B T P P Psychotherapist Birmingham

BTPP Psychotherapist – Birmingham

About

BTPP (Birmingham Trust for Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy) is a respected training provider and charitable organisation offering psychoanalytically-informed therapy for children. Based in Birmingham, BTPP works to ensure that all children—especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds—can access professional, well-trained therapists.

Shirley Truckle founded BTPP in 1986, alongside her husband Brian. Their vision, energy, and commitment laid the foundation for what has now become a vital institution. Shirley’s passion for social justice inspired her to work for years without pay to create a training school built on care, quality, and accessibility. Today, a group of trustees oversees the organisation, making sure resources reach the professionals who need them most.

Services

BTPP offers a range of services focused on developing skilled professionals and supporting children through therapy.

• Child Psychotherapist Training
  Since gaining recognition from the Association of Child Psychotherapists in 1991, BTPP has trained more than 100 Child Psychotherapists. The training combines theoretical insight with hands-on clinical experience to prepare professionals for real-world challenges.

• Infant Observation Courses
  Our observation courses help professionals understand early emotional development. Hundreds of clinicians across the region have used these courses to deepen their practice.

• Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
  We provide seminars, workshops, and supervision opportunities to help practitioners reflect and grow. These programmes support emotional resilience and expand psychoanalytic thinking in everyday work.

• Direct Therapy for Children
  BTPP continues to offer therapy for children facing emotional difficulties. Our approach helps children explore their inner world in a safe, reflective environment.

Additional Information

At BTPP, we believe that effective therapy starts with listening. By truly understanding what children express—both verbally and non-verbally—professionals can respond with empathy and insight. This approach is grounded in psychoanalytic traditions, especially those of Klein, Bion, and Meltzer.

Although our method may seem simple, it requires careful training and support. Professionals need the ability to “read between the lines” and stay emotionally present even in challenging moments.

BTPP welcomes people from all professional backgrounds. We believe that anyone with empathy, curiosity, and a commitment to learning can develop the skills needed to support children.

For nearly four decades, BTPP has helped shape the landscape of child psychotherapy in the West Midlands. We’re proud to continue this essential work.