Interpersonal Psychotherapy Training (IPT)
This six-day course provides introductory training for practitioners in IPT and reflects the IPT competency framework.
Applications are now open.
Applications for 2025-2026 are now open. If you have any questions, please email ipt@annafreud.org.
The deadline to apply is 4 September 2025.
About this training
This six-day training, including two half-day refresher sessions, offers an introduction to Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) and is aligned with the IPT competency framework. It is delivered by trainers accredited with IPT UK and is suitable for mental health professionals, including those working in NHS Talking Therapies services. The training combines didactic teaching, small and large group discussions, and clinical role-plays. It covers Level A (Basic) training in IPT.
Where funding is available, trainees may follow the teaching days with weekly supervision and work towards achieving IPT UK Practitioner Accreditation (Level B). This is ideal for those seeking the required training for accreditation in Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Depression (NHS Talking Therapies). Supervision is provided by IPT UK-accredited supervisors and involves four clinical cases across at least two different focus areas.
Please note that five teaching days are compulsory. Each cohort will also have a half-day refresher approximately six months after the core training. Attendees may access up to two half-day refresher sessions free of charge (please email ipt@annafreud.org for a voucher code). Attendees are not required to attend the refresher session linked to your specific cohort if they are unable to do so.
Read our FAQsAims of this training
to introduce the IPT model
to cover knowledge competencies for IPT with depression
to introduce the skills competencies, which will be developed more fully in supervised clinical casework.
Who is this training for?
The training pre-requisites are:
evidence of completing a course of study in a model of psychological therapy
a minimum of two years of post-qualification experience delivering psychological therapy
at least two years’ employment in an NHS, private capacity or voluntary institution delivering psychological therapy with adults (at least 0.6 WTE clinical contact time)
at least one of the following:
IAPT specified counselling or psychotherapy accreditation*
BABCP accredited
General Medical Council-registered Psychiatrist
HCPC registered practitioner psychologist or arts therapist.
The training is not suitable for applicants who wish to acquire basic therapeutic skills. IPT is not a Step 2 intervention, and therefore not suitable for Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners.
*NHS TT specified counselling or psychotherapy accreditations:
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Accredited
United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) Registered as a Psychotherapist or Psychotherapeutic Counsellor
Association of Christian Counsellors Accreditation
National Counselling Society Accredited Professional registrants
British Psychoanalytic Council Registered.
Interested in commissioning training for your team?
Enquire about commissioned training-
"The facilitators were all amazing. Very knowledgeable and professional, whilst remaining friendly and approachable. Every question was answered with care. Loved the role plays and opportunity to feedback to main group. Loved staying within the same group for breakout exercises as it really helped to build a rapport between colleagues." Participant, September 2023
"Both training facilitators (Ros and Yvonne) were marvellous. Their vast knowledge and experience of the subject of IPT was palpable, and it was a pleasure and a privilege to learn from them." Participant, November 2023
"The teaching was great, everything was explained really clearly and there was time to ask questions about what we covered. I also like that we had a small group and so it felt like a more comfortable environment to be able to ask questions/share things etc. The slides and recorded videos were really helpful to be able to go back to. I also liked that the training was spaced out over a month or so rather than being all in one week." Participant, November 2023
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NHSE funded places for NHS-Talking Therapies
Step 1: Application Form - Those with funded places are required to complete this application form. Applications should be submitted in one email to IPT@annafreud.org.
Step 2: Wait for Confirmation - We will inform you via email if your application is approved.
Step 3: Payment - Once your application is approved you will be sent a voucher code allowing you to book your free place.
Non-funded applicants
Step 1: Application Form - Those without funded places must fill in this application form. Applications should be submitted in one email to IPT@annafreud.org.
Step 2: Wait for Confirmation - We will inform you via email if your application is approved.
Step 3: Payment - Once your application is approved payment needs to be processed. Please pay via the book now button.
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September 2025 cohort – apply by 11 August 2025
October 2025 cohort – apply by 15 September 2025
January 2026 cohort – apply by 6 January 2026
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The course provides the first stage in working towards becoming an IPTUK Accredited IPT Practitioner. Following attendance on the course, those wishing to become IPT practitioners are required to undertake supervision with an IPTUK accredited Supervisor.
Trainees are able to arrange supervision directly with supervisors or be allocated a supervisor by Anna Freud. Supervision can be provided face to face or remotely e.g. telephone, Skype.
Accreditation to practitioner level requires four cases to be supervised, with recorded sessions reviewed. Each case runs for 16 sessions (unless they are CAMHS cases, in which case it is 12 sessions). We suggest leaving a one month gap between starting each case, picking up a new case when the formulation has been agreed on the previous one. Trainees will be required to submit digital recordings of therapy sessions as well as written and verbal reports.
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The online platform Zoom will be used to deliver online training. Prior to booking, please ensure you meet the system requirements so you can join this training session. To test your equipment visit Zoom.us/test and follow the instructions.
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Upon booking, you will be asked to confirm that you have read and accept our terms and conditions and our privacy notice. Please read these documents before booking:
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