On the whole, psychotherapy training is becoming more and more academic. At Homa, while we have the utmost respect for psychotherapeutic theory and our programme is fundamentally rooted in the theories of humanistic psychology, we bring a different, non-academic approach to psychotherapy training. Where we differ from the many training organisations that are now affiliated with universities and offer Masters qualifications, is that we are committed to a primarily experiential, embodied, creative and reflective model of learning. Experiential learning provides trainees the conditions, time and space to participate in the process of learning by engaging in real, live situations. Via hands on activities and reflection, Homa trainees are able to assimilate new experiences and information.
What does this mean in practice?
It means that rather than becoming a counsellor or psychotherapist by learning about the theories, by talking about them, reading about them or watching/giving presentations and then maybe practising them in relation to use with clients, Homa trainees learn the theories by experiencing the theories in action, engaging with them personally, as part of individual or group exercises and processes. Homa trainees experience the theories first-hand, exploring their relationship with themselves and others through a theoretical lens. Knowing themselves inside out, in relation to all the humanistic theories and practices they learn and explore, is what empowers Homa trainees to sit with clients and hold space for them. This is not better or worse than a more academic approach, it is simply different and therefore suits some people better than others. If you are someone who enjoys and learns best through academic study, then a Masters route is likely to be better suited to your learning style. If you are someone who learns better by doing, feeling, sensing, moving, creating, witnessing and experiencing rather than reading, writing and analysing, if essays were not your forte at school, then the more experiential route we offer a Homa is likely to make learning and developing as a counsellor and psychotherapist more enjoyable and less stressful for you.
Homa trainees are invited to reflect on their personal and professional learning both verbally and in writing. While we do expect all trainees to reference the theories to show that they understand them, their work is not marked and assessed in the same way university essays are. The feedback from the tutor is as detailed and specific but without grades. Each trainee is assessed by their peers, course tutors and personal tutors as well as being empowered to assess their own progress and understanding. Assignments are discussed with their personal tutor so that trainees are clear about their progress and working edges.
Because of the deeply experiential nature of the training, we do not require prospective trainees to have any specific academic qualifications to apply. We know that intelligence and the capacity to learn are not demonstrated exclusively by good grades and high academic achievement.
Are Homa trainees accredited at the end of the training?
At the end of the four years, Homa trainees are awarded the Homa Diploma in Humanistic Psychotherapy & Counselling. We have designed the structure and the content of the Homa Training, the taught hours (740 in total) and the voluntary supervised placement, in line with the criteria set by the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) for accreditation. Once the trainee has completed a required number of supervised client hours they can then apply for accreditation as an independent learner with the BACP, with the support of their Homa Personal Tutor.
Homa is a BACP Accredited Organisation
Homa is a BACP accredited organisation, this demonstrates our commitment to providing safe, ethical and professional counselling and psychotherapy services and training.
So is Homa the right training for you?
If you are interested but not sure, the first step is to come to an Introductory Session, meet the tutors, see the space and find out more about our approach to training.