BIP offers a Diploma in Psychodrama Psychotherapy, a professional qualification fully accredited by the British Psychodrama Association and recognised by the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy. This is a post-graduate level training and takes a minimum of four years to complete on a part-time basis. The diploma course provides a theoretical and practical understanding of the methods of psychodrama, sociometry and group psychotherapy. It is both didactic and experiential, and there is a strong focus on observing and working with group process. Diploma trainees typically attend six to eight weekend events and two 4-day residentials per year in their first two years of training, and slightly fewer events during their third and fourth years, when they focus more on clinical practice.

Criteria for acceptance on the diploma course include:

• Minimum age is normally 25.
• Previous experience of personal therapy, preferably psychodrama (applicants should have 50 hours of psychodrama experience before applying).
• First degree or professional qualification, or suitable evidence of academic achievement / competency.
• Experience of working with people in a responsible role, e.g. teaching, community / social work, mental health, etc.
• A detailed CV, two references and an interview with BIP's Course Leaders, Susie Taylor and Clark Baim, are required.

The diploma programme has a rolling intake; you may apply to become a trainee at any time of the year. Once accepted onto the diploma course, each trainee will discuss their particular requirements, taking into account previous experience, particularly mental health training or psychotherapeutic qualifications.

Click here for course document with full details of the diploma course.

A course for professionals in mental health, teaching, counselling, coaching, social care, youth work, arts therapies, criminal justice & related fields.

Trainers: Susie Taylor and Zoli Figusch

One Saturday per month, October 2011 – July 2012

The Birmingham Institute for Psychodrama (BIP) is pleased to announce a post-graduate certificate course in the theory and practice of creative counselling, psychodramatic techniques and action methods. Participants will learn effective facilitation skills and will gain a good understanding of the appropriate use of psychodramatic and action-based techniques within different settings relevant to their own work. The course will include theoretical and practical discussion, demonstrations of techniques, written work, experiential learning and many opportunities to practise the skills.

During the course, participants will gain:

• A practical understanding of how to enhance counselling with creative and experiential learning.
• An understanding of the principle techniques and theory of the psychodramatic method.
• Working knowledge of other action methods, including a range of experiential learning techniques.
• Knowledge and understanding of group process.
• An enjoyable, fun and challenging group experience.

Dates
2011: 15th October, 19th November, 10th December.
2012: 21st January, 18th February, 17th March, 21st April, 19th May, 16th June, 21st July.

Times: 9:30am – 6:30 each day. Lunches, tea and coffee provided.

Venue Woodbridge House, 9 Woodbridge Road , Moseley, Birmingham B13 8EH. 3 miles south of city centre.

Fee £1,800 all inclusive (can be paid in three instalments). This includes a year's membership of the British Psychodrama Association.

Course structure: There are ten monthly sessions, each lasting all day Saturday, from 9:30am - 6:30pm. This will give course members a total of 90 hours of teaching. The course also includes written work and tutorials.

Entry requirements

• Applicants must be at least 23 years old.
• It is helpful if applicants have some knowledge of psychodrama, which may include prior reading or experience of the method.
• A completed application form and an appropriate professional reference.
• Applicants must attend an interview with one or both course tutors as part of the application process.

Participants who successfully complete the course will be awarded a Post-Graduate Certificate in Creative Counselling, Psychodramatic Techniques and Action Methods. It is stressed that this is not a certificate to practise as a Psychodramatist, and is not suitable for entry onto the UKCP register. It is accredited by the British Psychodrama Association as a certificate course for professionals who want to gain a greater understanding of creative counselling methods and the psychodramatic method, and to incorporate action methods in their current practice. The hours gained on this course will qualify for Accredited Prior Learning (APL) hours should the holder of the certificate decide to train as a Psychodrama Psychotherapist at a later date. (NB: It will be at the discretion of each Training Organisation as to the percentage of APL hours counted.)

Click here for course document with full details of the diploma course.