Est. 1977

Student support details

Our director of student support, Fiona, is online every week, alternating between Tues at 12.30 and Thurs at 8am for half an hour to answer any questions. Visit http://www.chatzy.com/636394021601 Questions can be left at any time and Fiona will answer them next time. To find out the next scheduled time, click on the above link and you will see a message telling you when it will be.

Of course you can also phone or email with any questions, any time. 01509 881477 / Fiona.biddle@nchp.org.uk

Stage one: foundation course

Enquiries

All details (except course dates) can be found in the prospectus. To download, click here. For course dates click here. If you have questions phone 01509 881477 or email Fiona.biddle@nchp.org.uk

Application

When you have decided that this course is for you, download the application and enrolment forms and return them by post or email to the office. If you have questions about anything on the forms, phone 01509 881477 or email Fiona.biddle@nchp.org.uk. If you would like to pay monthly by credit card, note this on the enrolment form. If you would like to set up a monthly standing order, ask Fiona for a mandate.

The forms ask you to send two passport photos. if you are emailing your application you can send an image file of a photo. If, however, you don't have a photo at the moment, don't let that hold up your application: they can always be sent later.

Many people struggle to find an academic referee (for example if it has been a while since they did any studying). If this is the case, say so on the form and someone will contact you to discuss your situation. It needn't be a problem: we just need to make sure that not only are you right for us but more importantly that we are right for you.

Before the start

NB: there are elements leading to UKCP registration which, while not compulsory for completion of stages one through three, can be undertaken at any time, so if you know you want to go all the way to UKCP registration, have a look at the information under stage four. Any element of stage four can be done at any time. You can even start before your first course weekend if you like! You do not need to wait until you have completed stage three. It is completely up to you.

A couple of weeks before the start of the course you will be sent:

The course notes
The student handbook
A sheet giving your student number, course code and contact details for your tutor
A venue map
A date list
Conference details and booking form
A sample feedback sheet that assessors use when marking essays
A couple of DVDs
A CD with files for recording your progress

We suggest that, at this point, you get a box file, and create a virtual box file on your computer too so that you keep copies (hard and electronic) of each element of the course that you complete so that all is together and ready for submission when you get to the UKCP registration point.

Course weekends

Each day runs from 10am to 5pm. The teaching involves a mixture of theory and practice but at all times you are encouraged to be an active participant. Our tutors are all qualified/experienced trainers and so understand that learning is the key and so are adaptable to ensure that your learning needs are met as completely as possible.

You will receive an email giving you access to a Google doc which is colloquially known as your SCARF... that is your Student Classroom Assessment and Reflection Form. Your tutor will make notes on this as to how you are getting on in the class and you can reflect on how you feel things are going and also on the tutor's comments. Your SCARF is designed to ensure that you feel confident in your progress.... nothing is hidden from you.

Assessment

1. continual assessment by your course tutor. If they have any concerns they will raise these with you directly and in a timely fashion. For example if a query was raised in weekend one, they would speak to you well before weekend two! This ensures that you can be confident in their confidence in you.

2. completion of a personal and professional development journal. NB this journal will be read and assessed by an external examiner only. If you wish, you can identify it purely by your student number. No one else will read the journal. The journal must contain:

a. At least two entries per month, one specifically relating to each training weekend.

b. Your thoughts and feelings about your development as a hypno-psychotherapist.

For example, ask yourself what are you enjoying? What are you not so keen on? Are you anxious about anything? How do you see your future as a hypno-psychotherapist?

3. completion of four short essays. Each answer should be 800-1000 words excluding your reference list. References should follow the Harvard Referencing System. Please refer to the student handbook for further information about writing at masters level.

Stage two: certificate course

Application

At the end of stage one you will be emailed (or given) an enrolment form for stage two. You will also be given evaluation forms to give your feedback on your stage one tutor and course.

Course weekends

At stage two, each weekend begins with a dedicated space in which you can discuss your progress and any practice you have been undertaking. Otherwise weekends continue as per stage one.

Assessment

2. completion of four essays.

3. completion of a detailed case study. You will be sent full details of this when you sign up for stage two.

On completion of the certificate you will be sent a copy of your Academic Transcript so that you can see clearly what you still need to complete if you wish to go for UKCP accreditation. If you wish to see this at any time before or after this point, just ask.

Stage three: diploma course

Application

At the end of stage two you will be emailed (or given) an enrolment form for stage three. You will also be given evaluation forms to give your feedback on your stage two tutor and course.

Course weekends

The focus of stage three is building your confidence and competence to deal with a wide range of complex and advanced issues from start to finish.

Assessment

The stage three assessment takes the form of the production of a dissertation of between 10,000 and 12,000 words. You can choose your own research question and when this is approved, you work towards answering it via primary or secondary research. Detailed guidance is provided.

Stage four: advanced diploma course

Stage four comprises all the extra bits and pieces that lead to the award of the Advanced Diploma in Hypno-Psychotherapy and registration with UKCP.

Four online modules covering research methods (it makes sense to do this before your stage three dissertation!), psychopathology, human development & sexuality and ethics.

Advanced psychotherapy modules: any five live training weekends from a selection provided.

S3Cs: these are run weekly, online, and involve two hours work which you can schedule to suit you. To gain UKCP registration you need to complete 100 so get started early! Each one is on a different topic and the process involves collaborative discussion to gain knowledge of the theory, but always with the focus being on practical application.

Self-development: you are required to demonstrate 250 hours of self-development, 48 hours (minimum) of which need to be in a contracted relationship with a UKCP registered psychotherapist (or equivalent). Half of the remaining 202 hours can be on professional related activities (eg attending conference or other courses) but the other 101 must be personal. Recent approved examples have been learning karate, learning French, working in a charity shop, mentoring other students and trekking the Great Wall of China.

Mental Health Placement: this forms part of your self-development hours and is for a minimum of 25 hours and may be in an observational capacity.