Tavistock Centre for Couple Relationships

Which course is right for me?

Which course is right for you will depend on whether you are looking for continuous professional development or want to train as a couple psychotherapist

There are clear course progressions on our academic and professional trainings. At the TCCR we are able to facilitate your training from entry level Introductory courses right through to PDs. For an overview see here. 

I want to be a couple counsellor or psychotherapist, what do I do?

If you have no experience of clinical work (i.e. working with clients) and of face-to-face work in the helping professions we suggest that you first complete our entry level Introductory Course in Psychodynamic Couple Counselling (PC1). This course offers an engaging way to learn about couples, about a psychodynamic approach and if training as a counsellor is right for you.

If you already have some relevant face-to-face work experience, such as social work, the legal profession, the NHS or voluntary organisations you may be able to enroll directly on the Graduate Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma in Couple and Individual Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy (CT2) or on the MA in Couple Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy (CT1)

I already have a counselling/psychotherapy qualification but want further training with couples. What course is right for me?

We offer a number of advanced standing entry points to a number of our training courses depending on experience, prior training and professional qualifications. Please see our range of Advanced Standing Trainings for more information.

I have already trained as a couple counsellor with Relate. What course is right for me?

There is provision for people with Relate training to enter with Advanced Standing into our Postgraduate Diploma in Couple and Individual Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy (CT2A). They enter the 2nd year of the 3 year training subject to work and personal interviews.

People with Relate training may be able to enter the MSc in Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy (CT3) having completed the Certificate in Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy.

Will I be able to practice as an individual and couple counsellor after completing the Postgraduate Diploma in Couple and Individual Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy (CT2)?

Yes. Successful completion of our Graduate Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma in Couple and Individual Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy (CT2) leads to a professional qualification enabling you to practice in statutory and voluntary sectors and in private practice.

It can lead to individual accreditation with BACP after completion of the requisite hours and individual accreditation procedures..

Do I need to have had experience of personal therapy before I can enroll on your Professional Trainings?

No. However, candidates will be expected to be in psychoanalytic therapy once a week on commencement of the Graduate Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma in Couple and Individual Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy (CT2) to be continued throughout the training .

For our Professional MA in Couple Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy (CT1) there is a requirement for personal analysis three times a week to have commenced one year before application and to continue throughout the training.

I'm interested in couples work and want to find out more without committing to a training programme– what should I do?

In addition to our introductory courses we also run a very broad and comprehensive range of short courses and two summer schools on all aspects of couple relationships. Some of our students use these simply to increase their understanding of relationships and others use them to work towards their continued professional development. For upcoming courses please see click here.

Do you run any trainings for organisations?

Yes. The TCCR offers individually tailored consultations and programmes based on any of our short courses which can be arranged to meet the needs of individual organisations or individual practitioners who are interested in thinking about their work with couples and parents in specialised settings, such as: NHS psychotherapists, counsellors in primary care, social workers in adoption and fostering services and other professional groups. For more details please see our commissioned training section.

How are TCCR courses accredited?

All our professional training is accredited by the leading relevant professional body in the field, an indicator of our commitment to the highest national standards. These include the BACP (British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy), COSRT (College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists) and the BPC (British Psychoanalytic Council).

How do I apply? 

Please see our How to Apply page for all the necessary details. 

How do I apply for a loan or bursary?

Loans and a bursary are available for the Postgraduate Diploma in Couple and Individual Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy (CT2) (PG Dip) and for the MA in Couple Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy (CT2) (MA).
Please contact Joanne Bending at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 020 7380 1970 for details. The deadline for receipt of MA bursary applications is 31st May and for receipt of PG Dip bursary, MA and PG Dip loan applications is 9th August. Applications received before this deadline will be given priority. Late applications may be considered, subject to availability, but no later than 30th August. All efforts will be made to advise applicants of outcomes by 13th September at the latest.

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