What is iST Training?
iST Training programmes provide a practicebased training for professionals caring for children and young people with complex emotional and psychological needs. iST Training is professionally accredited by the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) via the College of Child and Adolescent Psychotherapies (C-CAP) and is academically accredited by Middlesex University. iST Training programmes are particularly aimed at group-based care settings (e.g. residential therapeutic communities, Children’s Homes and smaller units) where therapeutic staff training and development needs to be practice-based, with the aim of clinically developing the individual, the team and the organisation.
iST Training programmes are currently accredited at Certificate, Diploma and Practitioner’s Diploma levels, which provide a workforce development pathway in clinically rigorous psychotherapeutic work. iST Training integrates experiential development and theoretical study to provide adults with the knowledge, understanding and skills to offer Child Psychotherapeutic Counselling in the unique and effective iST clinical approach which underpins all of Childhood First’s work with emotionally and psychologically disturbed children and young people.
What is the history of iST Training?
In 1998, Childhood First developed and introduced a pioneering therapeutic staff training programme to Advanced Diploma and eventually also to Masters level, in collaboration with Middlesex University and the Tavistock. In 2014, these programmes were revised to reflect significant developments in our clinical approach. They were renamed to match our unique methodology – Integrated Systemic Therapy – and became Childhood First programmes accredited by Middlesex University.
In April 2015, Childhood First became a full Organisational Member of United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)
via the College of Child and Adolescent Psychotherapies (C-CAP). This membership entitles Childhood First to accredit staff
who successfully complete our Integrated Systemic Therapy (iST) training as Child Psychotherapeutic Counsellors. What are the different exit awards for trainees with various academic backgrounds?
The iST Training programmes have been designed to provide a framework for staff training through initial induction and introductory training, to comprehensive core and advanced training for senior practitioners and managers. iST Training offers staff a clear pathway leading to a professional accreditation, whilst preparing staff to understand the demands of working therapeutically with emotionally and psychologically disturbed children and young people. The diagram opposite sets out the steps through the training.
What are the 3 key elements of iST Training?
The three key elements of iST Training are all part of an integrated assessment process:
• Experiential learning
• Practice-based learning
• Theoretical seminars.
Opportunities for sharing existing and developing skills, knowledge and experience are positively encouraged in order to make
the most of the range of experience, skills and knowledge within the participating communities.
Contact Barbara O’Reilly for more details: training(at)childhoodfirst.org.uk or 0207 928 7388
Students feedback on the iST theoretical seminars 2013/14
