Interpersonal Counselling (IPC) is an internationally recognised modality. IPT West Midlands Training Centre are now able to offer this course as part of their training portfolio.
Course Details
IPC is an adaptation of IPT with three main differences
The treatment is provided over 6-8 sessions
It has been designed for clients with mild depression or distress.
Treatment can be delivered by both mental health and non-mental health professionals.
The training consists of a mixture of didactic teaching, demonstrations of relevant competencies via role-play, video materials as well and discussions in the breakout groups. During this training, you will learn all the strategies relevant to the delivery of IPC and you will have an opportunity to see some examples as well as the opportunity to practice these strategies.
2 - Day Training
The two-day training course provides an introduction to the IPC model and enables participants to gain the skills needed to deliver the treatment. A training manual will be provided to every attendee to enhance and reinforce the learning.
3 - Day Training
The three-day training course provides all of the above, following on from this three-day training, there is an opportunity to attend weekly specialist IPC supervision, where you will be supported to work towards completing standards to practice IPC. This training is supported by the national body, IPT UK, and leads to accreditation as an IPC therapist.
Day 1
Introduction and overview of IPC.
Initial Phase of IPC and the tools used, including role play from the trainers.
Middle Phase work: including tools used.
Day 2
Check-in from Day 1
Middle Phase work
End phase work
Research in IPC, supervision and accredited casework
Day 3
Check-in from Day 2
Getting started for individuals who wish to go down the accredited route.
3 training days (proceeding to accreditation) = £660
For those who wish to proceed with IPC Accreditation:
4 sessions rated from 2 training cases @ £125 per session = £500
2 case reports reviewed @ £145 per case = £290
6 hours supervision @ £125 (over 3 months) = £750
The total cost of IPC Training and supervision costs = £2200
*Please note the costs above are promotional and will be reviewed for 2025 courses
What is IPC? Could you give us a rough idea of what it is in the session?
IPC is a shortened version of IPT, with fewer competencies or modified competencies. 1-6 sessions for mild to moderate depression.
How is IPC different from IPT? Could you give an example?
IPC is a shortened/condensed version of IPT. 1-6 sessions, Initial Phase session 1-2, Middle Phase 3-5, Endings session 6, for mild depression. For moderate depression, you could have middle phase 3-7, Endings session 8.
Where can IPC be used?
IPC can be used in any setting.
Is this treatment IAPT compliant?
IPT is a NICE-recognised treatment for moderate to severe depression. IPC is a condensed version of IPT treating mild to moderate depression.
IPC is an internationally recognised modality for mild to moderate depression. IPT UK is in the process of trying to promote this with NICE and the IAPT services.
From an IAPT point of view, is IPC a Step 2 intervention and not Step 3?
Yes, IPC would fall into a step 2 intervention.
Would Level 2 be suitable for PCE-CfD Counsellors working in Talking Therapy who aren't IPT trained?
Yes
Training days. Would they be online, in-person or hybrid?
Currently, the training days advertised in May and June are online. However, future training can be in person if there is a demand.
Is there an opportunity for funded places like there are on IPT training?
Currently, this training is self-funded. We are working towards getting the courses funded, but we are unsure how long this will take.
The training costs for Levels 1 & 2, is this per individual - if we have a group of us, would there be a discount?
If there is a group of potential clinicians from the same service wishing to be trained, then bespoke training in IPC can be delivered and the cost would be discussed depending on how many and what you would like to have included.
Could someone sign up for Level 1 or 2 and later sign up to Level 3 or are you required to sign up for all three together? Are the three days consecutive?
Someone could complete 2 days of training (for levels 1 & 2) and complete day 3 later and continue on to accreditation at a later date.
How do people apply?
Email the IPT West Midlands Training Centre (ipt.westmidlands@mpft.nhs.uk) for an application pack or download this from the website https://www.mpft.nhs.uk/about-us/products-and-training/interpersonal-psychotherapy-training/interpersonal-counselling
Can accredited IPT therapists continue to have supervision from their IPT supervisor if they are not IPC trained?
IPT supervisors can continue to supervise clinicians working with IPT. IPT supervisors will need to be trained in IPC to offer IPC Supervision to clinicians.
For IPC Level 1 & 2, do qualified IPT therapists only require 2 days of training and do not need case reports?
IPT-qualified therapists only need to complete 2 days of training to practice IPC, they are not required to complete case reports.
If you are an IPT accredited practitioner and supervisor, working within IAPT/Talking Therapies and supervising those within IAPT/TT delivering IPC you would not need to become an IPC lead or complete level 3. Is that correct?
If you are an accredited IPT practitioner and Supervisor and want to practice IPC, you do not need to complete Level 3 accreditation or become an IPC Lead.
If there is an IPT supervisor in the Trust, can they provide the supervision for training or does this need to be delivered by the course?
If there is an IPT supervisor, trained in IPC, (i.e., attended the 2-day training). They will be able to offer supervision for the training and complete the student’s portfolio.
Supervision - What are the ongoing costs?
If you have a supervisor within your setting who has completed the IPC 2-day training, they will be able to provide supervision within your service. However, if you need to seek supervision outside of your setting, there may be charges.
The trainer was lovely and created a safe space for me confident to engage and share my thoughts, she was very respectful.
The sessions although it was fast paced with a lot of information there was time for pause and reflection, breaks were adequate. The whole structure of the sessions was explained well.
I found the training really useful and interesting. I thought the pace was fine and the slides were very good.
The handbook though weighty was comprehensive and useful.
I found the individual group role plays particularly helpful and enlightening and I thought the feedback to the main group was really well handled and made good use of the time - feedback can often take far too long.
Good to be able to practice the skills - role plays. Lovely trainers.
It was systematic and clearly presented.
Clear concise answers. I enjoyed the teaching style.
Who can access the 2 or 3 day Interpersonal Counselling (IPC) training?
Non-Mental Health Professionals
Qualified Mental Health Professionals
Accredited IPT Therapists
Teachers, Teaching Assistants
Private Therapists / Counsellors
IPT Therapists working in various settings and NHS Talking Therapies Services
Healthcare Assistants
School Counsellors / Therapists
Nurses, GPs
Mental Health Social Workers, CPNs
Social Workers
Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners
Supervision Requirements
Accredited Interpersonal Psychotherapists (IPT) Completed the 2-day IPC Professional Development Training (PD training)
Yes
No
Monthly supervision required by an Accredited IPT supervisor who has completed the IPC (PD) 2-day training
Minimum requirement to practice IPC is the 2-day IPC training
Interpersonal Counselling Training and Supervision Requirements
Accredited IPT Supervisors Completed the 2-day or 3-day IPC Professional Development Training (PD training)
Completion of the 2-day training
IPC supervision can be offered to qualified IPT therapists who have completed 2-day training.
Completion of the 3-day training
IPC Supervision can be offered to IPC trainees Paperwork required IPC Adherence tracker and Modified Brief Checklist
IPC supervision can be offered to Non-Mental Health Professionals not going for accreditation Paperwork required IPC Adherence Tracker
IPC supervision can be offered to Mental Health Professionals not going for Accreditation Paperwork required to guidance IPC Adherence Tracker
Completion of 2-day training – using IPC in your environment Non-Mental Health Specialists i.e.: GPs, Social Workers, Teachers
Monthly supervision required with an Accredited IPT supervisor who has completed IPC (PD) training
Using the IPC Adherence Tracker for guidance
Completion of 2-day training – using IPC in your environment Mental Health Specialists i.e. PWPs, CPNs, Mental Health Social Worker, Schools Counsellor
Fortnightly Supervision required with an Accredited IPT Supervisor who has completed IPC (PD) training
Using the IPC Adherence Tracker for guidance
Completion of 2-day training – using IPC in your environment Private Therapists, Therapists working for Mental health and voluntary settings
Monthly or Fortnightly supervision required with an Accredited IPT Supervisor who has completed the IPC (PD) training
Using the IPC Adherence Tracker for guidance
Completion of 2-day training - not using IPC in your environment
Lorraine Manley - IPT UK Practitioner and Supervisor
If you are interested in receiving further information regarding IPC, please contact ipt.westmidlands@mpft.nhs.uk or click here to add your details to our expression of interest form and you will be contacted in due course.
