Eligibility for Step 1 – who can apply and what are the rules?

Eligibility for Step 1 is more flexible than many people think. But there are clear requirements. Here is exactly what applies when applying for an authorised foundation training in psychotherapy, how different base professions are assessed, and when exceptions tend to be granted.

The basic principle

Admission requirements for foundation psychotherapy training vary between providers. sfKBT recommends eligibility for higher education, a caring profession and clinical work of at least 25 per cent at course start, with opportunities for therapeutic work. Providers may set higher requirements. Separately check the underlying-degree requirements of any later psychotherapist programme.

Which base professions count?

Examples of potentially relevant base professions, depending on the provider’s requirements:

• Social worker
• Registered nurse (especially psychiatric, primary care, school health)
• Physician
• Licensed psychologist (already has foundation psychotherapy competence through psychology training; Step 1 is normally not an additional requirement for Step 2, although other admission requirements still apply)
• Occupational therapist
• Physiotherapist
• Priest / deacon with a caring/helping orientation
• Licensed speech and language therapist (in some cases)

Other backgrounds may be assessed by the individual provider, for example: behavioural scientists, public health scientists, special education teachers, criminologists with relevant work experience, and people with a higher education qualification in social psychiatry. Assessment is made individually.

The client-work requirement

During Step 1 you must complete at least two full treatments under a licensed psychotherapist with supervisor training. They do not have to run in parallel. Cases must be real and suitable for psychotherapy in a setting with appropriate responsibility, consent and confidentiality. Supportive conversations or volunteering do not automatically qualify. Any placement must be approved by the training provider before starting.

Supervision – external or built in

Supervision must be provided by a licensed psychotherapist with supervisor training. With some providers, supervision is included in the course (as with Psyklinisk); with others, you must arrange and pay for it yourself. Check this before choosing a school: it significantly affects the total cost.

Exceptions and individual assessment

If you don't have a classic base degree but have extensive experience in caring/helping work, you can request an individual assessment. Common situations include:

• Behavioural scientists with 5+ years' work in schools or social services.
• Priests/pastors with a bachelor's degree in theology and pastoral work experience.
• People with an equivalent foreign qualification (validation required).
• People with a bachelor's/master's degree in psychology but no licence.

Submit your CV, evidence of client work, and a description of your duties. The training management will make an assessment – often with a supplementary conversation.

What you can't apply on the basis of

• Individual university courses in psychology without a caring/helping profession.
• HR training or personnel science without client work.
• Shorter diploma courses (e.g. "CBT coach in 6 months").
• Purely administrative roles – even within healthcare – without direct client contact.

How to prepare your application

1. Scan your degree certificate from your base qualification.
2. Ask your employer for evidence of client-facing work (type of client work, hours involved).
3. Write a personal statement describing your clinical work and why you're applying for Step 1.
4. Arrange a supervision placement – or check that it's included in the course.
5. Submit your application well in advance; authorised courses have a limited number of places.

Frequently asked questions