Postgraduate

MA IN INTEGRATIVE PSYCHOTHERAPY

With a focus on integrating Christian worldview and philosophy

Come with us on a voyage of discovery – to find out what it might mean for you to be an integrative therapist, with a well-founded understanding of your counselling practice, and of yourself, and of the Christian faith, and how they all fit together.

About the course

Integrative Psychotherapy is now well established, with over 50% of counsellors describing themselves as integrative, rather than holding an allegiance just to one therapeutic approach. This MA stands in that movement, seeking to integrate Christian faith, theology, worldview and spirituality into the process. Find out what it might mean to you to be an integrative therapist, with a well-founded understanding of your therapeutic practice, and of yourself, and of the Christian faith, and how they all fit together.

Just like our undergraduate Theology & Counselling programme, the MA is a joint venture between LST and CWR, and can be a one year full time programme, or two and three years part time.

Course Content

The course consists of two core modules (60 credits), three optional modules (60 credits), culminating in the dissertation (60 credits). In line with other psychotherapy courses at Master’s level, you will also be expected to have your own personal therapy (30 hours minimum) and to join in a group process exploring the impact of the experience as you move through the programme – so that you can become clearer about what it means for you to be integrative.

The core modules are at the heart of the course and explore the integration of the psychotherapy, theological literature and emerging themes, particularly focusing on relationality and what this means for us in theology, in psychology, and in counselling. It is a great opportunity to explore your own underlying philosophy, anthropology and relationality, and how these impact on your clinical practice.

The two core modules are:

Integrative Psychotherapy in Christian Perspective: Being and Relating

Integrative Psychotherapy in Christian Perspective: Body, Mind and Story

The optional modules are:

Psychotherapeutic Approaches to Addictions - drawing from theological, psychological and psychotherapy literature, this module enables you to think about theories of change, and how to work in a psychotherapy context with clients recovering from various addictions.

Systems of Relationship - this module focuses on people in systems such as couples, families and other groups. It explores systems from a theological and psychological perspective, as well as help you apply different systemic theories in practice.

The Use of Art in Therapy - this ‘hands-on’ module explores the use of art as a medium in the therapeutic process. You will engage in personal creative exploration with different art materials and reflect on your experience, referencing theological ideas around human creative activity and a Creator God.

Contemporary Cognitive Approaches - aims to introduce you to some of the newest developments in cognitive approaches to therapy. It covers therapeutic approaches such as Mindfulness, the Cognitive Behavioural Analysis System of Psychotherapy and Schema Therapy.

These optional modules, like the core modules are seminar based. You will contribute to your own learning by presenting some of the topics. As well as the more theoretical elements, there is a chance to learn the application of skills through group work, demonstrations, discussion of your clinical work and other reflective exercises. (Optional modules run with a minimum of 5 students.)

The dissertation brings together all of your learning with the focus on a topic of your choice. As well as critically evaluating the relevant psychotherapeutic and theological theories, you will reflect on the implications of these for your clinical practice and your own integrative philosophy. The word count for the dissertation is 12,000-15,000 words. You will receive supervision at LST to support you in completing the dissertation module.

Clinical Work

Most students will already be seeing clients in voluntary, paid or church settings. Although there are no course requirements to complete a certain number of counselling hours, you will be expected to see clients and have supervision for the duration of the course. This will help you apply your learning and have some material to reflect on for some of the assignments. If you are not already, you will need to become a member of a professional organisation such as the Association of Christian Counsellors (ACC), or the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and adhere to their ethical guidelines.

Although we cannot provide you with client work, we may be able to offer some ideas of where to apply, should this be needed. If you are looking for a CWR supervisor, Jennifer Jones keeps a database of CWR trained supervisors and counsellors and can be contacted, mornings only, on 01344 893197. We also ask that your clinical work is covered by professional indemnity insurance. It is also worth bearing in mind that some placements will require you to have a CRB check, which may take a little time.

Personal Therapy

As part of the core module requirements, you will have 30 hours of personal therapy. This will be with a therapist of your choice. Your therapy remains confidential but all we ask is that you ask your therapist to provide a brief note confirming that you have had 30 hours of personal therapy. As it is part of the course requirement, it will need to take place whilst you are a student on the course. Jennifer Jones can be contacted for help finding a therapist and the BACP and ACC websites also allow you to search for a therapist. Some therapists offer a reduced fee to students; so don’t be afraid to ask if you can have a reduced fee.

Tutorial Support

We recognise that a course of this nature can be academically, spiritually and emotionally demanding. The tutors will be available to offer support whilst you tackle the various elements. LST also has a wider support system including a chaplain, various student groups and other practical ways to help you whilst you are at LST.

Entrance Requirements

The course is open to graduates in Counselling, or graduates in any discipline who are also trained to HE Diploma level (NVQ level 5) in Counselling or Psychotherapy, and who are carrying out ongoing supervised clinical practice. You do not need a qualification in theology – but if you have done no theology before, we will ask you to prepare by doing part of LST's distance learning module on Scripture and Hermeneutics to get yourself up and running.

For Further Information

Contact the MA Course Leader Janet Penny janet.penny@lst.ac.uk for more detailed information about the course. The Postgraduate Registrar will be able to help you with queries relating to the registration process, fees and general aspects of student life please contact her on 01923 456160 or email PGRegistrar@lst.ac.uk.

Related Information:

MA Fee sheet

Download MA in Integrative Psychotherapy Application Form