Program Guide

– Bachelor's degree in social or human sciences

- Successfully passing the stages of the competition

Four years

  • EAP – EAPTI accreditation
  • EWAO EAIP Accreditation

 

  • Certificate of successful completion of studies
  • ECP European Certificate of Psychotherapy
  • ECIP European Certificate of Integrative Psychotherapy

 

  • Academic head of the program is Marine Begashvili
  • The administrative head of the program is Nino Kobakhidze

 

  • Theory and methodology
  • Practice under supervision
  • Supervision
  • Personal therapy

 

  • Georgian
  • English (simultaneous translation provided)

 

Integrative Psychotherapy (EAP Full Accreditation Standard)

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About the program

- The presenting organization of the program is the only EAPTI (Accredited European Institute of Psychotherapy) in Georgia - International Academy of Mental Health and Integrative Psychotherapy.

- The author's program was developed in Georgia by local and European experts and is accredited by the European flagship of the field, the European Association for Psychotherapy and the European Association for Integrated Psychotherapy (EAIP).

- The training process and practical work are conducted by local and foreign experts with international accreditation (ECP, ECIP).

- The program allows you to obtain triple certification by direct awarding: European Certificate of Psychotherapy ECP (European Certificate of Psychotherapy), ECIP (European Certificate for Integrative Psychotherapy) and EAPTI - certificate of the International Academy of Mental Health and Integrative Psychotherapy.

- Gives you the knowledge and skills of purposeful and academic psychotherapeutic work, and this is a prerequisite for obtaining a therapeutic effect with the client.

About integrated psychotherapy

Integrated psychotherapy is a valid psychotherapy modality recognized by the European Association for Psychotherapy (EAP), the World Council of Psychotherapy (WCP), the European Association for Integrative Psychotherapy (EAIP), the American Psychological Association and other authoritative international professional societies.

The integrated approach provides for combining elements of different psychotherapeutic schools (concepts, techniques) in the treatment process. It also refers to the psychotherapeutic process of personality refinement, which takes place through the refinement of emotional/affective, cognitive, behavioral and physiological spheres.

5. The specialist does not have to treat the client and himself within the framework of one specific approach, he has the opportunity to take into account the individual characteristics of the client and to solve each specific therapeutic task, to use the tools of different modalities at his disposal as necessary and expedient.

Features of integrated psychotherapy are:

  1. 1. Integrated psychotherapy techniques can be used in all formats – individual and group therapy, child, adolescent, adult, couple and family therapy.
  2. 2. The list of psychological difficulties with which this form of therapy works is unlimited - starting with complaints of a personal nature, ending with any form of mental disorder.

 

  1. 3. During integrated therapy, the client is actively involved in the process,

Unlike other classical approaches, and cooperates with the therapist. His individual characteristics, values, credentials and degree of motivation are fully taken into account.

 

  1. 4. The therapist is flexible and can use techniques of different schools at different stages of therapy, taking into account the client's interests and situation, which increases effectiveness.
For more information about integrated psychotherapy, see the link

Educational goals and outcomes of the program

1. Theory and methodology

What will you study?

  1. The theoretical foundations, basic provisions and methodology of 8 recognized modalities of psychotherapy:

– Integrated Psychotherapy

– Psychodynamic psychotherapy, psychosynthesis

– Gestalt therapy

– NLP (therapeutic model)

– Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

– Hypnotherapy (Milton Erickson's Hypnotherapy)

– Short-term strategic therapy, psychodrama therapy)

– Psychotherapy of sexual dysfunctions

  1. Schemes and mechanisms of integration of different modalities, algorithm of using psychotherapeutic techniques.

What will you get?

 

  1. You will know the theoretical foundations of 8 recognized modalities of psychotherapy, the understanding of the individual and the psyche, the mechanisms of functioning and change, which you will use in practice immediately after learning.
  2. You will know a specific, precise scheme for integrating different modalities, which you will use according to the needs and resources of the client/patient.
  3. You will fully study and know modern psychosexology.
  4. You will know personality psychology and personality theories, an integrated model of character formation, the stages of human development and the impact on its functioning, psychopathology and diagnostic criteria.
  5. You will be able to perform psychodiagnostics.

2. Supervision

What will you study?

 

  1. You will master the skills necessary for conducting psychotherapy.
  2. You will develop self-reflection, forms of responding to client needs.
  3. For each specific case, you will develop alternative ways of intervention.
  4. You will learn self-regulation and protection of psycho-ecology, processing cases from an ethical point of view.

What will you get?

 

  1. You will be able to manage the case in a consistent, organized manner.
  2. You will be able to recognize and manage your own emotional responses during therapy
  3. You will further deepen the knowledge gained as a result of teaching theory and methodology, and you will be able to conduct a case in full compliance with the principles of ethics.

3. Clinical practice with supervision

What will you study?

 

  1. You will learn to interact with the patient and his immediate environment.
  2. You will learn how to communicate with a multidisciplinary team and work in a group.
  3. You will get the experience of working with the protocol in the clinic, you will acquire the skills of clinical work.
  4. You will learn case management and group therapy.
  5. You will learn the psychotherapeutic differentiation of cases with the same pathology.

What will you get?

 

  1. You will be able to communicate effectively with patients and their immediate environment.
  2. In the process of working with a multidisciplinary team, you will develop a multi-angle view of the problem.
  3. You will be able to conduct anamnestic, clinical and motivational interviewing.
  4. You will know how to evaluate the effectiveness of the produced case

All this will help you work effectively with patients!

4. Personal therapy

What will you study?

 

  1. You will learn and implement strategies for coping with stress, managing negative emotions (fear, panic, anxiety) in your daily life.
  2. You will increase your emotional intelligence, you will improve your communication skills.
  3. You will learn how to manage conflict and harmoniously manage relationships with people important to you.
  4. You will learn to maximize your own abilities and potential, set strategic life goals, and increase your creative potential.
  5. You will learn to correctly define your own pains and ways to get rid of them.

What will you get?

 

  1. You will be able to manage your emotions.
  2. Dealing with stress effectively and transforming it into potential for success.
  3. You will be able to communicate effectively both with yourself and the environment.
  4. You will be able to master and manage all your social roles.
  5. You will live without conflicts both with yourself and the outside world.
  6. The degree of self-realization and life satisfaction will increase.
  7. You will know working with yourself, self-regulating psychotherapeutic methods and techniques

Gradation of competencies

Is a student of the integrated psychotherapy training program who has passed the theory of the mentioned program:

220 academic hours of methodology

100 hours of group therapy

At least 12.5 hours of individual therapy

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  • The practitioner must understand the essence of psychotherapy as an independent scientific field, its tasks and differences from other scientific fields.
  • Must be familiar with the ethical foundations of psychotherapeutic practice
  • Know the framework for the production of psychotherapy
  • Be able to describe the work to be done 
  • Making a conclusion about the patient's condition

 

Is a student of the integrated psychotherapy training program who has passed the theory of the mentioned program:

440 academic hours of methodology

200 hours of group therapy

At least 25 hours of individual therapy

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  • A specialist must understand the essence of psychotherapy as an independent scientific field, its tasks and differences from other scientific fields.
  • Must be familiar with the ethical foundations of psychotherapeutic practice
  • Know the framework for the production of psychotherapy
  • Be able to describe the work to be done
  • Making a conclusion about the patient's condition
  • Be able to name, describe and differentiate the patient's specific challenge, problem
  • Must be able to outline a working hypothesis and accept it from the patient
  • Making a work plan around the working hypothesis

 

Is a student of the integrated psychotherapy training program who has passed the theory of the mentioned program:

660 academic hours of methodology

 

200 hours of group therapy

At least 37.5 hours of individual therapy

Clinical practice with supervision 150 academic hours

Supervision 75 academic hours

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  • The tutor-specialist should understand the essence of psychotherapy - an independent scientific field, its tasks and differences from other scientific fields.
  • Must be familiar with the ethical foundations of psychotherapeutic practice
  • Know the framework for the production of psychotherapy
  • Be able to describe the work to be performed, draw a conclusion about the patient's condition
  • Be able to name, describe and differentiate the patient's specific challenge, problem
  • Delineation of the working hypothesis and its recognition by the patient
  • Making a work plan around the working hypothesis, building a complete framework of integrated psychotherapy, working within the framework of integrated therapy when working with the patient/client
  • Creation of scientific papers - abstracts, essays, scientific research, participation in scientific conferences
  • Professional positioning based on the requirements of integrated psychotherapy, protection of the reputation of the field, work in compliance with ethical norms, reflection in the work process and around the performed work, protection of complete psychoecology

 

Is a student of the integrated psychotherapy training program who has passed the theory of the mentioned program:

880 academic hours of methodology

 

200 hours of group therapy

At least 50 hours of individual therapy

Clinical practice with supervision 300 academic hours

Supervision 150 academic hours

 

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  • An associate integrative psychotherapist must understand the essence of psychotherapy as an independent scientific field, its tasks and differences from other scientific fields.
  • Must be familiar with the ethical foundations of psychotherapeutic practice
  • Know the framework for the production of psychotherapy
  • Be able to describe the work to be performed, draw a conclusion about the patient's condition
  • Be able to name, describe and differentiate the patient's specific challenge, problem
  • Delineation of the working hypothesis and its recognition by the patient
  • Making a work plan around the working hypothesis
  • Building a complete framework of integrated psychotherapy, working with the patient/client within the framework of integrated therapy
  • Creation of scientific works - abstracts, essays, scientific research
  • Professional positioning based on the requirements of integrated psychotherapy, protecting the reputation of the field, working in compliance with ethical norms
  • Proper presentation of the case, critical assessment of one's own work, reflection in the work process and around the work performed, full psychoecology protection

 

Admission to the program has begun. Register

International cooperation and accreditation

The Academy is the only EAPTI-accredited psychotherapy training institute of the European Association of Psychotherapy from Georgia. The Academy's psychotherapeutic educational programs are accredited by the European Psychotherapy Association, which allows graduates to apply for ECP certification through direct award.

As a full and accredited member, the Academy joins the leading group of integrative psychotherapy organizations - the European Association of Integrative Psychotherapy. The Association in EAP enjoys the status of a European wide accreditation organization and ensures the implementation of the best ethical and clinical standard of integrative psychotherapy in Europe.

The Academy is part of the Georgian Professional Psychotherapy Society - the national umbrella organization of the Georgian Federation of Psychotherapy. unites under the motto "for qualified psychotherapy in Georgia" and supports full harmonization of the Georgian school of psychotherapy with the European standard of the field.

Netherlands Academy of Psychotherapy Amsterdam 2019

Ratification of accreditation of pan-European program of integrated psychotherapy

Nino Kobakhidze, Administrative Head of the International Academy of Mental Health and Integrative Psychotherapy, Hayward Wilkinson, Vice President of the European Association of Integrative Psychotherapy, Bruno van den Bosch, President of the European Association of Integrative Psychotherapy, Marine Begashvili, Academic Head of the International Academy of Mental Health and Integrative Psychotherapy, Joanna Hewitt Evans, European Association of Integrative Psychotherapy Secretary General of the Association

Teaching format

At the lecture, the specialist will talk about the theoretical foundations, basic theses and work mechanisms of the studied subject. You will have the opportunity to ask them questions of interest to you and get competent answers.

 

As a result you will get:

- deep theoretical knowledge in 8 recognized modalities of psychotherapy (psychodynamic psychoanalysis,

psychosynthesis, gestalt therapy, NLP (therapeutic model), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT),

hypnotherapy - classical and Milton Erikson's hypnosis, short-term strategic therapy,

psychodrama therapy), psychosexology and personality psychology;

– You will make discoveries about yourself and clients;

– You will find answers to current questions;

 

- You will receive electronic literature and materials prepared by specialists;

- You will receive a certificate confirming the completed accredited hours.

At the seminar, you will hear and absorb the experience of specialists and experts

of the European standard and ways of dealing with difficulties and solving dilemmas, you will solve your own dilemmas, you will hear

and process the protocols of psychotherapeutic exercises. Also, you will share it in interactive mode

you will share your personal and professional experience with specialists and colleagues, discuss what you have read

literature in theoretical and practical terms.

As a result you will get:

- You will find effective ways out of difficulties arising during practice;

- You will study time-tested, effective psychotherapeutic exercise protocols;

- You will share your experience with colleagues and share their experience, which will increase your

efficiency;

- You will get practical application algorithms of theoretical knowledge

- You will receive a certificate confirming the completed accredited hours.

At the training, specialists present specific algorithms of integrated techniques

of various psychotherapeutic modalities - step-by-step schemes with strategic questions and main emphasis. During the master class, you will perform these techniques in a group and share your own work experience. 

In the training and workshop format, you will perform the presented techniques, if necessary, you will ask questions

and receive individual feedback on the performed exercise, there will be a discussion, if you wish, you will present a case on which the discussion will take place.

As a result you will get:

– You will acquire the skills of conducting psychotherapy ethically and effectively;

– Algorithms and schemes of time-tested therapeutic methods and techniques,

which you will put into practice immediately after the training;

– You will understand the strengths and weaknesses of your own work, you will outline the ways

to improve the weaknesses and turn them into strengths;

– You will share your experience with colleagues and share their experience, which will significantly increase

your efficiency, competences and self-confidence;

- You will acquire valuable professional contacts;

- You will receive a certificate confirming the completed accredited hours.

You will undergo clinical practice on an individual schedule in a licensed medical institution

in a drug clinic, where you will get to know the operation of the clinic, work with a multidisciplinary team on a specific case,

conduct anamnestic, clinical and motivational interviews with patients, conduct therapeutic sessions with them,

get to know their family members.

The activities carried out in the clinic are supervised by the European Association of Psychotherapists

holding the certificate of the European Association of Psychotherapists, ECP.

As a result you will get:

- You will acquire communication skills with patients and their family members;

- Improve anamnestic, clinical and motivational interviewing skills;

- Teamwork skills;

- Experience in clinical work;

- Assessment of work efficiency by an experienced supervisor;

- You will receive information about the completed clinical practice and supervision.

During group therapy, a psychotherapist certified by the European Association of Psychotherapists,

ECP, will conduct group therapy meetings (200 hours) only for students of the program, in a closed

group.

As a result you will get:

- You will process and get rid of current psychological difficulties;

- You will discover and realize your own creative potential;

- You will increase your emotional intelligence;

- You will gain internal balance;

- You will get more satisfaction from relationships and life;

- You will learn a time-tested and effective method of psychotherapy;

- You will receive a notification about the passed therapeutic hours.

During individual therapy, you will have therapeutic sessions (50 hours) with a psychotherapist certified by the

European Association of Psychotherapists, ECP.

As a result you will get:

- You will process and get rid of current psychological difficulties;

- You will gain internal balance;

- You will get more satisfaction from relationships and life;

- You will receive a notification about the passed therapeutic hours.

Working with clients/patients in parallel with a psychotherapist holding the certificate of the European Association of Psychotherapists,

ECP will supervise your work - in a professional circle you will discuss the difficulties that arise in the process of psychotherapy,

you will do self-reflection, you will outline the ways out of the difficulties that arise and

you will understand their causes.

As a result you will get:

- You will be able to manage the case in a consistent and organized manner;

- You will be able to recognize and manage your own emotional responses during the therapy process

- You will further deepen the knowledge obtained as a result of teaching the theory and methodology (finding alternative ways of intervention,

determining the direction, protecting psychoecology, etc.);

- You will be able to conduct the case in full compliance with the principles of ethics.

You will be provided with electronic literature and other learning materials (presentation, handout, etc.) that you will work

on in between lectures/seminars and trainings.

As a result you will get:

– You will consolidate the knowledge gained at the lecture/seminar and training;

– You will generate questions and opinions, which will be answered by

experts and specialists involved in the program.

By participating in a closed social media group and chat, where communication with program leaders and group members is provided, prompt

sharing of questions, comments, opinions, emotions, reflections related to organizational and other aspects of

group work, and receiving feedback from specialists involved in the learning process.

As a result you will get:

- The ability to quickly organize and exchange information;

- Support of group members;

- Operational feedback;

- Insights and reflections.

You will be given an individual study plan, which will define the annual program -

time, duration, number of hours, specialist.

As a result you will get:

– An easy way to organize your time;

– A clear view of the course and dynamics of the educational process.

Who can take the program?

Psychologists

  • who carry out practical work with clients/patients and wish to obtain a certificate of qualification
  • who carry out practical work with clients/patients and want to improve theoretical knowledge and develop practical skills
  • who want to work effectively with clients/patients and  need to acquire knowledge and skills
  • who want to start practical activities according to their competence

Representatives of medicine

  • who want to work in the field of mental health
  • in the process of working with the patient, they see the need for psychotherapeutic activity
  • who have a bachelor's degree and want to become a doctor
  • who are employed in pharmacology and want to become a doctor
  • who have a medical education and want to start practicing psychotherapy
  • who want to enrich their knowledge with a perfect knowledge of the functioning of the human psyche and the mechanism of change

For students of mental sciences

  • who plan to pursue a career as a mental health professional.
  • who see the need to acquire practice-oriented knowledge along with university education.

Representatives of social sciences, humanities and related fields (sociologists, educationalists, philosophers, coaches, mediators and others)

who wish to acquire new academic knowledge and qualifications for psychotherapy.

Admission to the program has begun. Register

Experts

Maia Begashvili

Academic head of the organization, national delegate of the European Association of Psychotherapy in Georgia; Doctor psychotherapist with state certification of Georgia; ECP Psychotherapy European Certificate Holder, ECIP Psychotherapy European Certificate Holder; Expert of the membership committee of the European Association of Integrative Psychotherapy.

Nino Kobakhidze,

Head of the program "Mental Health Educational Programs for Georgia". Board member of the Georgian Federation of Psychotherapy. Member of the scientific-research committee of the European Psychotherapy Association. European Certificate of Integrative Psychotherapist (ECIP).

Liesbet Plissart

Academy invited trainer.  Chief Supervisor of the Metanoia institute in London. Psychotherapist (ECP), integrative approach, with the right to practice and supervise within the European Union (17 years of practice).

Enver Cesko

Academy guest trainer. Board member of the World Council of Psychotherapy (WCP). President of the Psychotherapy Association of Kosovo. Author of about 150 scientific articles. Member of the Board, Membership Committee and Ethics Committees of the European Association of Psychotherapy. ECP – certified psychotherapist of the European Association of Psychotherapists, WPC – certified psychotherapist of the World Association of Psychotherapy.

Nino Gurgenidze

Doctor, Psychotherapist, Clinical Director of Tbilisi Children's Infectious Disease Hospital, licensed by the State of Georgia, 2019-2020. Acad. N. Clinical marketing expert of Kipshidze Central University Clinic. 2013 - 2019 Deputy Director of Tbilisi Children's Infectious Disease Hospital in the medical field.

Anano Niauri

Legal advisor of the Academy. Doctoral student of Tbilisi State University. Master of Laws of the University of Strasbourg. Master of Law of Tbilisi State University. A lawyer of general specialization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Integrated psychotherapy program

ECP – European Certification of Psychotherapist

EAPTI accreditation is the highest educational category awarded by the European leader of the field, the European Psychotherapy Association. Only the International Academy of Mental Health and Integrative Psychotherapy owns the category from Georgia. This accreditation standard allows graduates of the program to apply for and obtain the European Certificate in Psychotherapy ECP by direct award.

The program is accredited by the European leader of the field, the European Association for Psychotherapy EAP, and the European Association for Integrative Psychotherapy, European Wide Accreditation Organization. The high academic status of the graduates of the program is confirmed by the cooperation between the European Association of Psychotherapy and the World Council of Psychotherapy around the world. The education of the graduates of the program is fully recognized by authoritative professional societies and allows them to participate in the activities of leading organizations in the field as full members.

In order to successfully complete the program, it is necessary to take full hours of the program, including, but not limited to, attending the lecture component, working on the literature, completing written assignments, and successfully completing the examination and research component and the clinical practice component.

ECP – European Certificate of Psychotherapy is a certification standard developed by the European leader of the field, the European Psychotherapy Association, which confirms the specialist's compliance with the European standard of psychotherapist's basic competencies.

In order to obtain the ECP certificate, a proven education as a psychotherapist is required, which includes all the competencies, including the theoretical and practical components, which are necessary for the formation of a person as a psychotherapist. The minimum duration of psychotherapist education is 4 post-diploma years. The ECP certificate can be obtained by direct award only after completing a program accredited by the European Association of Psychotherapy with the recommendation of the EAPTI institution.

Information about ECP specialists is reflected in the European Register of Psychotherapists and is available to any interested person, potential employer and clients. After awarding the certificate, the specialist will also be given a printed version of the certificate.

Psychotherapeutic Education

Psychotherapeutic Activity

Anyone who already holds a bachelor's degree in the social or human sciences.

The pan-European standard for psychotherapy education includes at least four years of training at postgraduate (after a bachelor's degree) level.

The study of psychotherapy implies a combination of general and special education, which includes knowledge of the functioning of the psyche and knowledge of the techniques of intervention in the psyche, which is focused on the therapeutic result, including the theoretical framework of the intervention, practical skills, and knowledge of the peculiarities of ethical activity.
Essential elements of psychotherapeutic education are:
– Theory and methodology;
– Work on literature;
– Clinical practice under supervision;

- Anxiety or decreased ability to concentrate;

- Problems coping with stress or getting out of stressful situations;

- Mistrust and shyness;

– Depression, low mood, sadness, feeling of emptiness;

– Mood swings;

– Difficulty establishing or maintaining relationships, or fear of starting a new relationship.

– Sexual problems;

– Any kind of loss: job loss, divorce, physical loss;

– Eating disorders;

– Desire to self-harm;

– Obsessive behavior;

– Panic attack and phobia;

– Various addictions and others.

Psychology and psychotherapy are two independent fields. To master each of them, it is necessary to receive appropriate education. A psychologist can work as a psychotherapist only after receiving the relevant post-graduate education, which includes 1400 specialized hours after obtaining the qualification of a psychologist.

Psychotherapy and psycho-counseling use different methodologies and working mechanisms of intervention in the human psyche. The psychoconsultant is obliged to refer the individual to a psychotherapist if his needs are beyond the qualification framework of psychoconsultation.

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