bpf Foundation Course
The British Psychotherapy Foundation’s Psychotherapy and Counselling Foundation Course is designed for individuals at the start of their journey toward becoming qualified psychotherapists and counsellors. Delivered through a blend of in‑person and online teaching, the programme offers an in‑depth introduction to psychoanalytic and Jungian theory.
The Foundation Course provides the support, guidance, theoretical grounding, and practical experience trainees need before deciding whether to pursue further training and a career in the field. Below, we outline what the course involves, who it is suitable for, any required qualifications or experience necessary, and the training and career pathways it can lead to.
What is the bpf Psychotherapy and Counselling Foundation Course?
The bpf’s Psychotherapy and Counselling Foundation Course is an introductory training programme offering a comprehensive overview of Jungian analytic, psychoanalytic, and psychodynamic approaches to psychotherapy and counselling. It combines theoretical learning, through lectures and discussion groups, with experiential components, reflective practice, and the development of clinical analytic skills.
It is a unique course as each study day is comprised of two lectures on the same topic, one by a Jungian and the other by a psychoanalyst, which means trainees will learn about a topic in great depth and from different perspectives. It is designed to function both as a standalone course and a foundation for further professional training, and is distinctive in offering an integrated focus on both psychoanalytic and Jungian perspectives.
Participants receive support in securing clinical placements, and the programme includes clinical seminars where students can develop their skills through role play, case discussions, and the presentation of clinical material. This helps develop the capacity to think psychoanalytically.
Who is the Foundation Course suitable for?
This course is suitable for individuals from all walks of life who are curious about psychotherapy, whether for personal development, academic interest, or as the first step towards a clinical career. It’s ideal for those considering becoming a psychotherapist or counsellor but also those who want to explore the field before committing to full training.
What will you learn during the bpf Foundation Course?
During the bpf Foundation Course, participants will explore key Jungian analytic, psychoanalytic and psychodynamic concepts, including unconscious processes, transference, and early development. The course also covers the therapeutic relationship, ethical practice, and the historical foundations of psychotherapy. Alongside theoretical learning, students also engage in personal reflection and group discussions to deepen their self-awareness.
Each theory study day consists of two lectures on the same topic – one delivered by a psychoanalyst and the other by a Jungian analyst – offering contrasting perspectives. After the lectures, students break into smaller, facilitated discussion groups to digest the material and reflect on what resonates with them personally. The day concludes with an experiential group, providing a space to reflect on the day as a whole and become more aware of unconscious group processes and dynamics – an essential part of the learning experience.
The Foundation Course also includes fortnightly Clinical Analytic Skills sessions, where trainees engage in role play and discussion focused on key therapeutic skills such as active listening, managing transference and setting boundaries. These sessions provide a valuable opportunity to explore clinical material arising from trainee placements and to begin thinking analytically
about therapeutic work in a supportive environment.
Do you need any prior experience or qualifications to enrol?
No prior training in psychotherapy is required to enrol on this course. While a background in related fields, such as psychology, social work, or education can be helpful, the course is open to anyone with a genuine interest in the subject and a willingness to engage in reflective learning. Many trainees come from completely unrelated professions, making this an ideal opportunity to explore whether a career in psychotherapy is right for them.
What further training can you take after the Foundation Course?
Graduates of the Foundation Course often progress to clinical training with the bpf or other accredited psychotherapy and counselling institutions. Options include Jungian psychodynamic or analytic psychotherapy, intensive psychoanalytic or psychodynamic psychotherapy, or child and adolescent psychotherapy training, depending on interests and qualifications.
What careers can this course lead to?
While the Foundation Course is not a professional qualification, it serves as a crucial first step toward becoming a qualified psychotherapist or counsellor. It also supports careers in mental health, education, social care, human resources or any fields where psychological insight is highly valued.
The course forms the first year of the bpf’s Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Training and offers an excellent opportunity to explore whether a career in psychotherapy is right for the participant. It’s also a valuable way to discover whether someone is more drawn to Jungian or psychoanalytic approaches. Additionally, it’s ideal for anyone wishing to deepen their understanding of themselves and the human psyche.
Choosing between counselling and psychotherapy: can this course help?
By offering both theoretical knowledge and experiential components, the course helps participants assess their suitability for further training and clinical work. Through group discussions, reflective practice, and engagement with core Jungian and psychoanalytic ideas, students gain a clearer sense of whether this field aligns with their interests and capacities. They are also supported by a tutor who will meet them every term and help them think about
whether psychotherapy training is for them.
Why choose the bpf for Psychotherapy training?
The bpf has a longstanding reputation for excellence in Jungian analytic, psychoanalytic and psychodynamic training. It offers a rich, stimulating learning environment, access to experienced clinicians, and a supportive community of peers. The Foundation Course reflects the bpf’s commitment to academic rigour, reflective practice, and ethically grounded clinical training.
Clinical seminar groups are kept small – typically no more than seven participants – ensuring individual attention and meaningful engagement. Each trainee is assigned a dedicated tutor for ongoing support, and the small discussion groups facilitate strong connections with peers and group leaders. A unique feature of the course is the wide range of lecturers: sessions are led by
analysts who bring specific expertise and enthusiasm for their topic, offering exposure to diverse perspectives and clinical approaches.
Psychotherapy Training at the bpf
Regardless of whether you intend to pursue full clinical training or simply wish to explore the field more deeply, the bpf Psychotherapy and Counselling Foundation Course provides an excellent first step. If you’d like to enquire regarding the Foundation Course, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We can provide detailed information on our foundation training and help you choose the course that supports your future career. You can email [email protected] or call 020 8452 9823 to speak with a member of our team.