Preparation for clinical training
It is important to understand that it takes time to prepare for a clinical training and to be ready to begin clinical work with patients and deal with the demands of the training.
At SIP, the preparatory time is known as the pre-clinical training and it is concerned with beginning the development of an analytic attitude in thinking and working as well as achieving a certain level of theoretical and academic understanding.
By the term ‘analytic attitude’ we mean such qualities as taking an observational rather than a directive stance, working from a position of neutrality, not teaching or advising, and developing the capacity to work with ambiguity and the possibility of multiple layers of meaning in communication. As noted above, this development can take time, especially where the analytic attitude is counter to practices or cultures in other professional environments. It takes time and cannot (and should not) be rushed or forced.
Before you start clinical training: Fundamentals and ongoing therapy
Classical Freudian Theory
This course takes you on a journey following the evolution of Freud’s thinking, and looks at how it informs contemporary practice. You will read a carefully curated selection of Freud’s original writing (in translation), and attend weekly seminars over 3 x 10 week terms.
Work Discussion Group
This course supports the development of the analytic stance by considering 1:1 interaction in our working lives, and what insights we can gain by applying psychoanalytic thought to these.
Infant Observation
During this 2 year course you will visit an infant and their primary carer in their own home to simply observe their everyday life and interaction. You will be supported by weekly seminars with an experienced child psychotherapist.
Therapy with an approved therapist
Already done some training?
We do recognise that some applicants may have previous learning equivalent to our Fundamentals programme, and others may qualify for a modified entry to the clinical training. If you think that might apply to you, contact us before applying.
What next?
Psychodynamic psychotherapy training
Training in psychodynamic psychotherapy enables you to become a member of SIP and register with the BPC. You can work in private practice or in an agency setting offering up to twice weekly psychodynamic psychotherapy, either short or long term.
Psychoanalytic psychotherapy training
Training in psychoanalytic psychotherapy enables you to become a member of SIP and register with the BPC. You can work in private practice or in an agency setting offering up to thrice weekly psychoanalytic psychotherapy, either short or long term.
The application and selection process
A successful application is not simply a matter of meeting the minimum entry criteria. This is because acceptance onto a clinical training means that we consider the trainee has the professional and life experience, as well as the personal and intellectual qualities, that make them suitable for the profession. The selection process is intended to establish the potential for an individual to use the training and their readiness to begin clinical work at the appropriate intensity.
When considering an application, the assessment panel will be looking for evidence of appropriate experience and of a commitment to personal psychoanalytic psychotherapy at a level of intensity commensurate with the training. These qualities are in addition to the formal entry criteria and sometimes applicants will be advised to spend more time in preparation and re-apply at a later date even though the minimum entry criteria may be met.
Preparation and readiness for clinical training
Prior theoretical and practical training
The courses that comprise SIP’s Fundamentals of Psychoanalytic Thought and Practice programme (Classical Freudian Theory, Work Discussion and Infant Observation) give the academic and theoretical background for psychoanalytic thinking, and, through the model of facilitated discussion groups, encourage participants to develop the capacity to look for and consider the operation of the unconscious in everyday life and work.
Equivalent learning gained through other courses will be considered, but it is important to note that a good knowledge of psychoanalytic theory gained through completion of a rigorous and in-depth training course is required.
Personal Therapy
Intensive personal psychoanalytic psychotherapy is central to both clinical and pre-clinical training and underpins an individual’s development as a therapist and the self-understanding that is necessary to develop the analytic attitude. Personal therapy is central to the training because it is of great importance that psychotherapists, once qualified, have a thorough knowledge of themselves, their inner life and of their emotional conflicts and struggles. This depth of understanding of themselves is necessary for working in an appropriate and professional way with their patients.
It is therefore necessary for applicants to be established in intensive therapy with an approved training therapist for a substantial time before undertaking a clinical training. The expected times in therapy before commencing the training are different for the PA and PD trainings (18 months and 12 months respectively). Please note that the durations given are to be regarded as a minimum.
Potential applicants for the clinical training should discuss entering personal therapy with the Head of Training & Education and, if they are already a SIP student, with their tutor. The training department holds a record of the availability of training therapists which is frequently updated and potential applicants are advised to stay in touch with the training department in order that they receive only the most up-to-date information.
Clinical experience
Clinical trainees are often attracted from clinical professions, such as psychiatry, general medicine, clinical psychology, psychiatric nursing, general nursing, music therapy, art therapy and counselling. Other applicants may be from social work, teaching or other non-clinical professions or have substantial experience of 1:2:1 work in the voluntary sector. Others may be drawn to training primarily through their own experience of therapy which has led them into work in other related fields.
SIP prefers that applicants have some relevant experience of psychodynamically or psychoanalytically oriented work with individuals.
It is important to come with some prior experience of therapeutic work and an understanding of the therapeutic model (for example the relationship between therapist and supervisor). Without prior experience it can be difficult to find placements or training patients, or to consider the learning and concepts presented in the seminars in an applied sense.
SIP will offer support and guidance for potential applicants who wish to gain clinical experience but does not offer formal training in clinical practice outside of the clinical trainings.
Psychiatric experience
All clinical trainees are required to have some experience of work in a psychiatric setting, either from their previous work or through undertaking a psychiatric placement. The placement is observational and is intended to give trainees the opportunity to recognise severe mental disorders, to learn about the kinds of interventions and treatments that are provided, and gain some understanding of multi-disciplinary working in the mental health field and the structure and delivery of mental health services. It should also help the trainee to think about the impact on themselves of spending time in the presence of people suffering from disturbing states of mind.
This experience is usually gained through attachment to an NHS team or other organisation and observing consultations, group work, ward rounds and team meetings.
It is preferred that applicants have this experience before beginning a clinical training but some trainees complete their psychiatric placement during the clinical training. SIP will offer support and guidance to help applicants find a suitable placement and has a list of potential placement providers. Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your preparation in this respect.