Training Standards

The Training Standards Criteria for the European Association for Integrative Psychotherapy

(Please note that these criteria are based upon and drawn from those of the EAP).

Introduction: The EAIP makes the following stipulations:

The method used must be well defined and have a clear theoretical basis in the human sciences.

The theory must be integrated with the practice, be applicable to a broad range of problems, and have been demonstrated to be effective.

The method must have been scientifically recognised by the EAP and have been recognised in several European countries as valid by relevant professional organisations.

1. Length and content of psychotherapy training

1.1 The total duration of training will be not less than 3200 hours, spread over seven years, at least four years of which must be in a training specific to psychotherapy. The EAIP will determine the proportion of the training elements that need to be completed to be awarded the Certificate.

1.2 The training has been accredited by a National Awarding Organisation, and by the relevant European Organisation if it is a member of EAP (such as the EAIP), and by any other professional bodies that the ETSC recognises for the purpose.

1.3 Supervision and therapy are provided by practitioners whose training would meet criteria for the award of an ECP and such other candidates as the EAP may specify.

1.4 The training meets EAP criteria for basic professional training, and includes the following elements:

1.4.1 Personal Psychotherapeutic Experience or equivalent

This should be taken to include training analysis, self-experience and other methods involving elements of Self-reflection, therapy, and personal experience. No single term is agreed by all psychotherapy methods. Any training shall include arrangements to ensure that the trainees can identify and appropriately manage their personal involvement in and contributions to the processes of the psychotherapies that they practice in accordance with their specific methods.

1.4.2 Theoretical Study

There will be a general part of university study or professional training and a part which is specific to psychotherapy. University or professional courses leading to a first University degree or its equivalent professional qualification in subjects relevant to Psychotherapy may be allowed as a part of the whole of the general part of psychotherapy but cannot count towards the four years of specific psychotherapy training. The specific element of training should include the following elements:

1.4.2.1 Theories of human development throughout the life-cycle, including sexual development

1.4.2.2 An understanding of other psych otherapeutic approaches

1.4.2.3 A theory of change

1.4.2.4 An understanding of social issues in relation to psychotherapy

1.4.2.5 Theories of psychopathology

1 4 2.6 Theories of assessment and intervention

1.4.3 Practical Training

This will include sufficient practice under ongoing supervision appropriate to the psychotherapeutic method and will be at least two years in duration.

1.4.4 Placement in a Mental Health setting or equivalent professional experience.

The placement must provide adequate experience of psycho-social crisis and of collaboration with other specialists in the mental health field.

2.0 Completion of training

2.1 By the end of the seven years of training the trainee will have to demonstrate personal, social and professional maturity and a commitment to working to the ethical standards of the EAIP and the National Awarding Organisation.

2.2 There will be an assessment of both theoretical and practical work, which will include an external evaluation.

2.3 The psychotherapist must be in a professional organisation recognised by the NAO and found to have satisfactory ethical standards and complaints procedures.

2.4 The psychotherapist must have completed basic professional training within one accredited organisation and advanced training within that organisation or within another accredited organisation training in the same method.