Psychodynamic Counselling PgCert

University of Oxford

The Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in Psychodynamic Counselling is a one-year part-time course offering a broadly based knowledge of psychodynamic theory and practice, as the access point to a four-year, part-time clinical training in psychodynamic counselling/therapy, or as a stand-alone course.

The course forms part of the Oxford University Master’s Programme in Psychodynamic Studies which is accredited by the UPCA (Universities Psychotherapy and Counselling Association). Students who complete the full programme and the necessary clinical hours will be eligible for professional accreditation with UPCA as a psychotherapeutic counsellor. UPCA hold this accredited register on behalf of UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy). Students can also become members of UKCP, in addition to their membership of UPCA.

The PGCert may be taken as a stand-alone course, though it is not a clinical practitioner status course, or it may equip you to apply for the PG Diploma in Psychodynamic Practice or other higher level graduate courses in this area.

The course runs one evening a week over three terms at the Department for Continuing Education and consists of:

• term-time weekly theory-and-practice workshops organised around a key dimension of psychodynamic practice - 'The Psychodynamic Approach', 'Therapeutic Processes and Skills' and 'Therapeutic, Practical and Ethical Implications'
• experiential groups
• two tutorials per term with a course tutor
• two Saturday workshops.

Extensive regular reading and private study of at least 10 hours per week between the taught periods is recommended.

The course tutors will support and guide you in regard to your academic work, and offer a forum for the discussion of personal and professional development. All tutors are professionally qualified and accredited counsellors or psychotherapists.

Please note that no applicant currently in therapy/counselling with a course tutor will be admitted to the course.

The course works using the UPCA and UKCP standards which are based on a number of implicit ethical principles that highlight the important nature of boundaries, professional conduct and, in a psychodynamic course, the power of unconscious processes. Students should at all times act in accordance with the ethical codes issued by the UPCA and UKCP. Due to the psychodynamic and experiential nature of the programme, it is considered inappropriate for students to engage in romantic/sexual relationships with tutors or students whilst on course. Should any such relationship arise during the course of your studies, you must declare its existence to the Course Director as soon as possible, who may, for example, ask that you refrain from continuing your relationship or that you suspend your studies.

The PGCert course runs annually, while the PGDip and MSt courses are on a two-year cycle. A post-certificate seminar series is held on alternate years, when there is not an intake for the PGDip directly following the PGCert. The seminar series gives the opportunity for consolidation of certificate learning and facilitates a progression in psychodynamic thinking.

Counselling introductory courses

Counselling Introductory Courses are also run, separately to this PGCert - details are available in the Weekly Classes section of the Department for Continuing Education website, or from the Weekly Class Administrator via telephone at 01865 280893.