IAPPC Standards of Training and Accreditation

The standards set by the IAPPC for specialised psychotherapy training and for accredited membership are among the highest in Europe:

Senior accredited practitioners (FIAPPC)

must be educated to at least Masters degree level or equivalent;

must have undertaken at least 3 years of specialised clinical training in psychotherapy. The specialised training course undertaken must be recognised as a post-graduate course by HETAC or its university equivalent and by the IAPPC. (Specialised training courses not on the current list of IAPPC recognised courses may be considered provided the course satisfies the standards and criteria of the IAPPC and the candidate satisfies all other criteria for accreditation) ;

must have at least 5 years of consistent and substantial practice as a psychotherapist with appropriate supervision;

must have undertaken their own personal psychotherapy for not less than 3 years to a minimum of 250 hours in individual psychotherapy therapy, group psychotherapy or both

must have an interest in or have experience of the area of primary care and in working within multi-disciplinary teams;

undertake to work, where practicable, in primary care teams or networks or in group practices with other psychotherapists where ongoing reciprocal support and dedicated supervision is the norm. In all cases supervision and support appropriate to the practitioner's caseload, client group and level of experience is required;

must apply individually to the IAPPC for accreditation. Accreditation is a matter for the IAPPC not the training agency and is not automatic following graduation from a recognised course.

undertake continuing professional development;

Graduate accredited member (MIAPPC)

must have undertaken at least 3 years of specialised clinical training in psychotherapy. The specialised training course undertaken must be recognised by HETAC or its university equivalent and by the IAPPC;

must have undertaken their own personal psychotherapy for not less than 3 years to a minimum of 250 hours in individual psychotherapy, group psychotherapy or both

must have an interest in or have experience of the area of primary care and in working within multi-disciplinary teams;

must undertake to work, where practicable, in primary care teams or networks or in group practices with other psychotherapists where ongoing reciprocal support and dedicated supervision is the norm. In all cases supervision and support appropriate to the practitioner's caseload, client group and level of experience is required;

must apply individually to the IAPPC for accreditation. Graduate accreditation is a matter for the IAPPC not the training agency and is not automatic following graduation from a recognised course.

must undertake continuing professional development;

Associate Member

Associate membership is open to members of primary care teams, doctors, social workers, community health nurses etc as well as students of psychotherapy currently in training who have an interest in the area of primary care

For more detailed guidelines on accreditation see under Documents