Post-graduate Diploma in Psychosexual Therapy
About the course
This two-year programme, validated by the
University of Hull, is accredited by the College of Sexual and
Relationship Therapists.
The aim of the programme is to provide an
education and training which develops and enables practitioners to
work with couples and individuals presenting psychosexual problems.
The programme recognises the richness and diversity of the
communities in which people live and is designed to engender
practice that has a relevance to all sectors of society.
After successfully completing the programme
students will;
- Have gained an advanced knowledge and understanding of clinical
assessment, treatment strategies, cultural contexts and therapeutic
approaches involved in the process of Psychosexual Therapy
- Enable students to gain professional accreditation with the
British Association for Sexual and Relationship Therapy
- Be equipped to work in either the statutory or voluntary
sectors, or as an independent practitioner in the field of
psychosexual therapy
- Have access to further advanced training to the degree of
MSc.
In year one the taught element of the
programme takes place over 6 two-day blocks and 1 three-day block
over two consecutive semesters. In year two the attendance is
over 8 two-day blocks. Each day begins at 9.30am and ends at
5.00pm. The clinical placement runs for a further semester in
each year.
In addition to these blocks, in each year
students are required to attend 3 events from the Relate programme
of Continuous Professional development days (CPD) or relevant
external events. These are paid for separately.
Students will also undertake a placement,
normally at a Relate Centre, of 200 hours of supervised clinical
practice over two years.
Course content
Modular structure
In each of the two years of the programme
there are three modules of 20 credits each at level 7.
- Module 1: Clinical assessment
- Module 2: Treatment strategies
- Modules 3&6: Clinical placement and practice issues
- Module 4: Further issues in Psychosexual Therapy
- Module 5: Cultural contexts and therapeutic
approaches
Themes
- Clinical assessment
- Designing a treatment strategy
- Creating a sexual language, imagery and concepts to enable
students to engage more effectively with clients
- The sexual dysfunctions as defined by DSM (IV)
- The application of cognitive behavioural principles
- Understanding of how a couple may experience multiple but
related sexual dysfunctions
- Knowledge and understanding of Psychosexual Therapy, in
particular with regard to anatomy, physiology, brain function,
psychological trauma, medical conditions, cognitive-behavioural
principles, pharmacology, paraphilias, sexual behaviour and sexual
addiction
- How to apply an ethical stance in relation to the application
of Psychosexual Therapy
- The cultural and social context of sexuality, intimacy and
love
- Issues relating to sexual orientation
- Transgender issues and gender dysphoria
- The integration of systemic and psychodynamic couple theories
into the CBT approach to sexual problems
Teaching
The programme uses a variety of methods.
These include formal lectures, structured skills development and
practice, workshops and programme group meetings. As this
programme is a clinical programme, there is a strong emphasis on
practical and experimental work, including Personal and
Professional Development groups.
An essential aspect of the Relate Institute
approach to learning and teaching is the importance we place on
student feedback and evaluation. We try to incorporate
students’ ideas whenever practicable and appropriate within the
programme structure and philosophy.
Assessment
Assessment is by written assignments that are
designed to assess students’ theoretical understanding and
competence.
There is an annual supervisor’s report and
students will be required to submit a Professional Portfolio.
Students are required to adhere to the COSRT
Code of Ethics and Practice.
Entry criteria
Prospective students must have:
- A counselling/therapy qualification or a relevant health
professional qualification
- A first degree or equivalent academic achievement at level 6
(i.e. “honours” level)
- Access to a practice base in a Relate Centre or other approved
clinical setting
- At least 50 hours of supervised clinical experience as a
counsellor or relevant professional clinical experience.
All successful applicants will be required to
have undergone a Criminal Records Bureau check at enhanced level
within the 12 months leading up to the start of the programme.
Applicants are strongly advised to ensure that
they have adequate word processing skills, IT skills and access to
the Internet before embarking on this course.
Interview criteria
Applicants will need to demonstrate personal
qualities relevant to therapeutic practice and training, which
include:
- Respect for and valuing of others, and their differences
- A commitment to anti-discriminatory practice
- A capacity to cope with the professional and academic demands
of the course
- A capacity to be reflexive and use experience and feedback
constructively
Quality
The course is validated and continuously
monitored for the quality of its course content, teaching delivery,
assessment and course management according to the procedures of the
Relate Institute, University Centre Doncaster and the University of
Hull.
Fees
Fees vary depending
on the prior qualifications of the applicant and the venue, and can
be subject to annual incremental increases.
The programme fees include all tuition and
tutorials. Clinical supervision may be included if the
placement is in a Relate Centre. If the placement is not in a
Relate Centre supervision will be the student’s
responsibility. The fee does not include the cost of
accommodation, meals, travel or attendance on the Relate Continuing
Professional Development days (CPD)*. Students will also be
expected to borrow or buy their own books, journals and
articles.
The fees can be paid in one instalment or may
be divided into three equal instalments, for which the student will
be invoiced. The due dates for each payment will be clearly
stated on the invoice.
*Students on Relate Institute Programmes of
study are entitled to a discounted fee for attendance on Relate
Continuing Professional Development days.
In the event of adverse weather conditions no transport or
accommodation costs can be refunded.
How to apply
Applications are welcome from all those who
are suitably qualified, regardless of racial or ethnic origins,
nationality, spiritual beliefs or religion, gender, age, economic
status, social background, sexual orientation or any disability or
medical condition.
Application deadline dates can be seen next to
the course dates.
Course information and guidance
For more information about the course refer to
the frequently asked questions (FAQs)
page.
For any Additional Support such as
disability, dyslexia, sign language support etc. please
contact Doncaster College's Additional
Learner Support Team if you are applying for a course run
at the High Melton campus.
For any further information please contact the
Programme Leader for this course, Michèle Logue on 01302 553 818 or
e-mail michele.logue@relateinstitute.ac.uk
Disclaimer: All courses are run subject to
numbers, and every effort is made to ensure the information on this
leaflet is correct. The Relate Institute reserves the right to
amend the contents as deemed necessary. For more information
please to our Terms and Conditions.