Advanced Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy (Relational TA)

You will need to have successfully completed the Iron Mill Certificate in Transactional Analysis Theory and Practice (CTAP).    If you have studied a TA Foundation course at another TA institute (training to have been in person ), we would need a reference confirming that you have been approved to start client work. You will also be required to attend for interview.

If you have studied at a centre that does not focus on TA, then we would generally advise you to contact the programme leader, (Karen.minikin@ironmill.co.uk) to assess the best route for you.

The Advanced Training includes experiential exercises, mini-lectures with small and large group discussions, self-reflective activities, and clinical conversations. Its guiding principle is a relational and radical approach to psychotherapy, focusing on the role of context in relationships and encouraging active dialogue among group members. The curriculum provides structure, as well as flexibility as some of the teaching evolves dynamically through group discussions and interactions.

What follows are the themes from each year:

Advanced Year 1

In Year 1 the training focuses on various schools and approaches within Transactional Analysis (TA). These offer illustrations of how different approaches work with therapeutic change, diagnosis, and treatment planning. We start to develop essential clinical skills for working with clients in a counselling placement.

Students begin a voluntary placement as a trainee counsellor, gaining first hand experience in the therapist’s role, working with real client issues under the guidance of one or two clinical supervisors.

Module 1 Theories of pathology, praxis and change in TA

• Classical school of TA
• Redecision school of TA
• Cathexis school of TA
• TA as a relational therapy 

Module 2 Psychotherapy and Social/Political Context

• Use of supervision
• DSM IV and psychopharmacology
• Working with diversity
• Ethics and professional practice 

Module 3 Consolidation of learning

• Working with an integrating TA theory
• Student presentations – reflective practice 

Advanced Year 2

This year is integrative and relational and focuses on working with particular client groups and areas of clinical specialisation.

Module 1 Theories of bonding and attachment/manifestations in Therapy

• Attachment Theory
• Neuroscience
• Transference and Countertransference
• Working with Narrative

 Module 2 Psychotherapy Intrapsychic and Interpersonal Dynamics

• Impasse and Uncertainty
• Working with Groups
• Working with Couples

 Module 3 Consolidation of learning

• Working with Shame
• Identity as a psychotherapist: Integrating approaches
• Case Presentations and/or Counselling Exam (Counselling Diploma Using TA)

Post Year 2 Progression Options

Options at end of Year 2

• Successfully complete the final assessment stages necessary to qualify with the Diploma in Counselling using Transactional Analysis and then end or pause your training.
• Take your Diploma in Counselling using TA and then continue to year 3 to continue your training towards UKCP registration, (and/or CTA (P).
• Continue into year 3 without taking the optional Diploma in Counselling, working towards UKCP registration, (and/or CTA (P)..

Diploma in Counselling Using TA

On completion of year 2, students may opt to take a counselling case study assessment and viva exam to gain a Diploma in Counselling using Transactional Analysis.  To apply for this, students need to have a minimum of 80 hours of personal therapy, 150 hours of supervised practice at a ratio of 1:6 (so 25 hours of supervision) and 400 hours of tutor contact time. Students will be required to write a 5000 word case study and bring a 5 minute recording of work to a viva exam.

After gaining the Diploma in Counselling, successful students who want to register with BACP as a qualified practitioner, will need to:

• Pass the BACP Certificate of Proficiency.
• Students may also apply to NCPS for registration and both organisations align initial qualification status as registered counsellors to column A in the SCoPED framework

Advanced year 3

In Year 3, you deepen clinical skills and understanding to support meaningful change in clients. You also reflect on and solidify your identity as a psychotherapist.

Module One: Working with, within and through relationship

• Contracting, treatment direction and change 
• Models of the therapeutic relationship 
• Working with the unconscious and intersubjectivity 
• Endings in therapy

Module 2 Theories and work with different client presentations

• Sexuality
• Theories and disorders of the self
• Working with trauma and abuse 
• Research and Psychotherapy 

 Module 3 Consolidation of learning

• Integration of TA theory into practice 
• Student presentations

 This completes the taught aspect of the Advanced programme.  Students now progress to Year 4 - the Dissertation Year

Advanced year 4

This is a ten-day programme structured to support students in psychotherapy towards UKCP registration as a qualified psychotherapist.  It is the final year for students studying the Advanced Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy (Relational TA).  Details of the programme.

How you will be Assessed

The programme incorporates a range of assessment methods, in order to avoid over-emphasis on one particular range of skills. We use both formative and written approaches to assess trainees’ progress throughout the course. 

Written Assignments

In Advanced years one and two, students must complete two 3000-word written assignments, which are double marked by the course tutor and another tutor.  

Students also submit a 1500-word reflective assignment, based on their learning journal which is read by the course tutor. These reflective assignments in years one - three can contribute to the personal and professional portrayal of the UKCP dissertation, as well as Section B of the student’s CTA written exam.

In year three, students are required write three 3000 words summative assignments.

1. A commented transcript based on a five minute recording of a client session
2. A supervised practice report demonstrating the use of supervision in 6-8 sessions with one client
3. The third is a written assignment of 3000 words based on the research project undertaken in small groups.

At the end of year three, you will have completed your formal psychotherapy training and can progress to the dissertation year which supports your writing, Mental Health Familiarisation Placement and final viva exam for UKCP registration. To register with UKCP you need 160 hours of personal psychotherapy and 450 hours of supervised clinical practice.

In addition to UKCP registration, you can prepare to become a Certified Transactional Analyst with psychotherapy specialism.  You can expand your UKCP dissertation and prepare two further recordings for CTA Viva. To take this qualification, you need 750 hours of applied TA, 500 of which need to be psychotherapy and 50 of these hours must be with couples or groups. Further details can be found in the advanced handbook and on the ITAA or EATA websites.

Formative assessments are: 

• Attendance at all training dates – students are expected to attend all the sessions; if they miss any there is a requirement that they attend 80% of the course hours 
• Participation in experiential exercises, skills practice, self-reflection and the training group process 
• Participation in individual tutorials 
• Undertaking supervised clinical practice 
• Engaging with personal psychotherapy – this is not assessed but the hours of personal therapy are monitored 
• Meeting our Personal and Professional readiness criteria to enter and/or progress within the course 

Successful completion of year 3, completes the taught element of the Advanced Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy.  Students must complete year 4, the dissertation year, which is the  final stage in qualifying as a UKCP registered psychotherapist. Once these requirements are met, students will also receive an Advanced Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy.

Venue: Exeter 

Start Date:
27th and 28th September 2025

Please see downloads for course timetable

Duration: 4 years  (3 years taught plus a dissertation year)

How to apply:

• Please see the 'Application Form' tab to complete and submit your application form online
• If you require assistance in completing your application, please contact enquiries@ironmill.co.uk

Final application date:
The deadline for applications is 6 weeks before the start of the course. A decision will be made on whether the course will run, based on confirmed and accepted places, 4 weeks before the start date of the course. Any applications received after the 6 week deadline will only be processed at the discretion of the Programmes Lead.

These fees represent the tuition fees for one year of the three-year course only and that tuition fees are reviewed in Autumn each year and are usually increased in line with CPI each January.

Courses commencing between 1st Jan'25 - 31st Dec'25:
Option 1 (Total Payable £3,000.00):
An Enrolment Deposit of £750.00 (Non-Refundable) followed by one instalment of £2,250.00 due on the 1st September.

Option 2 (Total Payable £3,200.00):
An Enrolment Deposit of £750.00 (Non-Refundable) followed by four instalment of £612.50 (payable by direct debit); due on: 1st September, 1st December, 1st March, and the 1st June.

Bespoke Payment Plans (Total Payable £3,200.00):
In order to facilitate students, the Iron Mill has introduced Bespoke Payment Plans which can be tailored to meet your specific needs.  Please contact us for more information via enquiries@ironmill.co.uk 

Tuition Fee Increases:
Tuition fees are reviewed in Autumn each year and are usually increased in line with CPI each January.

Further information on fees: 
Fees listed include VAT.

If you are an organisation looking to book staff members onto this course, then please email enquiries@ironmill.co.uk to process your payment. 

Applicants are invited to enrol once they receive an offer of a place on the course,  by paying the Enrolment Deposit (which shall be fully non-refundable in all circumstances) as well as submitting all application documents. The balance of course fees is payable as per the relevant schedule option above.

All applicants should ensure they read and understand the Terms and Conditions of the Student Agreement and the Tuition Fee Contract before applying and paying their Enrolment Deposit (Non-Refundable). These documents can be found in the 'Downloads' tab below. 

How to pay:
For Enrolment Deposit payments,  you can pay online by using the booking form on this web page. You can also pay all fees by credit / debit card, either in person at Iron Mill College in Exeter, or over the phone by calling 01392 796218. Please note that we are unable to accept payments via American Express or Diners Club cards.

We also accept cash paid in person at Iron Mill College in Exeter, as well as cheques, which should be made out to 'Iron Mill College' and dropped in or sent to 'Iron Mill College, Morwenstow, 7 Barnfield Crescent, Exeter, Devon, EX1 1QT'. We can also accept payments by bank transfer and direct debit - please get in touch with us at 01392 796218 / enquiries@ironmill.co.uk for our bank details or a direct debit form. Please use your name and student number as the reference when making such payments.

We will contact you once you have returned your Tuition Fee Contract with information about how to set up direct payments from your bank. This is our preferred method of payment. 

Additional expenses:
This will vary depending on your own circumstances, but all applicants must make sure they fully understand the additional expense requirements they will need to undertake during this course. Iron Mill College is unable to contribute to any of these additional costs; they are met by the student. These costs may include: Travel and boarding costs, Purchase of books. 

Course commencement:
Please note: Iron Mill College makes every effort to avoid altering course times, course commencement and conclusion dates. However, should any changes be necessary, you will be notified at the earliest opportunity. All courses run subject to demand and the formation of a viable class cohort, based on the enrolment of a minimum number of successful applicants. A full refund of course fees paid, including any deposit, will be given to all applicants in the event that a course does not proceed and at least 14 days’ notice (prior to the advertised course start date) will be given to applicants, in the event of a course cancellation or postponement. The college cannot be held liable for any remedy, damages or compensation beyond this.

How long is the course? 
The advanced programme is 3 years of formal teaching, followed by a dissertation year. Students may need to take time out of the college to build up enough hours for the dissertation year. Usually this is one – three years post formal training. 

Yes, all the course is based around weekends, and at present, they are all in Exeter. 

Why is the advanced programme 3 years? 
The course leads to registration with the UKCP, UK Council for Psychotherapy. The requirements for training hours, and duration of training are set out by UKCP. Within the section of the UKCP that we belong to (The Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy College), psychotherapy courses must be a minimum of 4 years long, (at least 600 training hours) and at level 7 in terms of academic and professional standards. 

How do I qualify as a psychotherapist? 
Students who complete the requirements for UKCP registration are awarded an Iron Mill Advanced Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy.  The title of “psychotherapist” can only be used once you have passed your UKCP dissertation and the viva exam.  The Iron Mill offer a dissertation year after year four to support students through these final stages. 

How do you complete the CTA? 
To get the second qualification,  trainees can expand their UKCP dissertation and undertake another Viva that is very similar to the UKCP one. The difference is that the CTA covers couples and/or groups as well as individual hours. Trainees need 50 group hours as well as a further 250 hours of using Transactional Analysis in any relevant professional setting, (such as pastoral care and management. These hours may also be clinical).  This takes time and accounts for the depth and breadth of the work in becoming a psychotherapist and a Certified Transactional Analyst. 

What if I’ve done some TA already, can I apply without completing the Certificate in Transactional Analysis and Practice (CTAP)? 
This is worth discussing with the course leader. However, the requirement for the Advanced course is that students have completed at least 120 hours of training in TA, and this is generally only fulfilled by TA Foundation courses such as the CTAP.

What if I’ve already done a counselling course? 
Each year we have some people on the TA psychotherapy course who have completed a counselling course. Sometimes they want to learn about TA on the Foundation course, sometimes they want to develop their practice and become qualified as a psychotherapist. This is therefore a common path for TA trainees, and we welcome trainees who already have had these experiences.  

Who can be my psychotherapist during training? 
Therapists need to be UKCP-registered psychotherapists, preferably in the Humanistic and Integrative College, although psychodynamic and psychoanalytical psychotherapists are also relevant. They do not need to be TA psychotherapists.  

Who can be my supervisor during training? 
TA supervisors need to be a Provisional Teaching and Supervising Transactional Analyst, or Teaching and Supervising Transactional Analyst with a psychotherapy speciality.   

What are the differences between TA and an integrative course? 
TA is itself an integrative model, that has been developed over the last 60 years and incorporates elements of both psychoanalytic and humanistic models.  This makes the theory very robust. In addition to Transactional Analysis, the programme covers theory from psychoanalysis, neuroscience, trauma and these are integrated into a relational approach. The challenge of any integrative course is developing a personal philosophy and approach from a range of approaches. This course helps to integrate different approaches whilst leaving some flexibility for students to discover their own paths.

Is TA limiting as a model compared with an integrative course? 
TA is used across the spectrum of practices, from cognitive–behavioural work to a relational psychoanalytic approach and is highly adaptable to different practitioners and contexts. TA theory is deceptively simple at a first look, but has great depth, so it allows us to work with people with complex mental health problems, problems related to their development, and to do depth psychotherapeutic work. 

Clients are not generally interested in the model of counselling or psychotherapy a practitioner uses, but simply in whether they believe they can work with that person. This is appropriate as it’s the therapeutic relationship that is a key factor in the success of the work.  

Why psychotherapy? What is the difference between psychotherapy and counselling? 
This is a complex and political question, and you would get a different answer from different practitioners. However, the qualifying process for psychotherapy is longer and generally practitioners would be trained to work for longer periods with people. One way of thinking about it is that counselling often works with the person in their situation to deal with current problems and increase their strengths, resources and functioning in their professional, social and cultural context. In TA terms, this is work with the Adult, here and now, Ego state. Psychotherapy aims to address and heal fundamental, developmental and relational issues for a person that are limiting them – ‘to deal with the past in the present, so they are free to live their lives in the present and future’. In TA terms, this is work not only with the Adult, but also the Child and Parent Ego states. At its best, the aim is to develop more radically people’s personality structure. This would often be in the context of long-term work. 

What clients could I work with? 
The psychotherapy training (its length, level of study and requirement for personal therapy and a mental-health familiarisation placement), equips graduates to work with clients with a wide spectrum of problems, including mental-health disorders (though some are still best worked with in hospitals). This may mean that psychotherapists are able to work within the healthcare system, and that they have competence to work with a variety of clients (under supervision) in private practice. 

During this course, students not only study approaches in-depth psychotherapy, but they are also required to undertake supervised work with clients from the beginning of the course. In this way, students are prepared for working as psychotherapists in a variety of settings. This allows students (through the qualification process), to gain UKCP Registration as a psychotherapist. 

Almost all of our graduate students are working as psychotherapists, in private practice and/or in organisations. 

Having qualified as a psychotherapist, students also have the option to continue their studies and professional development within TA, and to gain our international qualifications as psychotherapists supervisors and trainers