Members Sabbatical Policy

CPD REPORTS     

CPD reports will be submitted in the usual way, with a covering letter to the CPD Group outlining the reasons for the sabbatical.

REASONS FOR A SABBATICAL

People’s reasons for taking a sabbatical will vary.  Some examples might be:

  • taking time off due to personal illness
  • caring for a sick friend or family member
  • extended travelling
  • further training or career development
  • feeling “burned out’

PROCEDURE

Before taking a sabbatical, you will be required to inform the BC Chair by putting in writing your reasons for taking a sabbatical, and if possible a return date needs to be provided.

Following this you need to inform the UKCP in writing. The reason for this is that you are a member of the UKCP as well as TBC and it is a requirement of theirs.

Finally, you need to inform the CPD Group in writing so that they can keep their records as accurate and up to date as possible.

In the event that a sabbatical is needed to be taken at relatively short notice, e.g. through sickness you will need to demonstrate that adequate provisions have been made for any clients whose therapy comes to an unexpected or unplanned ending.

If you are on sabbatical for a year or less, you also need to inform TBC and the UKCP on your return.

SABBATICALS OF MORE THAN ONE YEAR

If that sabbatical has been more than a year, you will need to have a meeting with a member of the Exec to work out the best ‘back to work plan’ which will offer appropriate support. Each plan can be tailor made to reflect the needs of the particular person. Some recommendations might include:

  • a return to personal psychotherapy*
  • increased levels of supervision
  • follow up meetings with the member of the Exec
  • specific CPD activities

*You may need to consider a return to therapy if the following conditions apply:

  • You have suffered a life changing event prior to, or during the sabbatical period
  • You feel unconfident about restarting clinical work  
  • You feel isolated from your peers
  • You took the sabbatical due to burn out

It is a requirement of the UKCP that a membership application form has to be submitted to them.

On returning to clinical practice we recommend that at least fortnightly supervision is undertaken for a period of 6-12 months to ensure that the transition back to work is fully supported.

SABBATICALS OF MORE THAN 5 YEARS

In the event that a person takes off five years or more from working clinically as a psychotherapist, they will be required to undergo a modified RAPP process. The requirements for this are:

  • to have 2 meetings with a supervisor prior to starting clinical work
  • to obtain a report from the supervisor in support of your readiness to return
  • a reflections paper on your readiness to restart clinical practice
  • an interview with a member of the CTC