Training in Cognitive Analytic Therapy

2011-08-23 by smapg

Training in Cognitive Analytic Therapy

The Association for Cognitive Analytic Therapy accredits and supports a variety of training offered by its members. They aim to be flexible and responsive to the needs of trainees and to the resources of training groups. There are four types of course at present, offering different levels of training in CAT theory and practice. All training is aimed at introducing CAT to people with qualifications in professions allied to mental health work and are provided in service but may offer places to individuals who work outside of the NHS in relevant non-statutory services such as Eating Disorder services or Addiction services.

CAT is a versatile approach to psychological help and currently there are three main areas of the application of CAT in practice.

As a broadly based psychological therapy focusing on a collaborative educational and therapeutic relationship
As a consultative or team training tool working with the context and systems around the client in difficulty
As a method of teaching relational thinking and relational skills to enhance general professional and psychological skills in working with people.

Training courses emphasise these elements to differing degrees.

Introductory Courses:

These comprise either short, introductory workshops usually of one or two days in length or longer, six month to one year introductions. While certificates of attendance for CPD may be given, the courses are not assessed and do not lead to a qualification. [Booking via the ACAT website].

CAT is a broadly based psychological therapy focusing on a collaborative educational and therapeutic relationship

CAT Skills Training:

This training is designed for those working in the health and caring professions to acquire a basic understanding of CAT and to apply it to their routine work, rather than to practice CAT as an individual therapy. The training may be delivered to whole teams or to groups of interested individuals and it can be offered in a range of formats, to suit the requirements of the group. It is usually completed within one year and leads to an ACAT Skills Training Certificate.

Practitioner Training:

Practitioner training enables core professionals with competence in their own field to enhance their understanding and skills in psychological therapy by learning the theory and methods of CAT. These courses usually last two years and are assessed, leading to accreditation as a CAT Practitioner and eligibility for full membership of ACAT. The courses are held at a number of venues across the country. Most Practitioner trainings are Postgraduate Diplomas leading to ACAT Accreditation and a Diploma in CAT awarded by Sheffield Hallam University. Further information and application process can be found within each course link.

MSc Cognitive Analytic Therapy

ACAT now offers an MSc in CAT in collaboration with Sheffield Hallam University. This award constitutes the completion of a research stage of the CAT practitioner training (PG Diploma).

Psychotherapy Training:

Psychotherapy training enables CAT Practitioners to become Cognitive Analytic psychotherapists via an additional two-year assessed course, which leads to eligibility for registration with the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy. There is currently one Psychotherapy Training within ACAT, which is a two-year residential training (two year course with three residential weeks per year), known as the Interregional Residential ACAT Psychotherapy Training (IRRAPT). Applicants to the Psychotherapy Training must have completed a two-year CAT Practitioner training.

Supervisor Training
There is no formal training as a CAT Supervisor but instead applicants are required to produce a proposal to meet the accreditation criteria. The training is based upon an apprenticeship model provided by ACAT for experienced CAT practitioners and psychotherapists to progress towards accreditation as a CAT supervisor.

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) and Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL):

In exceptional circumstances individuals may wish to have past training and experience recognised by ACAT and Sheffield Hallam University as equivalent to its current standards and to count towards an award. Guidelines exist outlining procedures for this route. The Sheffield Hallam procedures are currently under development.

Please make any general enquiries on training to the ACAT Office, Susan Van Baars atadmin@acat.me.uk.