Training therapists to work with couples and relationships
This five-day course is designed to train counsellors and psychotherapists 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.
There is 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 will include theories and models for 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.
Delegates are expected to complete the following to obtain their certificate:
- A reflective log for each day of learning.
- Participate in role play and case study scenarios to demonstrate skills.
- Produce a written piece of work demonstrating understanding of applying relevant theories to working with more than one client in the room.
- Research and produce a contract for Couples therapy.
- Read at least one book on this subject and produce a review.
Day content
Day one: A theoretical and experiential introduction to relationship and couples counselling. This day will explore the relationship fit theory, the three stage model, different types of relationships and contracting issues. Mediums of learning will be through lecture, experiential exercises, skills practice and group discussion.
Day two: An exploration of different life stages in relationships and the assumptions and expectations that couples bring to their relationships. Day two will also explore the issues around attachment & loss and the consequential impact this has on the couple relationship.
Day three: Exploration of the ‘Pinch Crunch model’. Building on from the previous days learning, day three will explore the different mediums for understanding and helping couples 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 four: 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 five: The 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 and time
- Saturday 9th & 10th March 2019
- Saturday 13th and 14th April 2019
- Saturday 11th May 2019
10:00am - 16:30pm (9.30am registration).
Cost
£550.00 + VAT (payments by instalments accepted).
Refreshment and lunch breaks planned – please bring your own lunch.
CPD Hours: attendance certificate of 35 hours provided.