The theoretical component: e-learning

The course offers theoretical training in the Relational Affective Model in six e-learning modules over two years. Each module comprises 8 fifty-minute e-learning lectures followed by a brief test to assess familiarity with essential concepts in the model. A reading list and reading materials will accompany each lecture.  Two Question and answer / discussion sessions with Dr Mizen and other course attendees are offered per module to discuss concepts in the model and their application.

Supervised practice

Psychologists and psychotherapists working in teams who are attending the whole team training in the Relational Affective Model, will be offered whole team supervision face to face and online as part of that training and group supervision with other psychotherapists /psychologists within the service as part of the training package. 

For individual practitioners the course will include fortnightly online group supervision of clinical psychotherapy practice. Other psychotherapists attending the group will also be undertaking the training. You will be expected to bring two patients to supervision. Where possible each should present with different symptoms that are relevant to the applications of the model (Personality Disorder, Eating Disorders, Medically Unexplained Physical Symptoms, Substance Misuse and Autistic Spectrum Disorder)

Written paper

A final short clinical written paper (3000 words) regarding the psychotherapists clinical practice with a patient and / or team demonstrating their grasp of the concepts in the Relational Affective Model and ability to apply their learning in clinical practice. 

Years 1 and 2

Year 1 will provide an overview of general concepts in the model towards identifying acquisitive and attributive states, using them in assessment, formulation and therapeutic practice. Year 2 will cover application to specialist presentations, working with patients detained under the mental health act, those with severed self-harm, eating disorders, somatic symptoms, substance misuse and autistic spectrum disorder. The final module will address working as a psychotherapist in a therapeutic community team using the Relational Affective Model. 

Criteria for passing the course

The course website will compile a portfolio of completed course components for each participant.

Participants will pass the course if:

• They complete a portfolio of all e-learning modules at >95%
• They have attended all online discussions
• They have regularly attended all supervision (above 90% attendance)
• Their supervisor writes a closing report confirming their competence in applying the Relational Affective Model in psychotherapeutic practice
• They complete a written case study demonstrating their use of the Relational Affective Model in practice