Post-Qualification Course (PQC)

Introduction

• This course is an advanced clinical training for qualified psychoanalytic psychotherapists aimed at taking their professional practice to a deeper and more intensive level.
• The course is designed for people who are committed to working intensively (at least 3 times weekly) with their patients.
• The Qualification of Advanced Lincoln Psychotherapist will be awarded on completion.

Course Description

The course consists of a programme of seminars and supervised clinical work over a 2 year period. Qualification will involve reaching a satisfactory standard in both areas.

Candidates who successfully complete the course will be given a certificate of Completion and, if approved by the Lincoln Council, become Advanced Lincoln Psychotherapists (ALP).

Among other advantages, this course offers those living at a distance from London the opportunity to enrol for this course. An audio link (by telephone) will also be offered for evening seminars whenever possible.

Application to the Course

The course is open to qualified adult psychotherapists who are BPC registrants. Applicants need to have had at least two years' post-qualification experience. They need to have a commitment to working intensively with patients. Existing patients may be used as Training Cases. Applicants will need to have at least one intensive (three times weekly) clinical case by the start of the course. They may also apply to the Reduced Fee Scheme Referral Therapist for a suitable referral.

Selection of Candidates for the PQC

Applicants should complete the appropriate application form with practice details appended on a separate sheet if necessary. A brief CV may be sent in addition but the form must be completed. At the discretion of the Post-Qualification Course Training Committee written references will be taken up. After reviewing the application, the Committee may invite the applicant for two interviews. In one the applicant is asked to present an overview of his or her work, and one case in particular including one or two sessions in detail. The other interview will be of a more personal nature. The decision of the Post-Qualification Course Committee on selection is final; though an explanation for non-acceptance may be given, the Committee is under no obligation to do so. The application should be accompanied by a fee (details separately), which will be returned (less an administrative charge) if interviews are not offered. A consultative interview may be arranged if a candidate is unsure whether he/she fulfils the criteria or wishes to discuss how to upgrade to meet the criteria.

Course Requirements

The course consists of a programme of seminars and supervised clinical work. Qualification will involve reaching a satisfactory standard in both areas. Every course participant will be allocated an adviser who is a member of the Committee.

Seminars

• A two-year programme of mainly clinical seminars (ten per term) focusing on a wide range of topics, led by Advanced Lincoln Psychotherapists, Training Therapists and Psychoanalysts from the British Psycho-Analytical Society.
• The seminars usually pertain to a particular topic or theme. For example: Working with Dreams; Enactment; Patients who are Hard to Reach; The Aims of Psychoanalysis; Psychic Change. Whilst reading is required, and may lead to discussion of theoretical concepts and approaches, it is primarily within the context of the clinical work presented by each participant.
• The seminars are held at different venues around London on Monday evenings, combined with some Saturday workshops. Some seminars are held at the Lincoln Centre's premises in Clapham (South-West London). Each seminar runs for one and a half hours, and Participants take it in turns to present a case.
• A balance of theoretical orientation will be aimed for, offering different theoretical and technical approaches.

Clinical work

Supervised clinical work

• Participants are required to treat 2 cases, (a minimum of 3-times-weekly) one for at least 2 years and another for 18 months. These cases are discussed with senior BPC Psychotherapists and Psychoanalysts who are on the list of Lincoln approved Training Therapists.
• The two patients will not previously have been seen as training cases, and where possible will be a man and a woman.
• The frequency of supervision will be discussed with your Course adviser, and will be not less than fortnightly.

Supervisors will be selected from an approved list, after consultation with the adviser. Usually they may not include the candidate's previous supervisors, though some flexibility may be applied if the supervision has not been running for very long.

Reports and monitoring progress

There will be detailed written feedback from supervisors and seminar leaders, as well as reports written by the Participant on the progress of the therapy. The adviser and participant meet twice a year to discuss all reports.

The PQC Training Committee reserves the right to request further personal therapy, supervision, clinical work or attendance at seminars beyond the second year prior to qualification.

Qualification and Advanced Clinical Membership

Candidates who successfully complete the course will be given a Certificate of Completion and, if approved by the Lincoln Council, become Advanced Lincoln Psychotherapists (ALP).

Times and Places

The weekly seminars are held at different venues around London on Monday evenings, combined with some Saturday workshops. Each seminar runs for one and a half hours.

Course Advisors

Each participant is assigned an adviser from the Post-Qualification Course Training Committee with whom he or she will regularly discuss progress. Six-monthly meetings are the norm.

Code of Ethics

All participants are required to sign and adhere to the Lincoln Centre's rules and regulations and its Code of Ethics.

Cost of Training

As a registered charity, the Lincoln endeavours to keep fees within reasonable limits. Current fees are available from the Administrator. Supervision fees are arranged directly with the supervisor. EU and non-EU students are charged the same fees.

Referrals

Once accepted on the course the participant may be assisted by the Lincoln Reduced Fee Scheme Referrals Psychotherapist in finding patients suitable for the membership training.

Insurance

It is expected that the participant has full insurance cover. Advice can be given if necessary.

Lincoln Centre Activities

Course participants who are members of other BPC organisations will be invited to participate in regular scientific meetings, workshops and social events, and will also receive the Newsletter.

Further details

Further details of the course and fees, may be obtained from the Training Administrator, at the Lincoln office. You are welcome to speak informally with the Director of Education before applying.

The Director of the PQC Training Committee, Ms Mary Eckert, will be pleased to have an informal discussion by phone or in person prior to application. If requested, we shall also be pleased to put you in touch with someone who is doing, or has already completed this course.