The MA in Clinical Psychology with Body Psychotherapy Certificate is first of its kind in Turkey and the UK. It is developed in partnership between Maltepe University (Turkey) and The East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT, UK). The programme involves an explicit combination of clinical practice and theory of holistic body-mind functioning designed to improve emotional, cognitive, physical and social integration through body (self) awareness and embodiment relating to others. Body Psychotherapy is distinct from other clinical psychology programmes as it addresses the inseparable cognitive, emotional, perceptual and physical aspects of self-experiences within a given psychosocial context. Goals include teaching students the common factors and processes of Body Psychotherapy in psychological therapy in general, in trauma-informed care and more specifically for the treatment of major mental health problems such as Psychosis (Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder), Severe Neurosis (Anxiety/Depression, personality problems) and Bodily Distress/Psychosomatic Disorders.

As part of the general programme, students will be introduced to therapeutic strategies, i.e. how Body Psychotherapy can be utilized systematically in psychotherapeutic practice. Course objectives will be achieved through a range of teaching and assessment methods, including, clinical, theoretical classroom, online webinars and small group teaching as well as practical (experiential) explorations of the techniques in BPT. With a variety of psychomotor practice offerings, students will experience the possibilities to communicate and understand oneself and others through the body and movement, to express oneself and to perceive group processes. Movement exercises and structured embodied engagement (role-play, enactments, etc.) shall invite students to experiment interactively with their environment, experience life energy/vitality in motion and explore the social dimension. The student's ability to observe the possibilities and resources of individuals and group processes will be trained in order to support them as an intrinsic part of their professional practice.

Creating leeway means creating inner and outer spaces and with this an atmosphere of learning through embodiment, play and movement. Social learning focuses on an appreciative relationship and attitude towards the individual. A learning environment will be created, in which new skills can be acquired, own ideas introduced and individual development unfolded. In various situations of play, movement and body communication, one's own attitude and role as an effective clinician or group-leader is experienced and reflected.

International Collaboration:

'The MA in Clinical Psychology with Body Psychotherapy Certificate' is developed in collaboration with leading international clinicians and academics. The curriculum development and delivery is co-facilitated by Professor Frank Röhricht and Professor Amara Renate Eckert. Professor Frank Röhricht is affiliated with the Centre for Psychiatry, Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London. Professor Frank Röhricht is Medical Director for Research, Innovation and Medical Education at East London NHS Foundation Trust. Prof. Amara Renate Eckert is affiliated with Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences, Department of Social and Cultural Sciences and Social Work. Professor Özden Bademci from the Psychology Department of Maltepe University is the founding director of  the 'Research and Application Center for Street Involved Children (SOYAÇ).'

Click to view Prof. Dr. Frank Röhricht’s speech on the “MA Program in Clinical Psychology with Body Psychotherapy Certificate.

Body oriented courses are listed below:

• Advanced Body Psychotherapy
• Clinical Interviewing
• Clinical Assessment
• Experiential Group Work
• Introduction to Psychomotricity
• Overview of Psychotherapies & Body Psychotherapy
• The Philosophy of the Body

Academic Staff and Guest Lecturers:

• Prof. Dr. Amara Renate Eckert
• Dr. Biljana Jokić - CV
• Prof. Dr. Frank Röhricht - CV
• Asst. Prof. Dr. Göklem Tekdemir - CV
• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hanife Özlem Sertel Berk - CV
• Prof. Dr. Herbert Grassmann - CV
• Prof. Dr. Hedda Lausberg - CV
• Dr. İrem Akduman Akın - CV
• Dr. Kaan Özkan - CV
• Dr. Münevver Başman - CV
• Dr. Lulia Molnar - CV
• Prof. Dr. Maurizio Stupiggia - CV
• Nina L.R. Papadopoulos - CV
• Dr. Şebnem Yüksel Sevindik - CV
• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Serap Erdoğan Taycan- CV
• Assoc. Prof. Dr. H. Özden Bademci - CV
• Prof. Dr. Ulfried Geuter - CV
• Ulrich Sollmann - CV