Training Patient Scheme


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

14/06/21 UPDATE: Unfortunately we’re currently unable to accept new referral requests. As we are a small organisation, we are unable to maintain a waiting list and would suggest that you refer back to this page for updates at the beginning of Augsut when we hope to have more availability.

Alternatively, you may find it helpful to use the ‘Find a therapist’ pages of the British Psychoanalytic Council or the United Kingdom Council of Psychotherapists, both of which list suitably trained and registered therapists:

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 Training Patient Scheme referral process work?

The first step is to contact [email protected] confirming which of the available session time(s) you are interested in. As we are a small organisation, we do not maintain a waiting list and will be unable to progress your enquiry if you cannot attend sessions during the time(s) above.

You will then be asked to complete a short form to confirm the details necessary to schedule an initial consultation. Your details will then be passed on to a therapist who will contact you to schedule the initial consultation at a mutually convenient time. This consultation serves as a way of learning more about your enquiry, and establishing whether psychotherapy and working with a therapist in training, is the best way forward at this point in time.

The initial 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.

How much will therapy cost?

The practical and payment arrangements are organised directly between yourself and your 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 (those seeing a therapist in training 3 times per week can expect to pay a lower cost per session).

What if I have feedback or wish to make 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 you to first reach out to our office using the feedback form below. Alternatively, you can make a complaint directly through BPC – please visit the ‘Complaints‘ page of the BPC website for further details.

Any and all feedback regarding your experience of SIP’s Consultation & Referral Service is welcomed and appreciated. If you would like to submit informal feedback on SIPs Consultation & Referral Service and/or the SIP therapist/trainee therapist you have been referred to, you can do so below.

If you would like us to respond to your submission, please ensure you include your name & contact email or phone number.
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