Train as a Group Analytic Psychotherapist

To become a qualified group analytic psychotherapist in Ireland, you must complete:

1. A Professional Masters in Group Analytic Psychotherapy from the School of Medicine, University College Dublin (UCD).
2. A post-course Programme of On-Going Learning, which leads to the Qualifying Course award and qualifies you for clinical accredited membership of the Irish Group Analytic Society (IGAS).

Professional Masters in Group Analytic Psychotherapy

This comprehensive programme (previously known as the Masters in Group Analytic Psychotherapy) consists of two parts, totalling 180 credits:

• Graduate Certificate Programme (1 year)
• Professional Masters (5 years)

Both are delivered in a weekend block-training format, with nine weekends per academic year. The curriculum focuses on training participants in the model of group analysis and its application in clinical and non-clinical settings, such as organisations and work groups. Through participation in group analytic psychotherapy sessions, theory and skills seminars, supervision, and practical experience, trainees gain a thorough understanding of group analysis in both theory and practice.

By the end of the programme, you will:

• Recognise the working of the unconscious and how it unfolds in groups.
• Develop the skills to effectively work with group dynamics.
• Gain experience setting up and running a short-term supervised group in Years 1 & 2, and a clinical training group in Years 3, 4 & 5.

If you choose to exit after Year 2, you will earn a Masters In Applied Group Analytic Studies, enabling you to apply for Associate Membership of IGAS.

The Masters In Applied Group Analytic Studies equips individuals with foundational skills and understanding in group analytic theory and practice.

Programme of On-Going Learning

After completing the Professional Masters, graduates are eligible to apply to the Programme of On-Going Learning at The School of Psychotherapy, St. Vincent’s University Hospital.

This involves:

• Submitting a clinical paper reflecting on your training and the experience of leading a group analytic therapy group.
• Ongoing supervision of your clinical group.

Successful completion meets the standards of the European Group Analytic Training Institutes Network (EGATIN) and the European Association for Psychotherapy (EAP), allowing you to be considered for clinically accredited IGAS membership.

Further Information
For enquiries, contact the Group Analytic Course(s) Administrator at: Brenda.Sweeney@ucd.ie.

Learn more about the courses:

• Graduate Certificate Programme
• Professional Masters Programme
• The School of Psychotherapy