Foundation Certificate in TA Theory
A one-year qualification in its own right, and Stage One of our counselling and psychotherapy training
Introduction
The Foundation Certificate in TA Theory is a year-long introduction to Transactional Analysis (TA): how people think, feel and relate, and how its ideas apply to your own life, decisions and relationships. You learn in a small, consistent group, and finish with a recognised qualification and 150 hours of internationally recognised TA training.
Two ways to take the Foundation
- As a qualification in its own right: for anyone who wants a thorough grounding in TA for their work or their own development, in fields such as health, education, HR, coaching or leadership.
- As Stage One of our training: the first year of our counselling and psychotherapy pathway. You can go on to Stage Two and work towards the Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling (NCPS), the Advanced Diploma in Adult Psychotherapy (UKCP) or the CTA, and your 150 hours count towards it.
You don’t need to decide at the start. Many people begin with the Foundation and choose their next step during the year.
Weekends or Fridays
The course runs in two formats with identical content, assessment and certificate: 11 weekends across the year, or 22 Fridays (two a month), for those with weekend commitments.
This has been the most fabulous course. I have felt so well looked after and wish I had been brave enough to start sooner. The group and tutors are some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet!
I have no hesitation in recommending this training to all coaches who want to deepen the psychological aspect of their coaching.
I would highly recommend training at Connexus to anyone considering TA. The Institute provides its students with a highly professional, supportive and welcoming learning environment.
This course has been thought-provoking and transformative. Learning the theory and applying it to myself was great for my personal growth and I felt held and seen throughout the course, in a psychologically safe space.
What does the Foundation cover?
Over 22 days, you build your understanding of a broad range of TA theories and approaches, including:
- The philosophy and principles of TA
- Early decisions we make in infancy and childhood that affect our lives
- Child development and our attachment patterns
- How we develop a life 'script', and move through life positions
- The development of our personality, and different personality types
- Ego states, verbal communication and body language
- Psychobiological hungers and our need for recognition, stimulation and structure
- Injunctions and drivers of our behaviour
- How and why we distort, discount and redefine reality
- Relationship patterns: psychological Game playing, rackets and confrontation
- The dynamics of groups and organisations
- Managing endings and the loss of relationships
From the start you also practise core communication skills, such as active listening, which you can use straight away and which form the basis of counselling skills later on.
Assessment
Eight 500-word reflections on your experience through the year, a short five-minute presentation to your training group, and a regular learning journal.
What outcomes can I expect?
A year of learning that changes how you understand yourself and other people, and the Foundation Certificate in TA Theory, with 150 hours of internationally recognised TA training. If you are on our counselling and psychotherapy pathway, it also completes Stage One.
Entry requirements
No previous qualification or experience is needed. You just need to have completed a two-day TA 101 before you start, which we run regularly.
Now open for 2027-28
Weekend option:
Length: 11 weekends over one academic year
Times: Sat 9:30 to 17:00 & Sun 9:30 to 16:00
Mode: Face-to-Face
Dates for this course are:
- 25 & 26 Sep 2027
- 9 & 10 Oct
- 6 & 7 Nov
- 4 & 5 Dec
- 8 & 9 Jan 2028
- 5 & 6 Feb
- 4 & 5 Mar
- 8 & 9 Apr
- 6 & 7 May
- 3 & 4 Jun
- 1 & 2 Jul
Weekday option (Fridays)
Length: 22 Fridays spread over one academic year (two Fridays per month)
Times: Fridays 9:30 to 16:30
Mode: Face-to-Face
Dates:
- 3 & 10 Sep 2027
- 1 & 8 Oct
- 5 & 12 Nov
- 3 & 10 Dec
- 7 & 14 Jan 2028
- 4 & 11 Feb
- 3 & 10 Mar
- 31 Mar & 7 Apr
- 5 & 12 May
- 2 & 9 Jun
- 7 & 14 Jul
Cost: £3,200 (inclusive of VAT)
Instalment payment plans available
More Information?
Let us know if you have any questions
Meet the tutors
Lisa Bedford-Cooper
MSc.TA Psychotherapy, Dip Psych, Dip Couns, CTA(P), TSTA(P), UKCP Reg Psychotherapist and Supervisor. Lisa has been a director of International Training and Management Development for multi-national corporations and held clinical leadership of a respected international psychology company. She has also been a Consultant Trauma specialist for one of the UK’s leading emergency service providers. Lisa holds an MSc in Transactional Analysis, is an internationally approved trainer, and is a UKCP registered psychotherapist and clinical supervisor. She combines her extensive knowledge of training and management development with her passion for TA, to make the learning at Connexus stimulating, inclusive and always relevant.
Mel Burgess
Mel Burgess MSc, Dip. Couns., CTA (P), Dip. Sup., PTSTA (P) is a UKCP Registered Psychotherapist working in private practice in Kent. Mel has a wealth of experience working with clients who have experienced loss, grief, and bereavement. Originally trained as a Nurse Mel spent over 30 years working in the NHS, private healthcare, Mental Health Services and Hospice care as a Senior Director supporting dying patients, bereaved families and the professionals who care for them.
Justine James
Justine James, Dip. Couns., CTA (P), PTSTA (P) is a UKCP Registered Psychotherapist working in private practice based in Haywards Heath, West Sussex. Justine worked for a number of years as a bereavement counsellor in a hospice setting supporting families of terminally ill patients, as well as those who had been bereaved, offering either one to one or group sessions.