Training therapists to work with couples and relationships
This is a five-day course designed to train counsellors and psychotherapist to work with couples and relationship issues. Couples counselling often refers to a romantic relationship of any sexuality, however couples counselling is also suitable for any two people who wish to improve their relationship with each other, this can include siblings, family members, friends' or colleagues.
This a practical, experiential and theoretical course, which offers practitioners understanding and practical skills to work therapeutically with the different dynamics involved with couples’ work.
The training shall include models and theories of understanding relationships focusing specifically on couples’ issues at various life stages, attachment, historical and ongoing conflict, communication, intimacy and sex. Therapists will also be encouraged to explore contracting and boundary issues that are specific to working with multiple clients.
Day content
DAY 1: A theoretical and experiential introduction to relationship & couples counselling. This day will explore the relationship fit theory, the 3-stage model, different types of relationships and contracting issues. Mediums of learning will be through lecture, experiential exercises, skills practice and group discussion.
DAY 2: Involves an exploration of different life stages in relationships and the assumptions and expectations that couples bring to their relationships. Day 2 will also explore the issues around attachment & loss and the consequential impact this has on the couple relationship.
DAY 3: Exploration of the 'pinch crunch model'. Building on from the previous days learning, day 3 will explore the different mediums for understanding and helping couples to resolve historical conflict whilst enabling the counsellor to understand his or her role in the triad relationship. We will take a closer look at systemic theory and its application to relationships.
DAY 4: This day will enhance your ability to communicate confidently and without embarrassment to couples about their intimate relationship. Importantly this workshop will enable participants who work with couples to recognise, and explore the dynamics of primary and secondary sexual dysfunctions for both male and female clients and develop the ability to make a 'good referral' to a sex therapist/psychosexual therapist if needed.
DAY 5: This final day will explore Fishers rebuilding theory and the different dynamics of how to help a couple amicably end their relationship. This day will also explore the blocks to listening to our partners and the impact of the absence of empathy.
About the trainer:
Joan Manville has worked as both a Relate counsellor, psychosexual therapist, Relate trainer and Relate manager since 1990, and now currently works as a freelance trainer and training co-ordinator. Joan has extensive experience in working with couples and providing couples counselling training to counsellors and psychotherapists nationally.
More Information:
Venue:
Leicester (TBC)
Date & Time:
Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th March 2018
Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd April 2018
Saturday 12th May 2018
10am - 4pm (9.30am registration)
CPD Hours:
Attendance certificate of 35 hours provided
Breaks
Refreshment and lunch breaks planned – please bring your own lunch