Broadly there are three types of people who undergo training here.
One group of people who wish to learn the application of Transactional Analysis in the professional setting in which they work – this can include managers, teachers, organisational trainers, and those in the helping professions. This group normally undertakes the two-year Theory and Practice of Transactional Analysis module.
The other group of trainees intend to become qualified therapists – Transactional Analysts or Integrative psychotherapists. They undergo a training program that last between 2 and 7 years and culminates in exams/diplomas leading to accreditation as a Transactional Analyst or as an Integrative Psychotherapist/counsellor which they can use to achieve BACP accreditation. These qualifications can allow them to apply for registration with the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy and/or BACP and be placed on the PSA register.
The third group of students are pursuing a training in Transactional Analysis for personal development reasons. They want to learn about the subject to develop further self awareness.
Most people initially undertake the training as an enhancement to their own profession and some then go on to undertake the full training.
The trainers on the programme are all highly qualified and experienced trainers, supervisors and psychotherapists who are internationally known.
No formal qualifications are needed to start training at Elan Training and Development. Students who wish to enter the psychotherapy training group are required to have done 240 hours in a core model of practice this can include a Diploma in Counselling, 240 hours TA training or 240 hours Gestalt Training etc. Those students who wish to become qualified as psychotherapists are undertaking a post-graduate training and do need to either have a degree or equivalent. Equivalent can mean sufficient life experience and does not necessarily mean some sort of academic qualification.
Transactional Analysis is a theory and method of psychotherapy originally developed by Eric Berne in the 1960’s. It is a flexible, wide ranging theory and methodology that is taught all over the world. A good way to get an understanding of TA is to attend the introductory two day module often called the 101.
Integrative Psychotherapy represents a coming together, or synthesis of many different ideas and approaches. We take the approach that an Integrative understanding requires a core theoretical model on which a practitioner builds other ideas, and methods. Essentially Integrative psychotherapists construct their own theory utilising the therapeutic relationship as the integrating principle in their work and draw on a wide body of knowledge to enhance their effectiveness. Transactional Analysis is a humanistic and integrative therapy.
The training programme is designed to be flexible to meet the unique needs of each trainee and we are keen to discuss with trainees their individual needs and how the training programme may be adapted to meet them.
In any year about forty people are training at Elan Training and Development Training and Development at various levels. At any stage in their training students can elect to become qualified in psychotherapy or counselling.
We offer a two day introductory course which will give you a flavour of now we run things here. This course also fulfils the requirements for the Introductory Transactional Analysis course called the 101. This is a good place to start. From then on the training is divided into four differing strands:
Course Work
A certificate of attendance is provided for each course.
Clinical Supervision
People who are wishing to be qualified practitioners are required to have their work supervised. They join a supervision group once a month that meets for three hours. People who are starting the training or not wishing to be therapists are not required to have supervision.
Clinical Practice
Subject to approval trainees are encouraged to develop a clinical practice in the setting of their choice. Assistance is provided in finding a placement, how to set up a private practice, in getting referrals, and in monitoring clinical practice.
Personal Psychotherapy
It is recommended that anyone doing psychotherapy or counselling training has access to a therapist or counsellor for the duration of their training. Those who are wishing to become qualified psychotherapists with UKCP registration are required to have personal therapy during their training. This needs to be a minimum of 160 hours over a four year period with a UKCP registered psychotherapist. Assistance is provided in the selection, duration and mode of psychotherapy that might best suit the trainee.
Ethics and Professional Practices
All practising counsellors or psychotherapists are required to work to a recognised code of ethics. Transactional Analysis trainees are required to work to the United Kingdom Association for Transactional Analysis (UKATA) Code of Ethics and Professional Practice guidelines – copies of which are available on request. Elan Training and Development is an equal opportunities training institute and welcomes applications from all people.
Diploma in Transactional Analysis Counselling
On completion of the 2 year TA module + the completion of 100 hours of an integrated placement with supervision students + completion of required assessments leading to the award of the Diploma graduates may become members of BACP and are placed on the PSA register. They are required to complete an online professional assessment within a year of taking up BACP membership.
Certified Transactional Analyst (Psychotherapy) + UKCP registration
All courses and supervision count towards accreditation as a Transactional Analyst. This is a formal psychotherapy qualification that is recognised by the UK Council for Psychotherapy and thus will be acceptable for registration purposes. In addition attendance on any of these courses and supervision can also lead towards accreditation with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy as an accredited counsellor/psychotherapist.
To become a UKCP registered Certified Transactional Analyst (psychotherapist) a student needs to have done:
They then need to have written and passed a Case Study and present tapes of their clinical work to an exam board who assess competency.
Psychotherapy Flow Chart
Introductory Course
Year One – Transactional Analysis Training Module
Year Two – Transactional Analysis Training Module
Year Three – Psychotherapy Training Group
Year Four – Psychotherapy Training Group
Year Five – Exam Preparation
Year Six – Exam leading to UKCP Registration
It’s hard to estimate the total cost of this training up to exams but I estimate it to cost to be around £15000 for a five to seven year period. Payment for any of the courses will be arranged on the offering and acceptance of a place. As far as possible this can be arranged to suit the financial arrangements of the applicant, for example payment on a monthly basis is acceptable. It is recommended that you enter the programme step by step rather than commit yourself to the whole programme.
Submit a professional cv detailing which course you would like to join. We will then contact you back and arrange a mutually agreeable time to discuss your training needs.
Applicants are encouraged to apply on a year by year basis. Any training undertaken at Elan Training and Development is usually recognised by other psychotherapy training institutes.