Latest Course

The Application of
Systemic Approaches
To Mental Health and
Social Care Work

A one-year part-time training course
Total 105 hours (fifteen 7 hour days)

Accredited with 30 ECTS credits

Start: 2010 Copenhagen
Course no 2010-11/101

Applications of Systemic Approaches to Mental Health and Social Care Work is a course aimed at broadening the knowledge and skills of workers in the field of mental health and social care.
The course is a one-year part-time profession specific course in the knowledge and practice of systemic approaches. The course is divided into fifteen 7hour days over the period of a year making a total of 105 hours course contact time. Time will also need to be set aside by trainees in order that they can complete the required projects, reading, literature presentations and journal.
On completion of the course the trainee will gain a Post Graduate certificate validated by the Anglia Ruskin University awarding the trainee 30 academic credits as part of the University Credit Accumulation Transfer Scheme.
The Aim of the Course
Research and experience show that systemic approaches are essential to ensuring effective and ethical practice within modern Health and Social Care organisations. Modern times see us in an age of accountability, the vast array of services within and around Health and Social Care having to coordinate and work together in a culture of transparency, being able to demonstrate their efficacy and uphold ethical standards.
The course The Application of Systemic Approaches to Mental Health and Social Care Work offers Social and Mental Health care management and staff an opportunity to gain a ¡¥systemic¡¦ awareness whereby they can develop knowledge and skills relevant to their unique practice in a manner that fits the way they practice and learn.
In order to fit the unique character and abilities of those we work with, be it client, colleague or organisation the course takes a broad view of systemic practices (including social constructionist, constructivist, strategic, structural etc.) and in fitting with the pragmatic stance taken by Schilling CTS aims to encourage trainees to develop their own systemic learning that fits and enhances the quality and effectiveness of their and their working cultures¡¦ practice.
Course Structure
The course consists of six teaching modules. Each module will involve trainees taking part in literature presentations and discussion, exercises, video presentations and dialogue around practice in learning groups. The six modules:
1. The context of the course in relation to the trainees work practice
2. Fundamental systemic practices
3. Positioning in relation to the demands of the service
4. The right approach for the right moment. Good starts make for a happy ending!
5. Skills
6. Theoretical Tour
In addition trainees will take part in an assessment process. The following describes what is assessed and how.
„X Observation project. The observation project requires that the trainee arrange two meetings approximately a month apart with a family or professional team of their choice. The first meeting is a one-hour observation with the purpose of encouraging the trainee to form hypotheses relating to the patterns of action and meaning they see before them. They are also encouraged to think about their prejudices regarding family/team life and how those prejudices shape what they see. The second meeting requires of the trainee that they interview the family/team to develop further hypotheses gained from the observation and discuss with the family/team the process of the project, how it was to be observed, what became cocreated between the family/team members etc. After completion of the second meeting the trainee should write a 2000 word essay connecting the learning that they have gained from the course to the process of the observation and interview.
„X Practice project. The practice project requires the trainee to write a 2000 word essay relating to an episode of their work. The trainee should connect the piece of work with systemic ideas and literature and show clearly the learning they have achieved by way of the project. It is particularly important that they demonstrate an awareness of context and consider ideas about race, gender, ethnicity, age, disability and class.
„X Presentation. Each trainee should present at least one article/paper during the course. The presentation offers the trainee an opportunity to create a learning context for their colleagues (who have read the article/paper prior to the presentation) in order that they further develop their understanding of the ideas proffered by the paper/article and relate them to their professional practice and experience.
„X Journal. Each trainee must create for themselves a journal of their learning from the course. The journal should document how learning from the course has informed the trainee¡¦s professional practice and in turn how practice has informed their learning. This should be a continuous process with the upkeep of the journal overseen by the tutors. The journal is personal to the trainee and designed by them to be of most use to them.
All the above criteria must be demonstrated to a standard of 40%.
The presentation and journal are supervised to ensure that the trainee has completed the task satisfactorily in accordance with the task as discussed above. Failure to complete either will result in the trainee not completing the course.
There will be allowances for trainees to resubmit essays that are incomplete within the duration of the course. Any resubmission outside of the duration of the course thereby requiring an extension should be negotiated with the staff. Whilst the course aspires to facilitate a comfortable and considerate learning experience it will require of trainees requesting an extension a written request explaining the particular reasons as to why this is so.
Trainees will also be required to attend two workshops relating to Systemic Approaches. The presentation of the workshops is not the responsibility of Schilling CTS although we are of course happy to make recommendations.
About Schilling CTS
Who we are
Schilling CTS (Consultation, Training & Supervision) is a British based company that was founded by Benedicte Schilling in Denmark 1994. In 2004 in partnership with Simon Burton the company moved to the UK and is currently based in Norwich Norfolk.
Schilling CTS offer consultation, training and supervision to public services within Mental Health and Social Care in Scandinavia and the UK.
Both Benedicte Schilling and Simon Burton have vast experience in the world of Mental Health and Social Care. They are committed to the belief that systemic approaches can and do enhance professional performance and offer solutions to clients using Mental Health and Social Care services that make a difference to the quality of their lives.
Schilling CTS have offices and facilities in Copenhagen and Norwich. However most of their engagements see them working within their clients area utilising local facilities.
Both Benedicte and Simon are registered with the Kensington Consultation Centre Foundation Register and the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP).
What we do
The aim of Schilling CTS is to assist professional organisations within Health and Social Care to maximise their effectiveness and subsequently offer the best service to patients/clients/service users. It is the belief of Schilling CTS that to be an effective systemic practitioner should embrace practices that fit both their organisation and the culture and nature of those they work with. Thus it is their preference to use a range of systemic approaches from the schools of social constructionist, constructivist, narrative, structural, strategic and multi-systemic practices. In taking this stance within a training context they focus on the abilities and character of the trainee, helping the trainee develop a systemic range that suits them and embellishes their talents whilst complementing their organisation and client culture/cultures.
Schilling CTS is committed to evidence based practice and in all aspects of their service including training seeks to encourage professionals and their organisations to pursue an active involvement in outcome evaluation and client and colleague feedback.
Both Benedicte and Simon are registered with the Kensington Consultation Centre Foundation Register and the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP).
The connection between Schilling CTS and the Anglia Ruskin University
The course is owned, managed and delivered by Schilling CTS and accredited by the Anglia Ruskin University. This means that the University will be responsible for moderating assessments and the quality and of the course whilst validating the 30 credits achieved by participants successfully completing the course. Participants undertaking the course are not registered with the University and therefore do not have access to the University¡¦s libraries but do have access to the Schilling CTS library and their facilities.
Language relating to the course
Trainees will be expected to read literature over the duration of the course year. Much of the literature will be in English but trainees are free to choose translations of the same text in their own languages. All papers and presentations must be delivered in English.
Using the literature the trainees will be expected to write 2 papers over the course year. These too must be written in English. Schilling CTS recognizes that many trainees will thus be working in a second language and will make reasonable allowances for this.
Time
The course will consist of fifteen day divided as follows
Six two-day modules 12 days (84 hours)
Three days for tutorials and presentations 03 days (21 hours)
Total hours 15 days (105 hours)
We estimate that trainees will require approximately an extra 2 hours per week to fulfill the course objectives, reading, essays, journal etc.
The course takes place between 9.00am ¡V 16.00pm.
Work away from the course setting
(non tutor time)
Trainees are expected to read papers, prepare presentations, write up projects and complete a journal in their own time away from the course sessions. They are also expected to attend to workshops (see below). Trainees will be encouraged to form learning groups whereby they can support each other in their learning. The projected time to complete these tasks is as follows. The number of hours relates to the total for the year.
„Ï Reading 60 hours
„Ï Preparing presentations 3 hours (Estimated two presentations 1.5 hours each plus assessed presentation 8 hours)
„Ï Observation and Practice Projects 20 hours (10 each)
„Ï Journal 20 hours
„Ï Learning groups* 64 hours
Total 174 hours
* It is strongly recommended that trainees form groups and meet between course sessions in order to support their learning. The groups should be formed at the outset of the course along with the purposes and aims of their meeting.
Successfully completing the course
Trainees must fulfil the following requirements;
„Ï Attendance at course sessions (minimum 80% attendance)
„Ï Attendance at two workshops related to systemic practice
„Ï Satisfactory completion of a practice project and an observation project
„Ï Satisfactorily completion of a literature presentation
„Ï Completion of a journal
An important feature of this course is the emphasis on demonstrated practice. The trainee on engaging with the course enters a context of continual assessment that is monitored and assessed by the course tutors through the duration of the course, the progress and assessment being recorded by trainees and verified by tutors in their journals. Additional to continual assessment the trainee has to complete two written projects and a presentation.
Teaching venue
The course will take place at a suitable venue in Copenhagen, Denmark
Teachers
Primary teacher: Simon Burton
Secondary teacher: Benedicte Schilling
Dates for the course 2010/2011
Thursday 23rd & Friday 24th September 2010
Wednesday 20th, Thursday 21st & Friday 22nd October 2010
Monday 6th, Tuesday 7th & Wednesday 8th December 2010
Thursday 20th & Friday 21st January 2011
Monday 14th, Tuesday 15th & Wednesday 16th March 2011
Thursday 5th & Friday 6th May 2011
Thursday 9th June 2011
Participants
Applicants must be currently employed within Mental Health and Social Care/services organisations. Exceptions may be considered at the discretion of the University and Schilling CTS providing the applicant can confirm that they have a relevant working context in which to practice their learning. Applicants must be able to demonstrate the ability to study at post-graduate level.
They must be able to take part actively in speaking and reading in English.
Cost
30.000 Dkr, paid before the course starts or in four parts across the year post agreement with Schilling CTS.
The cost includes tea/coffee/beverages, lunch and afternoon snacks. It is expected that the trainees themselves purchase books and papers suggested in the literature list.
Applying for the course
In order to sign up for the course applicants must complete our application form (available on our website) with all relevant data/information received by Schilling CTS no later than stated as the last application date (2 month before course start).
Application forms can be found at our website. Enquiries can be made by telephone, email and by mail.
Enrolment is financially binding after the date for last application (2 months before course start).
Further information
Simon Burton; simonbu.syst@ntlworld.com
Benedicte Schilling; schilling.cts@mail.dk
This course can be designed for individual work places within your location after arrangements.

Application

If you like to enrol on the course, please clique here and fill in and mail of the application form