Welcome to the Department of Psychotherapy. It is a dynamic place to study. Back in 1999 the psychotherapy course was described as follows: “widely acknowledged as the most innovative and progressive in New Zealand, the first choice of well informed students." (Psychotherapy in Australia, Vol 5 (4) August 1999). This is still true. We are unique in New Zealand.

In 1989 the first programme in the Department was started, and it was a three year Diploma in Psychotherapy. Unlike anywhere else in the world, a student did not need to have an existing professional qualification in medicine, psychology, social work or nursing to apply. Since then the programme has grown and changed so it is now (since 2000) a Masters Degree. Over these years other programmes have been developed to meet the needs in the community for people working in the mental health field to gain a qualification.

The Department of Psychotherapy has developed and maintained a tradition of integrating specialised skills suitable for entry into an acknowledged professional group, alongside personal development and academic achievement for each student. We also have a strong commitment to honouring the Treaty of Waitangi. Our students report that our programmes create a very powerful learning environment for developing emotional intelligence.

At the Department of Psychotherapy we offer the Certificate in Applied Mental Health; the Diploma in Mental Health Support Work; the Diploma in Violence and Trauma Studies and we also offer the major within the Bachelor of Health Science in Applied Mental Health.

The Graduate Diploma in Psychosocial Studies provide professional education for people interested in developing their understanding of psychotherapy. In addition, for students wishing to train for a career in psychotherapy the Graduate Diploma is the prerequisite for the Master of Health Science in Psychotherapy.

For experienced practitioners we offer a large number of post qualifying specialist papers, which can be combined to create a Postgraduate Certificate, a Postgraduate Diploma or a Master in Health Practice. Research opportunities include a Master of Health Science, a Master of Philosophy, a Doctor of Health Science or a Doctor of Philosophy.

Our commitment is to work with you to develop your skills so that you are able to find satisfying employment in the area of mental health: as a mental health support worker, as a counsellor specialising in violence and trauma, addictions or online counselling, or as a child or adult psychotherapist. We provide an education for people who wish to specialise in working with people with a wide range of emotional, cognitive and behavioural needs.