Training Patient Scheme

UPDATE: We are currently unable to accept new referral requests for those seeking to access therapy via our Training Patient Scheme. As we are a small organisation and unable to maintain a waiting list, we recommend that you revisit this page for updates on availability at the beginning of November when we hope to have more availability.

Please note: we do not offer an emergency service so if matters are urgent you should contact your local NHS Emergency Mental Health helpline.

The Severnside Institute for Psychotherapy is a Member Institute of the British Psychoanalytic Council, who accredit our well established training courses.

Our Training Patient Scheme offers the opportunity to access psychotherapy at reduced rates with therapist in training. Trainees are at an advanced stage of training, and are supervised by senior members of SIP who are approved training supervisors. There are two options:

  • Intensive Psychoanalytic psychotherapy: This scheme is for individuals who are looking for – and can commit to – three times weekly sessions for a minimum of two years
  • Psychodynamic psychotherapy: This is for individuals who are looking for – and can commit to – once or twice weekly therapy for a minimum of one year.
What is psychotherapy?

Psychoanalytic or psychodynamic therapies offer an intensely personal and emotional experience which can change lives, often in a profound way. We can help you find out what therapy is like, who it can help, and guide you through the process. For a more comprehensive explanation we recommend visitying the BPC’s ‘What is Psychotherapy?’ page here.

Does it work?

The BPC keeps regular summaries of research evidence of effectiveness for both the general and professional reader, please visit the BPC’s Evidence base page here for more information.

How does the referral process work?

The first step is to confirm is to complete the referral request form. These details will then be passed on to a therapist who will contact you to  schedule an initial consultation at a mutually convenient time. This consultation serves as a way of learning more about your enquiry and establishing whether psychotherapy is the best way forward at this point in time.

The consultation, which takes place at the therapist’s consulting room, will cost £50, or £30 if you are unwaged or in receipt of benefits and will be payable direct to the therapist.

If psychotherapy is deemed the best way forward, the therapist with whom you have met for the initial consultation will refer you onwards to a psychotherapist who has the appropriate availability and experience.

Submit a referral request
How much will therapy cost?

The practical and payment arrangements are organised directly between yourself and your therapist. Typically your therapist would wish to meet with you at least once a week, at a cost of approximately £40 – £60 per session with a fully qualified therapist.

The decision to refer to a therapist in training, if requested, is considered during the initial consultation. If working with a therapist in training is deemed suitable, you can expect to pay approximately £25 per session.

What if I have a complaint?

SIP psychotherapists are bound by the Code of Ethics of the British Psychoanalytic Council (BPC). If you believe that a SIP psychotherapist has broken this Code of Ethics, we encourage individuals to reach out to our office. Alternatively, you can make a complaint through the BPC – please visit the ‘Complaints‘ page of the BPC website for further details.