Mental Health Familiarisation Training
Opening the Doors to the Asylum
Introduction
The UKCP and HIPC require that the title 'Psychotherapist' reflects a thorough understanding of mental health services in the UK. Those seeking UKCP registration must demonstrate awareness, knowledge and understanding that equip them to work within or alongside other mental health professionals and multi-disciplinary services. This includes competence in mental health assessment, appropriate referral, and an understanding of safeguarding responsibilities within mental health care systems.
Connexus Institute is pleased to offer a 15-hour advanced blended professional development course entitled 'Opening the Doors to the Asylum.' The course is designed to support trainees in meeting the HIPC Mental Health Familiarisation (MHF) learning outcomes and completing their Mental Health Familiarisation Portfolio (MHFP), which forms part of the UKCP registration process.
The workshop is being delivered in a blended format with two parts:
- Part One: A guided self-study component (8 hours) comprising 5 tasks with a workbook that will need to be completed before the one-day workshop;
- Part Two: A one-day live face-to-face workshop, which will take place at our beautiful premises in Hove on Friday 20th March 2026, 9:30am to 5:00pm.
What does this course cover?
Through a mixture of taught input (with plenty of examples), small-group exercises and larger group discussion, in addition to the pre-learning, you will develop competencies mapped directly to the five HIPC Mental Health Familiarisation learning outcome areas:
1. The Social Responsibility Framework
We explore how historical and cultural attitudes towards mental health have shaped the services we have today. You'll develop an awareness of how diagnosis, stigma and social inequalities affect clients' experiences of care, and consider the broader societal factors that influence mental health and wellbeing.
2. Working within a Wider System of Care
This area focuses on your role within a broader landscape of care. You'll learn to recognise when clients may need support beyond what psychotherapy can offer, understand how to make appropriate referrals, and develop confidence in working alongside other professionals. We also consider safeguarding, risk and the impact of medication.
3. A Range of Models of Assessment
We introduce you to different approaches to assessment, including the medical model and alternatives. You'll develop an understanding of how diagnoses and formulations are used in practice, and consider the complexities and limitations of diagnostic thinking.
4. Awareness of Diagnosis and Treatment
You'll gain a working knowledge of how mental health services are structured in the UK, and become familiar with the main diagnostic frameworks and treatment guidelines. We also look at common interventions and what they mean for the clients you may work with.
5. Working with/alongside Other Mental Health Professionals
Finally, we focus on psychotherapy's place within an integrated package of care. You'll consider how to collaborate effectively with other professionals, develop an understanding of trauma-informed approaches, and become familiar with the key legal and ethical frameworks that shape mental health practice.
What outcomes can I expect?
By the end of the course you will have developed and consolidated your understanding across all five HIPC Mental Health Familiarisation learning outcome areas. The course provides the foundational knowledge and critical reflection needed to complete your Mental Health Familiarisation Portfolio (MHFP). Direct experiential learning in mental health settings, which HIPC recommends as a core component, will further enhance and evidence your learning.
Upon completion, you will receive a Connexus Institute certificate for 15 hours of CPD.
Who is this course for?
This course is essential for anyone who is currently a trainee in any discipline and looking to obtain UKCP Registration as a psychotherapist. This includes:
- Trainees on any UKCP-accredited training programme
- Those undertaking the UKATA UKCP Registration via Case Study route
- Anyone wishing to qualify as a Certified Transactional Analyst (CTA) in Psychotherapy
Dates: Friday 20th March 2026
Times: 9:30am to 5:00pm
Length: 15 hours in total
Mode: The workshop is being delivered in a blended format, consisting of a self-study component and a live face to face workshop:
- Part One: A guided self-study component (8 hours) comprising 5 tasks with a workbook that will need to be completed prior to the one-day workshop;
- Part Two: A one-day live face to face workshop, which will take place on Friday 20th March 2026, 9:30am to 5:00pm
Cost: £295 (inclusive of VAT)
More Information
Let us know if you have any questions
Meet your Course Leader
Patrick Brook
Patrick Brook TSTA, CTA (Psychotherapy), MA, BA (Hons) is a UKCP-registered psychotherapist and supervisor. He is one of the founding directors and the Academic Director of Connexus Institute. Alongside his teaching, he runs a private psychotherapy and supervision practice in Brighton and Hove. Before training as a psychotherapist, Patrick worked for many years in higher education as a university lecturer and academic manager, teaching in the UK and abroad. He has written widely on curriculum design and learner-centred education and remains interested in how ideas translate meaningfully into practice. Patrick enjoys creating warm, engaging, and lively learning spaces where people can explore and develop their own professional and personal identities.