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Overview
Counselling and Psychotherapy at the University of Edinburgh offers a varied Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme for counsellors, psychotherapists, psychologists and practitioners working in related fields.
All courses combine professional relevance with academic rigour and have been designed so that participants, if they choose, can accumulate credits towards a postgraduate degree.
The CPD programme is responsive to practitioners' and agencies' needs and we welcome CPD requests and suggestions from individual counsellors, counselling agencies and professionals in related fields. In fact many of our courses have been developed in response to previous requests.
CPD course options
In the academic year 2012-13 we will be offering nine courses as CPD opportunities as well as a CPD workshop in March 2013. The new CPD booklet for 2012-13 is now available to view under Related Links
Between Counselling and Research 1: Issues, Approaches, and Debates
This course provides participants with an overview of key approaches to research relevant to counselling and related practices. It provides a useful starting point for practitioners and trainees who are new to concepts of research and who are looking to develop a meaningful understanding of research which they can apply to their practice. Emphasis is given to the relevance of a variety of disciplinary perspectives, to the distinction between ‘insider’ and ‘outsider’ perspectives, and to the relationship between research and reflective counselling practice. Topics include: how we define evidence in counselling research; the epistemological basis for qualitative and quantitative approaches to research; ethical issues in research on counselling; case study research; power, values and the politics of research knowledge; and researcher reflexivity. The course is delivered through 10 weekly lectures of one hour and eight weekly seminars of two hours. Entrance Requirements: A qualification in counselling, psychotherapy or equivalent OR training in counselling or psychotherapy OR a particular interest in research in counselling and psychotherapy. Cost : £640 Dates and Times: September to November 2012 Wednesdays - 10am to 1pm, on the following 10 dates: 19 September to 21 November 2012. Application Closing Date: 29 August 2012
Body Talk: Embodiment, Physical Dialogue and Authentic Movement
This course introduces participants to the basic principles of embodiment: how our bodies hold history and emotions, and how they speak about what is going on in our inner world. Participants explore the concepts of ‘speaking’ and ‘hearing’ through the body self. In this context, participants will be invited to observe and explore the dialogue between differing styles of physical movement and the way in which individuals ‘talk’ and ‘hear’ through the body. Various movement improvisational frameworks will be introduced. Topics include: movement observation and analysis; psychodynamic exploration of transference and countertransference in relation to movement experience; listening to oneself and others through body knowing; and relevance and application to clinical practice. A distinctive feature of the course is the opportunity to work experientially in order to build skills and understand theoretical ideas behind embodiment. Sessions are taught through movement, discussion and demonstration in an open space. The course is delivered through eight weekly sessions of three and a half hours (including a break) which will include practical inputs and group discussions.
Entrance Requirements: Open to counsellors and psychotherapists (qualified or in training), social workers, psychologists and other professionals Cost £640 Dates and Times: January to March 2013. Tuesdays, 9.30am to 1.00pm, on the following eight dates: 29 January to 19 March 2012 Application Closing Date: 8 January 2013
Counselling Children and Young People
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the practice of counselling children and young people. Grounded in theoretical understandings of emotional and psychological development in children and adolescents, it examines the therapeutic relationship and process, and the adaptation of approach required, when working with young people. Topics include: differentiating developmental and therapeutic needs; the impact of childhood abuse and neglect; understanding and working with family systems; the social and political contexts of therapeutic practice with children and young people; and interdisciplinary practice. A distinctive feature of the course is its focus on non-verbal therapeutic approaches, introducing participants to methods and techniques from play and art therapy. The course is delivered through eight weekly sessions of three and a half hours (including a break). Entrance Requirements: Open to counsellors and psychotherapists (qualified or in training) OR professionals with experience of working with children and young people and an interest in therapeutic practice Cost: £640 Dates and Times: October to November 2011 Tuesdays, 9.30am to 1.00pm, on the following eight dates: 2 October, 9 October, 23 October to 27 November 2012 Application Closing Date: 11 September 2012
Counselling Supervision course
Couple and Relationship Counselling
This course provides an introduction to the practice of counselling couples and relationship work. Grounded in theoretical understandings of contemporary family and couple relationships, the course examines the therapeutic relationship and process in working with couples on issues which affect their relationship. Topics include: the social and political contexts of family life and couple relationships in modern Britain; the significance of early relational experiences; the process of therapeutic work with couples; difference, diversity and power in relationships; therapeutic themes and challenges. A distinctive feature of the course is the inclusion of practice sessions, in which participants have the opportunity to practice the application of their learning in listening triads. The course is delivered through six weekly sessions of three hours (including a break).
Entrance Requirements: Open to counsellors and psychotherapists (qualified or in training). Applicants from other relevant backgrounds will be considered. Cost: £640 Dates and Times: October to November 2012 Thursdays, 6.00pm to 9.00pm, on the following six dates: October 4, 11, 19 and 25; November 1 and 8 2012 Application Closing Date: 13 September 2012
Exploring Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy: An Introduction for Counselling and Psychotherapy Practitioners
This course, provided in conjunction with colleagues at First Psychology Edinburgh, offers participants a space to explore some current debates about the use of concepts and practices originating in cognitive behavioural therapy. The course aims to facilitate the development of participants’ understanding of cognitive therapy’s theoretical constructs and practices; critically evaluate CBT ways of working for depression and anxiety, self esteem issues and working with couples; explore the potential for integration of these for theory and practice in participants’ own practice
The course is delivered through six weekly sessions of three and a half hours (including a break). Tutor: Chris Denmark (First Psychology Edinburgh) Entrance Requirements: Open to counsellors and psychotherapists (qualified or in Diploma training). Cost: £640 Dates and Times: April to May 2013. Fridays, 9.30am to 1.00pm, on the following six dates: April 12, 19, 26 and May 3, 10 and 17 2013 Application Closing Date: 22 March 2013
Living in the Aftermath of Death: An Introduction to Counselling Approaches to Bereavement
Bereavement and grieving are an integral part of living that make significant demands on personal resources and resilience. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to theory and practice for people who are counselling practitioners or who are working in the field of bereavement and loss. The course explores grief and bereavement following recent, previous and unresolved bereavement experiences. The course also looks at theoretical frameworks which describe and work with expected, prolonged and complicated grief. It also considers the impact of this work on the practitioner. The course is delivered through eight weekly sessions of three and a half hours (including a break).
Entrance Requirements: Open to counsellors and psychotherapists (qualified or in training) or professionals working with people who have been bereaved. NB: this course is not suitable for people who have been recently bereaved. Cost : £640 Dates and Times: January to March 2013 (with a break on 14 February) Thursdays, 2.00pm to 5.30pm, on the following eight dates: January 17, 24, 31; February 7, 21 and 28 (break on Feb 14th); March 7 and 14 2013 Application Closing Date: 20 December 2012
Sexualities and Genders in Counselling and Psychotherapy
Sex, gender and sexuality have long been of interest to theorists and practitioners. This course provides a critical examination of sex, sexualities and genders in relation to counselling theories and practices. It examines the historical development of scientific and therapeutic perspectives on gender, sexuality and sexual orientation; considering the relevance of these perspectives for therapeutic practice. Topics include: models for understanding sex, gender, sexuality and sexual orientation; key philosophical concepts; an introduction to psychosexual work with sexual dysfunctions; sexual orientations in the counselling room; and work with transgender and intersex clients. Participants consider the values which impact on their therapeutic work with sexuality, sexual orientation and gender. The course is delivered through eight weekly sessions of three hours (including a break). Entrance Requirements: Open to counsellors and psychotherapists (qualified or in training). Cost : £640 Dates and Times: January to March 2013 Fridays 10.00am to 1.00pm on the following eight dates: January 18, 25; February 1, 8, 15, 22; March 1 and 15 2013 (with a break on 8th March) Application Closing Date: 20 December 2012
What Passes Between Us
This course enables participants to become more aware of the quality of their presence within the therapeutic relationship. It explores a subtle level of communication that impacts on every interaction. Yet it is often overlooked, rarely discussed, and almost never written about. Awareness of quality of presence enables us to be appropriately available for working at relational depth, to avoid being inadvertently invasive or too distant and to untangle elusive misunderstandings. The course is highly experiential and is intended to be of personal as well as professional benefit.
Entrance Requirements: Open to counsellors and psychotherapists (qualified or in training). Applicants from other relevant backgrounds will be considered. Cost £640 Dates and Times: October to November 2012 Thursdays 2pm to 5pm on the following ten dates: October 4, 11, 18 and 25; November 1, 8, 15 and 22 Application Closing Date: 13 September 2012
CPD Workshop
Recovery and Positive Growth following Trauma
Trauma is central to the work of counsellors and psychotherapists but while the adverse effects are well-documented, the process of recovery from trauma and of positive growth following trauma are less well understood. In this workshop we will critically examine the concepts of trauma and vicarious traumatisation and will present recent research findings on recovery and positive growth following traumatic events. Participants will be invited to examine their own understanding of traumatisation, will be introduced to some contemporary ideas on trauma, recovery and post-traumatic growth, and will be facilitated to consider the ways they could support survivors of trauma in their own work.
Entrance Requirements: Open to counsellors and psychotherapists (qualified or in training), Applicants from other relevant backgrounds will be considered. Cost: £90 Dates and Times: Saturday 16 March 2013, 9.30am to 4.30pm Application Closing Date: Friday 22 February 2013
Contact Information
For further information about the content of CPD courses or to enquire whether a course is suitable for you, please contact the CPD Programme Director:
CPD Events
This article was published on Oct 15, 2012