What is Couple Therapy for Depression with a Perinatal Focus? Based on NICE guidelines, Couple Therapy for Depression (CTfD) is a behavioural treatment for depression for couples where one or both partners are experiencing relationship distress and depression. The model is evidence-based and NICE recommends it is delivered in 16-20 sessions. CTfD has been specifically adapted for perinatal services where there is depression in one or both partners, and a relational focus and support in adapting to parenthood is required. CTfD with a Perinatal Focus has been developed by identifying best practice in a range of behavioural, systemic, psychodynamic, cognitive and emotionally focussed couple therapies evidenced in RCT effectiveness trials. CTfD with a Perinatal Focus focuses on relational aspects of a diagnosis of depression, on difficulties couples may experience pre, during and post the birth of children, and on factors that reduce stress and increase support within the couple, using the relationship as a resource for recovery and relapse prevention.

About the Training

This CPD course is made up of 5 days of formal teaching and 20 sessions of remote supervision, for approximately 8-12 months. Please note that 100% attendance is required for the 5 days of teaching and a minimum of 80% attendance for supervision. The training enables practitioners to practice the evidence based, NICE approved, CTfD with a Perinatal Focus as a treatment for mild to moderate depression within their Perinatal services nationally. Successful completion of the course and supervised clinical work allows clinicians to practice as an approved ‘Couple Therapy for Depression Perinatal Practitioner’.

Entry Criteria To work within an NHS Talking Therapies Service, Perinatal Service or Family Hub, or be able to access clinical work through an NHS Talking Therapies service Professional qualification of those eligible to apply include clinical psychologists, counselling psychologists, counsellors, psychotherapists (systemic, psychodynamic, psychoanalytic, integrative, person-centred, IPT/DIT) Applicants need to have eligibility for registration with either BPS, UKCP, BACP, BABCP, COSRT, HCPC and AFT

Clinicians need to evidence An interest in developing and extending their practice to work with couples during the perinatal period where one or both are diagnosed with depression Written support for their application from service manager and clinical supervisor At least 100 clinical hours with individuals, families or couples To be able to access appropriate couple referrals from the outset of the course. We recommend carrying approximately 3-4 couple cases during the assessment and supervision component of the training Structure and Assessment of the Training Trainees will be expected to Participate in 5 days of formal teaching and 20 fortnightly supervision sessions across approximately 9-12 months. This will be facilitated by the training team and training consultants Submit 5 digital audio recordings of therapy sessions, of approximately 2-4 couple cases. Training cases will also be explored in assessment supervision. Supervision will be conducted in groups and requires video conferencing, which Tavistock Relationships will facilitate A limited amount of written work and self-reflection on learning and development of practice

What will successful trainees receive? When the criteria are met, the trainee will receive: Certificate of Satisfactory Attendance after 5 days of the course Certificate of Completion as Couple Therapy for Depression Perinatal Practitioner after supervision and assessment of at least two to four training cases Upon full completion of the practitioner training their name will be included on the Couple Therapy for Depression website as an approved Couple Therapy for Depression Perinatal Practitioner. This will be displayed for 25 Years unless the person requests that their name be removed How will the application be assessed? Each application must include: a completed ‘Applicant’s Details’ form (below) a statement of support from a current supervisor (below) a statement of support from a line manager (below) All applications will be screened by the Lead Trainer to ensure that the entry requirements of qualification, experience and setting have been met. Those that do not meet the criteria cannot be accepted. Places will initially be allocated on a first come, first served basis. About the Training Provider Tavistock Relationships developed CTfD for use in NHS Talking Therapies services, having been commissioned by the Department of Health to create a competencies framework for this treatment. Tavistock Relationships subsequently produced the Training Course that leads to become an approved Couple Therapy for Depression NHS Talking Therapies Practitioner, and has successfully delivered it around England since 2010, as well as delivering CTfD Supervisor courses. Tavistock Relationships is currently the only fully approved training provider for Couple Therapy for Depression with a Perinatal Focus. Funding The training is funded by NHSE for professionals who meet the eligibility criteria, i.e. professionals working within an NHS Talking Therapies service or those able to access their clinical work through an NHS Talking Therapies Service.

Queries If you have any queries, including if you are unsure if you meet the criteria, please contact a member of the Training Team: Email: ctfd@tavistockrelationships.org Phone: 020 7380 8288