Friday 10 June 2011

Purpose of ongoing professional development training

I am often the subject of jokes and good humoured ribbing by colleagues and work friends in relation to the amount of university study I do. And frankly I can well understand it :)

In the previous few years I have simultaneously been studying towards a MSc Psychology, a BA Philosophy and psychological studies, and an advanced certificate of Education. Meanwhile I have continued vocational study via TODO and ongoing development updates via the British Medical Journal and the Royal Society of Medicine.

So why so much study? Well there is a simple reason actually -  as an integrative therapist there is always a major question -  what sort of qualification matters? Is it the industry accredited award that enables psychotherapy practice? Is it the vocational award that gives some kind of externally accredited award? Is it the philosophy and theology based award that reflects study of different cultures, belief systems and models of psychology? Or is it the UK university based academic award?

The bottom line is -  all of the above!  The more integrative you become, there more need there is to be clear that you are not falling into the category of "jack of all trades, mater of none". There becomes a real need to show certification, study or other awards in the range of different therapy models being used. This for example is the reason why I have completed accredited ASET vocational awards in each of the therapies: Hypnotherapy: Level 4, Psychotherapy: levels 3 & 4, Integrated counselling: level 4, NLP: level 3, Lifestyle coaching: level 3, Grief and bereavement counselling: level 3, Chi Gung: level 3, Mental health social work: Level 4, Competence in Social work: Level 4, and last but certainly not least: an NVQ in Training and Development in the context of complementary health education including coaching unit C25.

And then there is the need to explore eastern and theological / philosophical models..... leading to TODO courses of self reflection, and of course the M.Phil and D.Phil level awards from the Interfaith Seminary where I am a Senior Professor. These awards, gained for the submission of thesis in the form of entire training courses and studies, provide accreditation and recognition in Mindfulness, Holistic psychology and pastoral counselling. In particular they reflect the ability to study, master and use eastern psychology skills as well as the run of the mill western models.

And of course the industry awards - I have frankly only bothered with one such award in order to get started: a 2 and a half year diploma in psychoanalysis, counselling and hypnotherapy that launched my career back in the early 90's and required over 200 supervised client cases to complete, as well as regular training weekends, classes, meetings, supervision etc etc over that whole time period.

And of course ongoing professional updates -  essential for any serious practitioner to keep up to date with recent developments through RSM and BMJ professional courses and updates, designed for both medical personnel and allied professionals. A sound knowledge of National Occupational Standards, medical standards and NICE guidelines results enabling better complementary working with medical staff and personnel!


So why the University courses? Well many do provide an additional wealth of knowledge, such as the post graduate training I completed recently in issues of brain and behaviour, studying the neural effects of addiction and ageing. Others enable a more social psychological viewpoint regarding language, social constructivism and identity. Most importantly though, is the simple proof that you can meet a standard that everyone is familiar with!

It does not really matter to people in the general public whether you have an NVQ, ASET, Diploma or a theological award, however relevant and important the training and topic. What people still look for is a UK University degree -  it is what they understand and recognise. And if you have one, or more than one, the chances is those other qualifications you mentioned -  probably are quite good too!

And thus to the heart of the matter! I know that my theological based masters degrees and doctorates were hard earned, meaningful and very relevant -  but the average client does not!  I know that ASET awards are QCA (qualification curriculum authority) approved -  but this has to be explained to the client. I know that my initial industry diploma and my NVQ both assessed my actual ability to do the job to a high standard, but clients often do not grasp this..... what they do grasp is a good old fashioned academic degree! They look for that and professional registrations, and anything else is a bonus. What is noticeable is that if you have the UK university degrees, they then trust that other qualifications are probably worthwhile too, because if you did a BSc, BA or MSc then why would you waste your time doing something useless??? and Of course this does have a ring of sense to it!

So as I wait for the confirmation of MSc result which is due in 2 weeks, and prepare for the next module of my BA, and result on which parts of my existing BSc are relevant to my work, and wonder if I will get funding from Edinburgh University for my research MSc and PhD, I remind myself that the most important part of training sometimes is very simply -  credibility!! Fellowship of Royal Societies, UK University Degrees and professional registrations give you credibility and the client reassurance! And sometimes credibility and reassurance are the most important factors of all!

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