About Terapia

Terapia is a uniquely integrative school. In contrast to most existing training programmes, which apply themselves rigidly to one particular school of thought, Terapia explores all the leading approaches to psychotherapy.

We equip graduates with a range of therapeutic tools. They can draw from many therapeutic approaches according to the issues a child may present and apply appropriate therapeutic intervention.

Our teaching model takes the perspective of the child as an individual. We define a child’s healthy wellbeing as that which fulfils the child’s potential within the context of their life within their cultural and spiritual community. The theoretical approach applied will be one to suit the child in context and their level of development rather than the theoretical perspective of the observer or therapist.

At Terapia we take the view that the most important aspect of the therapeutic work is the relationship. The ability of our students to form ethical, engaging and meaningful relationships with children and young people is of paramount importance. This can only be achieved through intense personal development with the understanding that a child psychotherapist is the most important and powerful therapeutic tool. Any student has to be acutely aware of who they are and what they represent and to acknowledge the presence of their own prejudices, assumptions and judgements.

Our graduates will have some clinical knowledge of child psychology, psychopathology and diagnostic procedures. We introduce them to the psychodynamic theories as well as child-led techniques. Humanistic and cognitive theories are adapted to the work with adolescents; a systemic approach is taken to the work with families and elements of a transpersonal perspective are applied to the pre-natal stage.

Theoretical and experiential training

The theoretical training is conducted in parallel with the experiential training. Both are designed in a way that ensures the appropriate grounding of the theory into practice, as well as a gradual introduction into practical work with children.

At Terapia we facilitate a learning process where each student will find their unique style of working, which reflects their own individuality and personal qualities within a strong ethical framework.

Staff/Students relationship

At the core of our activities is the relationship with our students and the relationships they establish between themselves. These relationships are based on our core values - the core values of therapeutic relationship, as well as the qualities of professionalism, self-knowledge and adherence to code of practice. These qualities are coherently and consistently embodied in Terapia as a training organisation.

Terapia values each student’s individuality, recognises their uniqueness and celebrates this diversity and difference. We ensure that this is incorporated into all aspects of the training as well as into the recruitment of tutors and students.