Examination procedure

Assessment of knowledge during training

The assessment of theoretical and practical knowledge acquired in this program will be done through oral or written examination, covering the course topics. It is mandatory to study the following books published by A.R.P.I.:

• Introduction to Integrative Psychotherapy – Ken Evans
• Therapeutic responses for every day – Gina Chiriac
• Integrative Therapy – 100 key points – Maria Gilbert and Vajna Orlans
• Research for psychotherapists – Ken Evans and Linda Finlay
• Reevaluated Gestalt Therapy – Paul Barber
• Becoming a psychotherapist, practitioner, researcher – Paul Barber
• Supervision in psychotherapy – Ken Evans and Maria Gilbert

A continuous assessment will be carried out through participation in the working frameworks created during the courses. Participants will be evaluated also through the application of questionnaires and through the feedback provided during personal interventions throughout the training.

Additionally, during the training, peer review activities are organized periodically. The topics in the portfolio of themes are mandatory and must be completed between two modules. They will form a portfolio necessary for the final examination of the basic training, representing a way to deepen the subjects covered and for self-evaluation and self-analysis.

Assessment at the end of Year I

The assessment at the end of the first year consists of a written theoretical exam, with topics from the modules corresponding to this year.

Assessment at the end of Year II (basic training)

At the end of the basic training, there will be a written theoretical assessment and the defense of a dissertation on a topic of choice from the curriculum, which should demonstrate:

• Modeling and personal evolution within personal development;
• The level of theoretical and practical preparation acquired during the training, through the presentation of essays, portfolios, and works completed during this period;
• Compliance with the ethical, deontological, and professional code throughout the training.

The participation file for the final examination of the basic training must contain:

• The dissertation (minimum 20,000 words);
• The complete portfolio of themes;
• Certificate of group therapy;
• Proof of the total number of credits accumulated;
• Certificate for 20 hours of individual psychotherapy conducted with an integrative psychotherapist recommended by A.R.P.I.

The final exam for completing the basic training is scheduled and held at the A.R.P.I. headquarters in Bucharest. The secretariat will notify students in advance regarding the exam date and the time frame in which the files are accepted.

The final exam consists of a written exam and an oral exam, as well as the defense of the dissertation. The final exams will be scheduled based on the date of the last training module, taking into account the necessary preparation and conception period for the dissertation.

Supervision evaluation

Supervision evaluation is conducted individually, through the presentation of case studies, articles, and publications from theoretical study and clinical practice. Continuous evaluation occurs through participation in the working frameworks carried out throughout the supervision period.

The final evaluation of the supervision process consists of presenting a paper made up of five case studies, a paper that demonstrates one's own manner of interpreting and applying the concepts of integrative psychotherapy in the relational dynamics that arise in the therapeutic process.

The integrative psychotherapist acquires the ability to accompany their patient on the path of discovering inner resources, in order to co-create a therapeutic relationship that allows the patient to achieve the goals set in the therapeutic process. Thus, the patient learns to better manage their needs, emotions, and life circumstances, improving their quality of life and finding their own way to live and reshape their future.

The Appeal Procedure

This procedure provides instructions to ARPI trainees on how they can contest the results obtained in the exams conducted during training and supervision. It is designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and respect for the rights of the trainees.

1. Who is eligible to file an appeal

Any ARPI trainee who has taken a written or oral exam has the right to contest the result obtained. The appeal can be filed when the trainee wishes to have their work re-evaluated.

2. The deadline and methods for filing an appeal

The appeal must be submitted within 5 working days from the announcement of the results. Appeals submitted after this deadline will not be considered. The appeal is submitted by email to the ARPI secretariat at the official address.

The appeal must include:

• The full name and group of the trainee
• The name of the exam and the date it was taken
• The reasons for the appeal, presented clearly and in detail

The Procedure for Reevaluation of examination papers following the submitted appeal

This procedure details the process of reevaluating the papers in the event that a trainee has submitted an appeal regarding the exam result.

The reevaluation committee will be made up of two different trainers/supervisors than those who graded the initial work, thus ensuring an objective analysis. If errors are identified in the initial evaluation, they will be corrected, and the final result will be adjusted accordingly.

The work will be reevaluated according to the established grading criteria for the respective exam.

1. Communication of the contest result

The result of the reevaluation will be communicated to the student in writing, within 3 working days from the completion of the reevaluation process. The committee's decision is final and cannot be contested. The result of the reevaluation may lead to the maintenance, increase, or decrease of the initial score.

2. Reexamination Procedure

The student may request a reexamination within 5 working days from the final decision of the contest, if they did not achieve a passing result.

Reexamination Procedure

If the result of the contest does not change the score sufficiently to pass or if the student wishes to retake the exam, a reexamination session can be organized.

The reexamination will take place either online, through a Zoom session, or at the ARPI headquarters, depending on the context. The method of organization will be communicated in due time.

The exam will be held in the presence of a committee consisting of:

• The President/Vice President of ARPI
• An ARPI supervisor
• An external examiner, representative of the Romanian College of Psychologists (CPR) and/or the European Association for Integrative Psychotherapy (EAIP)

The student will have access to the grading rubric to fully understand the evaluation criteria. The result of the re-examination will be communicated at the end of the session. This score is considered final and cannot be contested.

Specific Grading for Exam Promotion

In the field of psychotherapy, the standards for obtaining professional competencies are established by international bodies such as EAP (European Association for Psychotherapy), EAIP (European Association for Integrative Psychotherapy), APA (American Psychological Association), as well as by other European and international forums in the field. These standards are strict and higher compared to other disciplines, as mental health places a particular emphasis on clinical competencies and a deep understanding of the theories and therapeutic techniques that underlie the diagnosis and intervention of future specialists.

The passing threshold for evaluations in psychotherapy is rigorously defined to ensure that practitioners reach the necessary level of competence and professionalism.

1. The Theoretical Exam at the end of Year 1 of training:

   • Passing threshold: 75%
   • This level indicates that the ARPI student has developed a deep understanding of the theoretical foundations of psychotherapy.

2. The Theoretical Exam at the end of Year 2 of training and/or the Final Thesis Defense Exam:

   • Passing threshold: 80%
   • In the second year, the higher passing threshold reflects the increased level of competence in applying techniques, strategies, and psychotherapeutic interventions.

3. The Theoretical Exam at the end of Supervision and/or the Thesis Defense Exam at the end of Supervision:

   • Passing threshold: 90%
   • At the end of the supervision period, a very high level of competence is required, including the ability to apply knowledge autonomously and to manage the therapeutic relationship ethically and effectively.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Theoretical Knowledge: Assessments include knowledge of therapeutic models, specific techniques, psychological theories, and ethical aspects, according to the standards set by national and European accreditation bodies.
• Practical Application: The ability to apply knowledge in clinical contexts is essential and is assessed through practical sessions or case studies.
• Critical Reflection: The ability to reflect on the therapeutic process and the therapeutic relationship is evaluated.
• Professional Ethics: Understanding and applying ethical principles, according to the norms established by professional bodies.

Forms of Assessment:

• Written Examinations: Testing theoretical knowledge regarding therapeutic models and techniques, psychological theories, and ethical aspects.
• Practical Examinations: Assessing performance in simulated or real clinical situations, including through supervision and feedback.
• Portfolio and Case Studies: Presentation and analysis of case studies and personal reflections from practice and essays that reflect the journey of professional and personal development.

Reexaminations and Feedback:

• If the passing threshold is not met, opportunities for reexamination or improvement of competencies through additional practice and supervision are provided.
• Detailed feedback is essential to support the continuous development of the learner.

Maintaining a rigorous standard in the training of psychotherapists ensures that future integrative psychotherapists are prepared to provide high-quality services, adhering to the high professional competence standards imposed by national and European accreditation bodies. Thus, we ensure that those who complete the training program are ready to practice competently and responsibly in the field of integrative psychotherapy.

We understand that the training and evaluation process in psychotherapy can sometimes seem challenging, especially if you have had difficult experiences in the past with exams as often happens in each of our academic journeys. Moreover, it is possible that certain childhood traumas may have been amplified by parental demands and limiting beliefs about performance anxiety, causing us to project negative emotions onto exams in the present instead of allowing us to enjoy success.

In our training school ARPI, the entire team of trainers is here to provide you with both knowledge and skills, as well as the necessary support throughout this professional journey.

Our assessments are designed to help you develop continuously and acquire your competencies, step by step. We want you to create a solid theoretical foundation for your career as a psychotherapist, and this is achieved through a balanced and carefully guided learning process.

In case challenges or difficulties arise in the training process, especially during exam periods, we are here for you, providing support, therapy, and knowledge so that ARPI students can fulfill their dream of becoming psychotherapists who support a therapeutic process that will change lives.

The examination, appeals, and re-examination procedures are designed not as obstacles, but as opportunities for clarification and improvement. We will provide you with detailed and transparent feedback so that you clearly understand where the strengths are and what could be improved.

.

ARPi is a professional community that supports its students on their path to gaining competencies.