personal support from your peers and tutors help with the emotional challenges of the learning experience.
• Level 3 adult safeguarding covered as part of the course.

The course includes teaching on online practice, therapy with all age ranges and neurodiversity. A percentage of your placement hours can be with children and young people.

You will be learning from a passionate academic team with varied psychotherapeutic modalities such as: third wave behavioural and cognitive psychotherapies, person-centred and existential not-knowing approach, attachment, psychoanalytic and integrative approaches. Therapeutic practice is modelled in different teaching methods with a focus on relationships, creative and experiential methods.

The course content is enriched and influenced by the active research of the staff team who are all conducting important and novel research within this field.