Clinical Education Development and Research (CEDAR)

Family Interventions for Psychosis and Bipolar Experiences

An online foundation in family therapy and systemic practice – open to NHS clinicians and wider self-funders

We are very excited to bring you the Family Interventions for Psychosis (FIP) and Bipolar Experiences programme. This is a foundation in family therapy and systemic practice that has a specific focus on working with families in the context of psychosis and bipolar experiences.

We have been delivering this successful programme for over 10 years, and for the last five years, we have been nationally commissioned to deliver the training in accordance with the NHSE (NHS England) family interventions for psychosis and bipolar curriculum. We have a firm commitment to evidence-based clinical practice and we endeavour to ensure all our training programmes are firmly embedded within current research. 

Depending on the route you take, completion of this course will enable you to work competently with families in this area and/or introduce you to systemic theory and provide you with basic skills in engaging and working therapeutically with families.

This is a non-credit-bearing course but is accredited by the Association for Family Therapy and Systemic Practice (AFSP).

Who is this training for?

This training is available to anyone with an interest in learning more about family therapy and systemic practice. However, it will be of particular interest to clinicians who work with families in the context of psychosis and bipolar experiences.

You can access our training via two routes:​

NHSE-funded national curriculum route

  • For clinicians who work in community mental health settings
  • Organised directly between NHSE and NHS Trusts
  • Please speak with your service lead to enquire about the availability of places

Independent route

  • For anyone who is interested in developing knowledge and skills in this area
  • Funded independently, rather than through NHSE

Teaching

Teaching consists of 10 taught days and 10 skills-based supervision sessions, all delivered online.

The programme includes core modules laying foundations for collaborative systemic practice, developing knowledge and skills for holding family and network meetings. It will also cover specialist knowledge focusing on psychoeducational, behavioural, cognitive behavioural, solution-focused and systemic work with families within serious mental health contexts within NICE guidelines.

You will learn through:

  • Attending lectures and workshops remotely
  • Group supervision
  • Guided independent study

Assessments

Assessments vary depending on your application route (NHSE or independent). These include:

  • A family interventions knowledge/skills self-assessment at the beginning and end of the programme
  • An essay
  • A video submission (for NHSE route students)
  • A reflective practice portfolio

Course length

This is a part-time course that is delivered over one year, predominantly on Wednesdays. All sessions are held online.

Fee

This course is funded by NHS England, so fees are not typically payable by candidates. If you work for a non-NHS employer and are interested in a self-funded place, please contact our Programme Administrator for more information.

  • NHS England route: fully funded by NHSE
  • Independent route (as of 2026): £3,800

How to apply

For NHSE-funded applications, please speak directly to your service lead.

For independent applicants, please contact our Programme Administrator at FI-Psychosis@exeter.ac.uk for further information or to request an application form.

Contact

Katrina Choi (Programme administrator)

Tel: +44 (0)1392 724644

Email: FI-Psychosis@exeter.ac.uk

Our previous students have said:

  • "It has been thought-provoking and already improved my daily practice through [the] introduction of new concepts and skills."

  • "Good mix of direct teaching and exploration and learning in small groups."

  • "Great quality from lecturers, each bringing a different, important perspective."