From First Steps to Registered Practitioner
Our four courses form one continuous route. Join at the start, pause at any exit point, and come back when you're ready to go further.
The Training Route
Each stage builds on the one before. Choose a stage to see what it involves.
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Stage 1
TA101
The recognised introduction to Transactional Analysis
Exit point TA101 certificate Recognised internationally, and the entry requirement for the Foundation Year
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Stage 2
Foundation Year in TA
A year of theory, experience and personal development
Exit point Foundation Certificate in TA Theory For personal and professional growth, and entry to the Diploma
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Stage 3
Diploma in TA Psychotherapeutic Counselling
Two years of clinical training and supervised practice with clients
Exit point Psychotherapeutic counsellor Eligible to apply for membership of BACP and/or NCPS
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Stage 4
Advanced Diploma in TA Psychotherapy
Advanced clinical work, with two routes to qualification
Choose a routeRoute A The CTA route Certified Transactional Analyst via UKATA, with UKCP registration and EATA/ITAA membership
- Certificate and next step
- Eligible to apply to a professional body
Completing a course makes you eligible to apply. Membership and registration remain subject to each professional body's own processes and discretion.
Which Stage is Right for You?
Most people begin with TA101. If you've already trained in TA elsewhere, you may be able to join at a later stage by applying via APL.
| Course | Who it's for | Length | Leads to |
|---|---|---|---|
| TA101 | Anyone curious about TA, and everyone starting the training route | Two days | Internationally recognised TA101 certificate; entry to the Foundation Year |
| Foundation Year in TA | People exploring a career in counselling, and those wanting deep personal development | One year | Foundation Certificate in TA Theory (Level 6); entry to the Diploma |
| Diploma in TA Psychotherapeutic Counselling | Trainees ready to begin supervised work with clients | Two years | Eligible to apply for membership of BACP and/or NCPS |
| Advanced Diploma in TA Psychotherapy | Qualified counsellors becoming psychotherapists | One year | Two routes: the CTA route (CTA via UKATA, then UKCP and EATA/ITAA) or the UKCP route |
Common Questions
What approach do you teach?
Transactional Analysis, taught alongside psychoanalytic thinking, with the therapeutic relationship at the centre as the main agent of change. Over the training you'll be encouraged to think critically about what you learn and develop your own way of practising.
Do I have to complete every stage?
No. Each stage stands on its own and ends with a recognised exit point. Many people take TA101 or the Foundation Year for personal or professional development and stop there. Others go all the way to psychotherapy.
Can I join at a later stage?
Yes. If you've completed TA training at another UKATA RTE, or qualified as a TA counsellor through a Foundation Degree or Level 4 Diploma, you can apply via APL and work towards the Advanced Diploma over two years. If you're a qualified counsellor in another approach, you can take the Foundation Year in TA and then move on to the Advanced Diploma. For other previous training, get in touch and we'll talk with you about where you'd fit best.
Will I need to be in personal therapy?
Yes, every year from the Foundation Year to the Advanced Diploma: at least 40 hours a year with a UKCP-registered psychotherapist. If you're aiming for the CTA route, your therapist will also need to be a CTA, PTSTA or TSTA. Personal therapy is part of becoming a therapist, and the professional bodies require it.
How much of the training is online?
The Foundation Year, Diploma and Advanced Diploma each run from October to July, with three training days a month: one Friday online and one weekend (Saturday and Sunday) in person at Victoria Halls in Hartley Wintney, Hampshire. TA101s run either online or in person, depending on the group.