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Interpersonal Psychotherapy Practitioner Training (IPT)
This six-day course provides introductory training for practitioners in IPT and reflects the IPT competency framework.
About this training
This six-day training, including two half-day refresher sessions, offers an introduction to 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 FAQs for more information.
Aims 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?
To join this training, you must have:
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.
Course tutor
Dr Roslyn Law
Consultant Clinical Psychologist
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The content was easily understood and a variety of teaching modes/methods were used. All tutors were knowledgeable, helpful and supportive.
Participant, January 2026 -
Very informative and good mix of slides and videos plus discussion.
Participant, January 2026 -
I really enjoyed the role plays to experience and aid the learning of the content.
Participant, March 2026 -
The interactive nature - the human element to it re stages a trainee will go through - so in detail and so well organised.
Participant, March 2026 -
The pacing was really good, the frequent breaks helped maintain concentration, and I liked having the same group throughout the training. The videos were extremely useful in bringing the theory to life.
Participant, March 2026
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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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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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We are committed to making our training and events accessible and inclusive for all participants. During the booking process, you will be prompted to share any additional requirements or reasonable adjustments you may require. If you would prefer, you can also contact us directly at training@annafreud.org.
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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.
For self-guided learning, materials, and homework, you will receive access to the Anna Freud Learning Hub. This is compatible with most devices. For optimal access, please use Google Chrome.
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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:
Interested in commissioning training for your team?
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