Foundation Course/ MA in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This part-time course can be taken as

• A 1-year Introductory course for students who are seeking an introduction to psychoanalytic thinking and practice.

• A two-year programme, in preparation for

• a clinical training in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy
  

• (with additional components) an MA Degree in the Theory of Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy*

*Subject to approval

In each case, the first year focuses on the breadth and range of ideas that have contributed to the body of psychoanalytic theory, and the second year focuses more on how those ideas have been put variously into practice.

Taken as a whole, the course provides a solid foundation in psychoanalytic thinking and processes, within both their contemporary and historical contexts, and with an emphasis on the relationship between theory and practice as it has evolved from its inception to the present day. The course stands on its own as both an introduction to, and exploration of, psychoanalytic thinking. It also provides a firm basis for progression to further studies in clinical practice such as psychoanalytic or psychodynamic psychotherapy or counselling, in continuing academic research, or to support analytically based critical thinking within allied or related fields. It is taught at the London Centre for Psychotherapy, primarily by current practitioners of psychoanalytic psychotherapy and analytical psychology (currently, Year 1 on Wednesday evenings; Year 2, on selected Saturdays).

Students are introduced to the range and development of models and theories of mind, from Freud and his contemporaries and the various schools of thought and practice that evolved from the end of the 19th century, and are encouraged to take a critical approach to the ensuing debates and divergences of the 20th century, through to those that continue to engage current practitioners and thinkers within the field today. 

The core studies covered over the two years include, in Year 1 (Theoretical Models): the background and historical context of the subject, key concepts and the evolution of major theories, alongside a weekly Experiential Group; and in Year 2 (Clinical Applications): varying approaches to practice, identifying pathological states of mind (Psychopathology), current practice and debates (within psychoanalysis, and between psychoanalysis and competing practices).

The taught programme is delivered through lectures, seminars and workshops, in six terms over two years. The course is supplemented and enhanced by a full public programme of lectures by authors, theoreticians and practitioners in the field. 

For students planning to apply for the Masters Degree in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy in collaboration with the University of Essex, further written work is required during the 2-Year Foundation Course, followed by a third year devoted to completing a 12,000-word dissertation that will enable the student, with the support of a personal supervisor, to explore a chosen area of interest in greater depth. This work is supervised by the University of Essex.

Successful completion of the 2-year LCP Foundation Course (alongside other requirements) will also fulfil a pre-requisite for enrolment onto the 3-year Qualifying Course, the LCP’s training programme in psychoanalytic psychotherapy. (Further details of the entry requirements for the QC can be found at /training-courses.aspx).

Students in either year can choose to enrol in the Infant Observation module, which may be taken as an additional educational component of psychoanalytic theory and practice but is a requirement for those intending to apply for the 3-year Qualifying Course.

COURSE STRUCTURE

YEAR 1: (10 Wednesday Evenings per term)
INTRODUCTION TO THEORETICAL MODELS OF PSYCHOANALYTIC THOUGHT
Module 1    Concepts and Contexts
Module 2       Exploring Key Psychoanalytic Themes
Module 3    Contemporary Theories 

Written work:At the end of the year students submit a 1,500 to 2,000-word essay on an aspect of the course that is of particular significance to him or her.

YEAR 2:  (Selected Saturdays)
CLINICAL APPLICATIONS: Relating Theory and Practice
Module 4    Dynamic processes of psychotherapy   
Module 5    Disturbances (Mental health and psychopathology)
Module 6    Analytic and Therapeutic Attitudes (including research methodology)
Module 7    Dissertation Psychoanalytic (12,000 words)

Written work: Towards the end of Year 2, students are required to submit a paper (3-5,00 words researching an aspect of psychoanalytic theory.

NB: Students applying to continue on to the MA are required to write one essay per term (3,500-4,000 words each), over the 2-year period, relating to the primary content of each module. There is a £25 assessment fee attached to each essay. These essays replace the written requirement for the Foundation Course.
(Each year produces the equivalent of 60 credits (20 Credits = approx 27 hours)

Reading
The main reading(s) for each seminar are set well in advance, and are essential for participation in seminars.  They will for the most part be available to students in the library or, from Year 2, online, through the course via PEPWeb.

Tutorial Support
For each year, every student is assigned a tutor at the start of the course, to give help as needed until completion of the year. The tutor has both a pastoral and an assessment role, and is the first port of call for assistance and support with regard to issues that may arise throughout the duration of the course, as well as liasing with the Education Committee in the continuous assessment of the student.

We are now taking applications for the course starting in October 2011.




Further information can be obtained from the LCP Training Administrator,
- Monday to Friday 10am - 4pm.
email: website: lcp-psychotherapy.org.uk
London Centre for Psychotherapy 32 Leighton Road Kentish Town London NW5 2QE