Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy with Children and Adolescents (MSc / Graduate Diploma) - 2013/2014 entry

This programme teaches you the essential knowledge and skills of psychodynamic counselling, with particular emphasis on its application to children and adolescents. It establishes an understanding of psychoanalytic-based theory and covers the technical processes of counselling children and adolescents, while developing the personal and professional awareness required for effective practice as defined by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Years 1 and 2 are classroom-based and incorporate individual work experience. A supervised placement in a counselling agency starts in Year 2 and continues in Year 3 with more intensive supervision.

For more information, read our programme handbook.

• Emphasis on how organisations and groups function, which will enable you to understand and manage professional settings and relationships.
• In-depth psychodynamic study of childhood and adolescence developmental issues.
• Accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
• Attracts people from a range of backgrounds, including educational, medical, field and residential social work, youth work and voluntary agencies.

Accredited by the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Graduate Diploma (Year 1)

Foundation year in the psychoanalytic attitude, with an introduction to basic psychoanalytic concepts and techniques and their application to children and adolescents. An overview of individual development and psychosocial issues from this perspective. Emphasis on understanding infancy, through mother–infant observation.

MSc (Years 2 and 3)

Year 2 provides a deeper study of psychoanalytic theory and psychotherapeutic practice, including a counselling placement. There is an introduction to organisational theory. Year 3 is primarily a clinical year consisting of more intensive supervision in a counselling placement. Advanced seminars in counselling theory and technique and in organisational dynamics are related to the practice placement. A group relations week is also held in both years.

Students have access to both the Birkbeck Library and Senate House Library. All postgraduates at Birkbeck benefit from a wide range of advantages related to the central location of the College, its varied and rich postgraduate life and the diversity of overlapping Master’s programmes. If required, students have access to courses on study skills offered by the College.

If you are interested in further research, we offer a PhD/MPhil in Psychosocial Studies.

Many graduates go on to counselling posts in a variety of settings; others remain in their current posts with enhanced competence.

Learning objectives

On successful completion of this course, you should be able to:

• demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the basic theoretical and practical principles of psychodynamic counselling
• show a systematic understanding of the institutional dynamics which affect the provision and practice of psychodynamic counselling
• demonstrate ability to work as a psychodynamic counsellor at an appropriate professional standard with children and adolescents
• understand and use psychoanalytic and psychodynamic principles to increase knowledge of both theory and practice, of personality development, of the inner and outer worlds of the child and adolescent, and of the institutional and group influences on personal development
• display high-level skills in thinking psychodynamically about counselling issues, and making professional communications about counselling work
• display a capacity for self-reflection, especially knowledge of your inner world and how it impacts on counselling work, and your role in groups and institutions.

• Early application advised.
• Group and individual interviews from March.