DPsych Counselling Psychology

University of South Wales

The HCPC approved and BPS accredited Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology is the first of its kind in Wales, offering training in three therapeutic modalities, Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy, Integrative Psychotherapy and Systemic practice.

The DPsych programme is underpinned by a Relational and Pluralist philosophy and value base, with a strong focus on social justice. In addition to your training as a counselling psychology practitioner, you will undertake a doctoral level research thesis on a relevant subject.

As part of the Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology you will complete 450 hours supervised clinical hours. On graduating, you will be eligible to apply for registration with the HCPC and Chartered status with the BPS.

The USW School of Psychology and Therapeutic Studies is ideally placed to offer this training because of its expertise in both counselling and psychology teaching and research. The school acts as a regional hub for counselling and psychotherapy training. You will also have the chance to learn from Counselling Psychologists working in a range of practice contexts who bring specialist input to the programme.

The programme offers both full-time (three years) and part-time (five years). The Doctorate course focuses on four key areas, which underpin the professional practice of counselling psychology:

• Theoretical knowledge and critical thinking skills, which value the therapeutic relationship and the diversity and plurality of practice
• Training in three therapeutic approaches, shaped by a relational and pluralistic ethos and application of these approaches in practice settings
• A strong focus on personal and professional development and self-awareness through the development of critical reflective skills on self and practice.
• The undertaking of a comprehensive piece of research, which aims to make an original contribution to practice.

Assessment

Assessment will be varied to reflect the range of professional competencies and experiences that you will develop on the programme.

These will include essays, case studies, presentations, process reports, research proposal, assessed skills practice, personal development reviews and placement reports.

Students will also submit a doctoral research thesis of a maximum of 50,000 words, which will be examined by viva voce.

Careers

Successfully completing the course is the first step in your career as a Counselling Psychologist.

When you have completed and passed all components of the programme, including 450 hours of supervised clinical work and the research thesis, you will be able to apply for registration with the HCPC (the regulatory body for psychology). This will give you the professional title of Practitioner Psychologist.
You will also be eligible to register for chartered status with the British Psychological Society (BPS).

Once qualified, you will be equipped to work with a variety of client groups, including adults, groups, families and couples in a broad range of settings, for example, the NHS and third sector organisations. You will be able apply your supervision and leadership skills to working with multi-disciplinary teams and agencies and to contribute to service development and innovation of clinical services.