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2-Year International Distance Training Programme

This postgraduate training course is open to qualified music therapists and leads to certification in Austin Vocal Psychotherapy (AVPT) from the Music Psychotherapy Center, New York City.

Graduates receive authorisation from Dr Diane Austin to use the professional credentials AVPT (Austin Vocal Psychotherapist) and are listed on the international AVPT register, making their services visible to clients worldwide.

AVPT Training Programme

What is Austin Vocal Psychotherapy?

Austin Vocal Psychotherapy (AVPT) is a depth-oriented form of music therapy that uses:

  • Breath and natural sound

  • Vocal improvisation

  • Songs and dialogue

These methods help clients access conscious and unconscious feelings, memories, and associations, supporting both intra-psychic and interpersonal growth.

The model integrates depth psychology, trauma theory and psychodrama, and includes unique methods such as:

  • Vocal Holding Techniques©

  • Free Associative Singing©

What will you learn?

Trainees gain both theoretical understanding and experiential practice in the therapeutic use of the voice.

    Through seminars, workshops, supervision and casework, the programme covers:

    • Depth psychology, attachment theory and object relations
    • Trauma theory and resourcing
    • Vocal interventions for different client groups
    • Vocal Holding and Free Associative Singing
    • Psychodrama techniques
    • Song sharing and analysis
    • Breathing as a therapeutic tool
    • Sound and movement to connect body, mind and spirit
    • AVPT therapeutic song repertoire
    • Toning and sounding practices
    • Somatic experiencing
    • Verbal interpretation

    Programme Structure

    The programme runs over 20 months through a blend of in-person experiential weeks and online seminars.

    Time commitment

    • In-person training: 130 hours (65 hours per year)

    • Online seminars & supervision: 50 hours on Saturdays (27 hours year 1, 23 hours year 2)

    • Total contact hours: ~180

    Additional expectations:

    • 2 hours weekly reading and reflection

    • From year 2: extra 2+ hours weekly during casework (two 6-week cases)

    • Final essay during the last 6 months

    Experiential Training Weeks (Brighton, UK)

    Four in-person training weeks will take place at the Friends Meeting House, Brighton:

    • 3–8 August 2026

    • 1–6 February 2027

    • 2–7 August 2027

    • 7–12 February 2028

    Each week includes five full days of workshops and one rest day.. The training takes place at the Friends Meeting House in the historic centre of Brighton, a vibrant, diverse seaside town, 1 hour from London. For further details about the training venue click here and read more about Brighton here. 

      Additional Information

      When are the online seminars & supervisions?

      Seminars, check-ins and group supervisions take place online via Zoom on Saturdays generally between 3pm and 5.30pm GMT.

      Trainees will complete case work with 2 individuals, focusing on vocal holding and free associative singing. They will receive 1:1 and group supervision to support this process.

      Between the third and fourth experiential weeks, each trainee will need to submit an essay about one aspect of the training. This could be about a personal experience of growth, or a paper with an academic emphasis.

      How much are the tuition fees?

      Year 1: £3,900

      Year 2: £3,400

      Total: £7,300

      Following the offer of a place, a payment of £1500 will be required to secure your place and a further £1500 before the course begins. A range of payment options for the balance are possible, including a reduction of £300 if the full fees are paid upfront.

      Accommodation and food will need to be arranged independently. 

      Trainees must commit to attending to their own personal therapy during the training.

      Who are the trainers?

      The course will be taught by certified AVPT trainer Tina Warnock and trainer in training, Sarah Gummett-Hart. Dr Austin will connect with trainees remotely during the programme during some online seminars and supervision. See trainer biographies on the ‘Meet the Trainers’ page.

      How do I apply?

      Applicants need to have a master’s qualification in Music Therapy or equivalent. 

      To apply, send your CV and a letter giving your reasons for wanting to take the course via email to: austinvocalpsychotherapyuk@gmail.com (attachments can be in PDF or Word format)

      Suitable applicants will be interviewed online, and a response given in writing within 2 weeks of the interview.

      A place on the course will only be secured after the deposit has been paid. 

      There is no deadline for applications – we will close when the course is fully booked

      For further information about Diane Austin and her work, please visit www.austinvocalpsychotherapy.com