Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling
The Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling is a highly-regarded, work-based clinical training which GCS has been delivering for over 25 years. The course leads to a professional qualification and provides the clinical and theoretical elements of the training to become a psychodynamic counsellor.
The Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling is a highly-regarded, work-based clinical training which GCS has been delivering for over 25 years. The course leads to a professional qualification and provides the clinical and theoretical elements of the training to become a psychodynamic counsellor.
The training runs over three years and combines theoretical understanding with clinical practice. All trainees are provided with a clinical placement within GCS’s Clinical Service. Clinical supervision of this work is an integral part of the course and is provided for trainees on site in Stroud. The Diploma training is accredited by BPC (British Psychoanalytic Council).
This course is for you if…
This course is aimed at individuals who want to gain a professional qualification in counselling and ultimately, with post qualification training and experience, be able to gain professional accreditation as a counsellor.
As the Diploma is accredited by the British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC), trainees automatically become members of the BPC trainee body and are entitled to belong to the BPC Trainees’ Association.
Course Overview
During this course you will participate in theoretical and ontological seminars, tutorial sessions, self-awareness groups, supervision and workshops, providing you with:
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A professional training and qualification, which is accredited and incorporates the relevant statutory training and competency requirements.
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A training that has a sound theoretical base and which is underpinned by an application of psychodynamic theory and thinking.
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Training that places strong emphasis on the value of regular supervision and the personal and professional development that comes from experiential learning and personal therapy.
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Direct experience of the organisational context within which practice takes place and the counsellor’s role within a counselling service.
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An environment with which trainees develop an appropriate value and belief system and their ability to demonstrate values that are relevant to anti-discriminatory practice.
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Transferable skills that are relevant to practitioners working with clients across a range of professional contexts.
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As a guide we evaluate that we are CPCAB levels 4 and 5 equivalent.
In total the programme includes:
Personal Therapy
As a BACP accredited service provider we have a duty of care to both trainees and our clients. Trainees must be in once-weekly in-person therapy and be in therapy for at least three months prior to seeing clients within their placement at GCS. This is a mandatory condition of the Diploma. As a general principle the earlier therapy is commenced, the more beneficial it is to both trainees and potential clients.
Therapy is a requirement of the Diploma and it is compulsory that this continues for the duration of the course and placement . The cost of therapy is negotiated by the trainee with the therapist they have chosen from the Approved List and is in addition to course fees.
CPD
Trainees are expected to participate in 45 hours of continual professional development (CPD) over the duration of the diploma. The fee for CPD is not included in the course fees.
How this course is delivered
The course is delivered on a part-time basis with trainees attending one half day per week at our premises in Stroud. In addition, trainees will undertake supervised client work through the GCS Counselling Service.
Diploma Course Handbook
Entry Requirements
At the time of making the initial application applicants are required to:
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Have successfully completed, or be about to complete, a basic course in counselling skills (i.e. Certificate in Counselling Skills) of not less than one year’s duration (trainees may have undertaken the skills training with GCS or have completed a training elsewhere which meets similar criteria).
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Be suitable to train as therapists and to work with clients at GCS.
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Have the potential to work at Diploma level.
We welcome applicants who have begun Level 4/5 training elsewhere and wish to transfer to GCS. These external applicants will need to evidence:
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an equivalent syllabus in Psychotherapy or Psychodynamic Counselling training.
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CPD to date
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Client hours to date
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Duration of personal therapy
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A reference from your current/previous supervisor
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A completed application for our diploma in psychodynamic counselling
Apply using the Diploma Application Pack
Fees
Course Fees: £3550 per year (2024-2025). Please note that the fee is subject to CPI or 2% annual increase, whichever is the greater.
Application and selection fee is £140.
A non-refundable deposit of £400 will be required (that will deducted from the course fee).
For more information download our GCS Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling application pack.
What Next?
Successful completion of the Diploma qualifies trainees to apply for the GCS Post Qualifying Year Programme or to complete post qualification training with other counselling or voluntary organisations. Book a free appointment to discuss your training and career options: [email protected] Tel: 01453 766 310
Applications
We advise applications are made early in the year to allow time for the Diploma Application Process as outlined below and the application window closes on 30th June. Should you wish to apply before or after these dates, please get in touch with the training office prior to completing and submitting an application.
