Quotes:
- Psychological theory is integrated with a strong emphasis on case studies and clinical practice, thus achieving a high degree of assimilation between theory and practice. Indeed, the high level of inter-weaving of relevant applied psychotherapeutic theory with the strong focus on supervised practice is a notable strength of this programme.
- Ongoing reflection and reflexivity comprise a core strand of training and ensures that trainees are educated to a highly professional standard. All MIPLOs are generously achieved.
- There is a complex, yet coherent range of assessment types, which follows two strands. The first strand focuses on theoretical and pragmatic learning, which the second requires the students to engage at depth with their personal development. There is an emphasis on applied learning, whereby theory is very well integrated with practice by way of observations and case studies, which segues into clinical practice. Consequently, there is strong integration of learning from the outset of the programme.
- A high standard of academic writing was evident, in some cases being evident even within 1st year assignments. Indeed, the rigour of CTC’s Master of Arts in Creative Psychotherapy is substantially greater than other equivalent programs, as evidenced by the curriculum, the assignments submitted and the resulting learning achievement of graduating students.
- A notable strength is the ease and efficacy with which CTC managed the Covid-19 shutdown, which involved a seamless transition to online training.
- In terms of benchmarking the programme with other similar programs, I can attest that CTC’s Master of Arts in Creative Psychotherapy (Humanistic and Integrative Modality) is an exemplar and very likely to be the best of such programmes available in Ireland.
Conclusions and Recommendations:
In conclusion, I have observed a general ongoing enhancement in all aspects of training. There is, this year, a strong emphasis on neurobiology and the therapeutic treatment of trauma, which is a prominent trend in psychotherapy currently. I have also noticed that many of the clinical case studies address quite challenging presenting problems and disorders, and that students are embracing complex therapeutic work.
