What BCA Membership has to offer
Student membership is free: as a student on the MSc or Foundation Degree you are automatically a member. Benefits include:
A range of free monthly forums
Regular meetings and low cost conferences for CPD
Workshops
Possibility for BPC registration as a psychodynamic counsellor
Reduced subscription to the Psychodynamic Practice Journal
Opportunities to meet current and former Birkbeck students for social and professional purposes
Could you be the next Student Liaison Officer!
Join the committee, get involved, have your say…
If you’re interested contact our current Student Liaison Officer
BPC Student Membership
As students on one of the MSc courses you are eligible to join the British Psychoanalytic Council as a student member. Benefits include:
Possibility for BPC registration as a psychodynamic counsellor when you graduate.
Regular emails about upcoming events
New Associations magazine
Newsletter
Testimonials
I first joined BCA as a student member. I found it very helpful to meet other students, further on in their training. After qualifying it was a good resource to use for networking and thinking about how to progress my career as a therapist. I did a short stint on the BCA committee, which gave me a full appreciation of how dedicated committee members are. Whilst teaching on the first year of the Masters I continued to find the forums and conferences very thought provoking. I was able to also present at a few forums which contributed further to my clinical thinking.
The BCA continues to offer rich and varied spaces which further my CPD.
Jackie M
Full Member
The 'BCA' has provided me with many years of help and peer support. Mixing and getting to know members who trained in the same model, has felt comforting. I found all events mentally stimulating and these provided creative space to help me develop my own understanding and style. The seminars and lectures challenged and stretched my viewpoints and contributed to my ability to cope in client work. Overall, I have found it a confidence building experience to be a member and I am very pleased I decided to join.
Christine DC
Full Member
I have found the presentations at the Forum meetings very helpful, allowing a consolidation of my understanding of the psychodynamic/ psychoanalytic theories taught on the Birkbeck counselling courses as well as allowing people to see the variety of different settings and interests (not only clinical) that students have.
Membership of the BCA can be an enjoyable way to engage with colleagues and develop a sense of what it means to be a counsellor in different contexts.
Liz O
Full Member
My Journey with the BCA
I became a member of the BCA as soon as I discovered the association while studying - I joined as a student member. Looking back years later, I know it was the right decision.
The BCA has been an invaluable space for staying connected with former students and lecturers from the counselling and psychotherapy courses I completed at Birkbeck College. It has empowered me both personally and professionally. Working in private practice can sometimes feel isolating, and being part of the BCA has helped counter that by offering a sense of community, peer support, and opportunities for ongoing learning. It also supported my journey towards becoming a BPC-registered therapist.
Now, as Chairperson for 2024–2026, I see the BCA from a new perspective. It’s an honour to contribute to an organisation that plays such a vital role in sustaining professional relationships, promoting psychodynamic and psychoanalytic practice and theory, and fostering excellence in the field.
If you're not yet a member, I warmly encourage you to join us via our website. You’ll be welcomed into a vibrant, supportive and professional network.
Milton S
Full Member
I recently attended an event which I found helpful to both my understanding and practice. The presentation and experience of this well-known and respected speaker helped to close the gap between theory and practice and to move a step closer in developing my own personal style of psychotherapy.
Birkbeck Student
After completing my social work training in 2009 and obtaining my Diploma, I became a mature student at Birkbeck University. I became a member of the BCA in 2012, when I embarked on the foundation training. I received my BSc in CBT and Psychodynamic counselling in 2015. I had breaks following a significant bereavement and completed my MSc as a Psychodynamic Counselling therapist in 2021 at Birkbeck.
Since completing my training, the BCA has supported my need for Cpd to continue developing myself and being aware of ongoing issues and their possible impact on my clients in practice. The ongoing Cpd and regular seminars are invaluable for keeping me updated with theory and its application in practice.
The BCA has been an excellent source for reflective practice, as it allows one to think about issues such as the role of medication in counselling and Bion's theory and its practical application. It is helpful to have the space to think about topical issues and legislative changes that may impact our clients.
It has also been a stabilising experience to be with past colleagues, former lecturers, and new students. Thinking about working with Depression psychodynamically and having the BCA provide a reflective space to do so has been useful. Cpds on Assessments and Setting up Private Practice are also useful resources.
I am on a Tavistock course attached to Birkbeck, which was possible because I was helped to complete my MSC training during lockdown. I continue to attend the BCA forums, which provide an invaluable source for my professional development.
Munirah M
Full Member
BCA is an invaluable and much-needed resource
Charlotte H
Student Member
I joined BCA as their administrator in December 2020. Since I joined, I have had the pleasure to work with multiple chairs and committee members who have been genuinely enthusiastic to improve BCA and bring value to the members by organising events and conferences, aiding the continuous improvement of psychodynamic/ psychoanalytic practice.
Our members have created a community where students and graduates can network and benefit so I would encourage students and new graduates to become part of this space.
Meryem DC
As Chair of BCA during past months I have been provided fresh observation and reflection on both my Birkbeck training in the 1990s and subsequent roles within BCA. These roles provided vital means for maintaining therapeutic links with training, connection with peers and myriads of renowned speakers who come with important training extensions and opportunities to update and re-consider our learning, practice and development. This enhanced my knowledge, expertise and assisted my ongoing development personally and professionally.
Lifelong learning is a necessity but for therapists, it is more pertinent; given the nature of our work and changing, increasing mental health needs. Cpd and opportunities to network and share experiences, being inclusive and reviewing insights is an ever-increasing need.
Being a member of BCA has provided inspiration and greater insights. As Chair, I evidenced members and attendees of BCA events valuing the space. Working well together in a range of capacities has been a key strength enabling BCA to thrive.
I am convinced that the BCA can continue to be an inspirational lighthouse for its members and others who regularly attend talks and events.
In considering ongoing developments, it’s important to keep hold of what is working, what isn’t and what needs doing to assist change and improvements.