Our Training Patient Scheme offers the opportunity to access face to face therapy sessions at reduced rates with a therapist in training. Trainees are at an advanced stage of training, many of whom already hold formal qualifications in other therapeutic modalities, and are supervised by senior members of SIP who have been approved as 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.
Please note: We cannot accept referral requests submitted by those under the age of 18. We cannot accept referral requests submitted on behalf of someone else. We do not offer an emergency service, if matters are urgent you should contact your local NHS Emergency Mental Health helpline.
The first step is to check availability in your area. As our Training Patients scheme is highly subscribed, and availability changes, please check there is current availability in your area – see table below.
The next step is to complete this referral form. 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 times below.
You will then be contacted by a therapist to schedule a 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 for you at this point in time.
Even if you require face to face therapy in the long term, this initial consultation may take place online via zoom.
The initial consultation will cost £65 (or £40 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.
Current availability to work with Therapists-in-Training:
| Location | Commitment required from patient | Current Therapist availability (as of 5th March 2025 ): |
|---|---|---|
| Bristol | 3 sessions a week for a minimum of 2 years | 2 x Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Therapists available |
| Birmingham | 3 sessions a week for a minimum of 2 years | 1 x Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Therapist Monday – Morning Tuesday – Morning Wednesday – Afternoon |
| Cheltenham | 3 sessions a week for a minimum of 2 years | 3 x Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Therapists available Monday – Afternoon Tuesday – Morning or Afternoon Wednesday- Morning or Afternoon Thursday – Morning Friday – Morning |
| Cheltenham | – 1 or 2 sessions a week for a minimum of one year | 1 x Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Therapist available |
| Frome | 3 sessions a week for a minimum of 2 years | 3 x Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Therapists available Monday – Morning Tuesday – Afternoon or Evening Wednesday – Afternoon Thursday – Morning Friday – Morning or Afternoon |
| Stroud | TBC | TBC |
| Somerset | 3 sessions a week for a minimum of 2 years | 3 x Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Therapists available Monday – Afternoon or Evening Tuesday – Afternoon Thursday – Morning, Afternoon |
| Taunton | 3 sessions a week for a minimum of 2 years | 3 x Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Therapists available Monday – Morning or Afternoon Tuesday – Afternoon Wednesday – Afternoon Friday – Afternoon |
If you’d prefer to contact a therapist directly, you may prefer to use the ‘Find a therapist’ pages of the British Psychoanalytic Council (https://www.bpc.org.uk/find-a-therapist) or the United Kingdom Council of Psychotherapists (https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/find-a-therapist/), both of which list suitably trained and registered therapists.