Certificate in Working Existentially Towards Death
About the Course
- Course Duration
- 1 Year
- Available Study Modes
Course Description
The Existential Academy are pleased to offer a one-year certificate in Working Existentially Towards Death. This Certificate is aimed at practitioners and students who wish to add an existential dimension of working towards death to their practice. It is ideally suited to people who have already completed a training in Existential therapy or another modality, who wish to incorporate the existential idea of death and working with it into their practice.
The Certificate combines theoretical learning with skills development and clinical practice. Our groups are usually small and shared with students on the Diploma in Existential Psychotherapy.
Programme of Study
Year 1
- Death in the Existential Paradigm
- Different existential disciplines to working towards death
- Existential Theory and Practice
Apply now
To apply, fill in our application form located here. We will be in touch asap once we have reviewed your application.
Fees 2025-26
Fees
Per module £625 + VAT (£750 including VAT)
Total cost of the Certificate is £3750 + VAT (£4500 including VAT)
NSPC students are eligible to receive 10% discount
What to expect
Students will need to take the following modules over the year:
Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 |
Existential Theory and Practice
Blended Online Zoom and Moodle (weekly)
| An exploration of Death explored through the Existential Paradigm
Online Zoom and Moodle (Weekly)
| Approaching Working Towards Death from Five Practical Existential Disciplines
Online Zoom and Moodle (weekly)
|
Placement and Supervision unit 1
Online Supervision (weekly)
| Placement and Supervision unit 2
Online Supervision (weekly) | Placement and Supervision unit 3
Online Supervision (weekly) |
30 clinical hours |
35 clinical hours |
35 clinical hours |
First term - Existential Theory and Practice
The theory module introduces the key concepts of existential philosophy and existential psychotherapy. It will provide you with opportunities to start building practitioner skills in a supportive environment. Skills are developed in triads consisting of other students and sessions are led by a qualified existential psychotherapist.
Second term – An Exploration of Death Through the Existential Paradigm
The module will develop and expand students’ knowledge about death through the lens of existential philosophy. It will consider the relevance of this philosophy to life’s limitations in general and death as the ultimate life limit through continuous questioning. It will explore the anxiety this inevitability creates, as well as its contribution to creating meaning in life. It will identify the existential themes in the context of death and how it transforms their meaning. Students will be exposed to various philosophers and practitioners whose work around death is both philosophical and practical, and they will consider its pertinence to contemporary clinical practice, with an emphasis on identifying particular human dilemmas and life issues and learning to work with these creatively.
Third term – Approaching Working Towards Death from Five Practical Existential Disciplines
The term will be divided into five sections. Each section will focus on a different existential discipline related to working with death and will include psychotherapy, coaching, pastoral care, the medical model, and neurodivergence. The lectures will be given by professional existential practitioners specializing in their respective fields. This term will provide students with the opportunity to learn how to apply the philosophical and psychological knowledge they have acquired in practice.
Placement and Supervision unit
You will need to be working with clients who are in the dealing with their mortality during the Certificate. You will attend weekly clinical supervision online via Zoom. The supervision is run as groups of up to 5 students. All our clinical supervisors have many years’ experiences and are registered with the UKCP or BPS/HCPC. The purpose of supervision is to have an experienced practitioner, and fellow colleagues, oversee your clinical work from an existential perspective and support you through the placement experience. You will be responsible for finding your own placement but will be given direction and support by the clinical coordinator. In order to achieve the Certificate you will need to complete 100 hours of working with clients.
Assessment
At the end of the certificate students will be required to write a 4000 word case study, where they demonstrate the ability to apply theory to their clinical work with clients. A confirmation from the placement supervision that 100 clinical hours have been completed will also be required in order to pass the certificate.