Family Therapy - Course Overview

The Family Therapy Training Project of the Scottish Institute of Human Relations are delighted to offer:

Foundation and Intermediate Courses - MSc in Family Therapy and Systemic Practice
- accredited by the Association of Family Therapy and Systemic Practice
- validated by The University of Strathclyde

The Family Therapy Project
Since 1979, the Family Therapy Project has been providing high quality, professionally and academically validated, evaluated training courses for those working with families and/or those who wish to acquire a systemic orientation, whether within the NHS, Social Services or the non-statutory / voluntary sector. We offer the only Association of Family Therapy accredited training in Scotland.

Training
A number of training courses are offered either as stand-alone courses or as part of a four-year training in Family Therapy and Systemic Practice. Entry is usually at Foundation level, through Intermediate and on to Masters. All courses are fully accredited with the Association of Family Therapy and Systemic Practice (AFT). The MSc is a practitioner level training and leads to eligibility to register with the United Kingdom Council of Psychotherapy (UKCP) through AFT.

Project Trainers bring skills rooted in clinical practice and adult learning and have extensive experience of training multidisciplinary groups. Many are registered with the Association of Family Therapy as Supervisors.

Learning opportunities are provided to allow the development of:

• An awareness and understanding of theory related to family therapy and systemic practice
• The clinical skills necessary for therapeutic practice

This ensures trainees understand both the theory underpinning practice and how to apply this in their work.

THE FOUNDATION COURSE

Introduction to systemic thinking
From its roots in family therapy, systemic theory has developed substantially to embrace many contemporary challenges. This module explores the challenges to professional practice e.g. of cultural sensitivity and working collaboratively, and of contemporary thinking e.g. social constructionism.

Introduction to systemic practice
The development of systemic practice has taken place in a wide range of circumstances and so, within the systemic practice literature, there is a rich range of possibilities for practice development illustrated. This module explores the elements of contemporary systemic practice.

THE INTERMEDIATE COURSE

Developing systemic practice
This theme, which runs the length of the course, considers the conceptual skills required for family therapy and systemic practice and provides the opportunity to apply these in more depth, enabling students to develop a secure grasp of theoretical frameworks and their
practical application.

Towards a systemic disposition
Acquiring a systemic disposition is considered in relation to the concepts of ‘curiosity’ and ‘irreverence’ and how theses ideas are useful to the critical examination of theory and research and in clinical practice, particularly in relating to the therapeutic relationship.

Professional and personal contexts
As context is central to systemic theory, this theme provides concepts and methods for considering the culture, practices and discourses of agencies and introduces ideas about the role of ‘self’, considering the role these interrelated concepts play in shaping the client – professional relationship.

THE MASTERS PROGRAMME

Module 1 Diversity and anti-discriminatory practice within a systemic framework
To enable students to develop awareness of the importance of cultural diversity and consider the implication of living and working in a multi-cultural and diverse society.

Module 2 Early development of systemic theory and practice
This module provides the opportunity for an in-depth and critical examination of the theoretical basis of systems approaches and
their development.

Module 3 Clinical team placement
This is the first module which develops therapeutic skills in a clinical environment. Students embarking on this part of the course will be seconded to a work setting with an experienced family therapist who provides their supervision.

Module 4 Research and reflexivity – methods of professional enquiry
This module introduces the main methods of enquiry relevant to understanding families and family therapy practice, in order to facilitate critical reviews of the published research. It will provide sufficient familiarity with research methods so that the Professional Enquiry and Development Study will seem an exciting prospect, not a daunting one.

Module 5 Recent developments in family therapy and systemic practice
This module provides the opportunity for an in-depth and critical examination of the recent developments in systemic practice.

Module 6 Systemic psychotherapy in context
This module provides an overview of other contemporary approaches to psychological health and well being and the specific role of family therapy within this context, indicating the importance of the awareness of alternative approaches, the potential for joint working and the limitations of systemic approaches.

Module 7 Theory and practice of supervision
Supervision is a prominent theme throughout the history of family therapy. This module examines that history and looks, in detail, at contemporary practice.

Module 8 Professional enquiry and development study
For this module the student conducts an extended piece of professional investigation within the context of a clinical placement. The work enables and obliges students to draw on the skills and insights acquired in the other eight units of the Masters Programme.

Completion and Awards
Successful completion of Foundation and Intermediate Courses leads to SIHR awards, while the awards within the Masters Programme are validated by the University of Strathclyde and culminates in the MSc in Family Therapy and Systemic Practice. All courses are professionally accredited by AFT.
Completing on any one course does not in any way guarantee entry to the next stage of training. Places on the courses are subject to open competition and only those considered suitable for further training, and for whom there is an available place, will be allowed to proceed.
The MSc is an Association of Family Therapy and Systemic Practice accredited training and candidates who successfully complete the course will be able to apply for Registration as AFT and UKCP accredited Family Therapists.

Entry Requirements
All Courses
Relevant professional qualification or equivalent e.g. nursing, psychology, social work, BACP accredited counselling, psychiatry, teaching, OT.
Satisfactory application, interview and references.

Intermediate Course
Completed Foundation Course or equivalent.
A work environment which will allow for at least 60 hours of systemic practice with families.

Masters Programme
Completed Foundation and Intermediate Courses or equivalent.
Capacity to undertake 160 hour clinical placement each year.
Work environment which will allow for at least 100 hours of systemic practice with families in each of the two years.
Venue and timing
Foundation, Intermediate and Masters Courses run in a series of two-day blocks, on a Thursday and Friday, once a month, venue to be advised.
The modules run from 9.00 / 9.15 am until 5 pm.

Masters only - Clinical practice modules take place in a variety of settings including the NHS and the voluntary sector, one day per week throughout the two years.

Costs
Foundation Course £ 1,500
Intermediate Course £ 1,800
Masters Course Year 1 and 2 £ 3,250 and £ 3,750

Fees must be paid in advance, upon acceptance of a place, and are non-refundable. Fees cover handouts, refreshments and registration with the University, if required.

Equal opportunities
The Family Therapy Project and SIHR aim to create the conditions whereby students are treated on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential regardless of their gender, race, ethnic or national origin, family circumstances, age, disability, religious or political beliefs, socio-economic background or sexual orientation. As such, applications are welcome from all sectors of the professional community. We provide additional support for learning, for example, in supporting students with dyslexia. The building has some wheelchair access and limited assistance for those with a visual or hearing impairment.

APL/APEL
Applicants who have completed family therapy training courses at other institutions can apply with advanced standing. In the case of courses which are not AFT accredited, this will incur an additional cost of £200 and pre-course reading and tasks. APL/ APEL candidates or those without standard entry requirements should contact us as soon as possible so we can explain the processes.

Closing Date 12 July 2010. Interview Dates 9 and 10 August 2010.