As we start to leave the summer behind us and move into another season, there’s a bit of space for a look back on the last few months. And with the new 2024 Practitioner Training intake due to commence in October, there’s equally lots to think about for the coming months ahead.
In our CPD programme Sarah Littlejohn’s two day introduction to CAT in July went down well. With permission to share, this piece of feedback gives an appreciative summary of one participant’s experience:
“I really valued the whole 2 days. The exercises and activities gave the opportunity to immediately put the content into practice. I was able to clearly see how to apply the content in my therapeutic work. There were also some really nice, meaningful exercises that I will take forward ……. It felt like the whole group were really engaged and excited about using CAT.”
In our meeting last week we reflected on how good it is to see people who have attended an introductory course, a CAT Skills training or orientation, or engaged in a Personal Reformulation experience go on to take further steps in their professional journey in cognitive analytic therapy. We see the culmination of such journeys as people come on to Practitioner Training. Some at a later stage offer their support as accredited CAT Supervisors. Culmination isn’t really the right word, as there’s not an end point. It’s more of an ongoing process as people become part of a broader CAT community across the UK, and further afield in some cases.
As an example, this year we have two new cohort tutors joining the Practitioner Training team. This reflects another large intake of around forty trainees and preparations are underway for setting up all that they need. We have at least one surprise to welcome them with in October….
In tandem, the 2023 intake continue onto their second year of teaching. Those from the double 2022 cohorts move towards their accreditation. Given the huge demand for CAT and its expansion through NHSE funding, we’re always open to approaches for involvement whether for course roles, supervision, seminar group facilitators or markers. So please do get in touch if you have interest in any of these roles and some time to offer.
If you’re ready to take another step in qualifying as a CAT supervisor, another two-day CAT supervisor training course on 17th and 18th October still has spaces. It’s a non-residential, northern alternative to the ACAT-run residential course in Evesham, Worcestershire.
In terms of other CPD, Rachel Beckford and Lesley Taylor’s day on Effective and Respectful CAT With Those Who Are Neurodivergent on 16th October has proved really popular. So much so, it’s already fully booked. The first offer of 2025, on 31st January, is an online version of David Harvey’s popular CAT as a Tool for Leadership. This was very well received over four previous open runs in addition to some bespoke internal events arranged for NHS Trusts. More details and booking options will appear on the website soon. However if you’re interested in securing a place do let us know and we can begin a list for early alert. We have at least couple more clinically-orientated days in the pipeline for 2025. As soon as we have confirmed details we’ll post them here on the site.
As ever, we’ll continue to send out regular email updates to our contact list. If you’re not already on this and would like to be, please let us know.
Here’s to a good autumn ahead for all.
