Courses and seminars

We have a programme of courses and seminars to suit everyone. These include an introductory course, a psychotherapy training course, and a series of seminars.

Introductory course

This one-year course introduces some of the main ideas in the Philadelphia Association. Once a week there is a seminar followed by group discussion. In addition, students attend a weekly group in which the process of the group is explored.

The introductory course is compulsory for anyone seeking to join the training programme but is open to people who have no intention of training. Attending the course is no guarantee of being accepted for training. View the current programme for the Introductory Course.

Psychotherapy training course

Since 1970 the Philadelphia Association has run its own training for people wishing to practice as psychotherapists. This course is accredited by the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP).

The Philadelphia Association training course should be regarded as an apprenticeship. Trainees are encouraged to develop an individual approach to their work that is both thoughtful and rigorous. View the current programme for the psychotherapy training course.

Trainees are required to be in psychotherapy themselves before and during training and their clinical work to be supervised by an experienced psychotherapist. Trainees are also required to be involved in one of our community houses for a period during their training.

Seminars

We also run occasional conferences and seminars. These include the R D Laing Conference held in conjunction with the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the PA's Conversations in the Community series – these are also open to interested members of the public. Find out more.