Tracey Wetnall

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I am an experienced psychotherapist offering psychotherapy and supervision. I bring a unique blend of expertise in the Gottman Method, Relational Life Therapy (RLT), and Narcissistic Abuse Recovery. 

I have extensive experience working with clients in or recovering from narcissistic abuse, including development of programs and initiatives with a leading charity in the North West affording me insight into trauma and resilience. I assist my supervisee’s by providing a nuanced understanding of issues surrounding narcissistic abuse, which is an incredibly important and challenging area of work, as it requires a deep understanding of both psychological dynamics and practical strategies. I assist supervises to empower their clients, navigate their relationships especially in the context of co-parenting.

Additionally in my private practice, I specialise in helping couples through the complexities of their relationships. I am skilled in guiding couples through a myriad of difficulties to foster stronger, healthier connections. Utilising both the Gottman Method and RLT, I provide collaborative, strengths-based supervision designed to foster clinical growth and competence. My approach empowers therapists to navigate the intricacies of relational therapy, and to support their clients in achieving meaningful and lasting change. By utilising my knowledge and experience I work with my supervisees to develop a strong focus on both clinical skills and the dynamics of relational therapy including but not limited to:

1. Foundational Training and Skill Development

·       Core Competencies in Couples Therapy: Ensuring supervisees have a strong grasp of core competencies in couples therapy, such as communication techniques, conflict resolution, and understanding attachment styles.

·       Assessment Skills: Training supervisees in assessing couple dynamics, including identifying the presence of personality disorders like narcissism, and understanding how these dynamics impact the relationship.

2. Specialised Knowledge on Narcissism

·       Recognising Narcissistic Traits: Helping supervisees recognise narcissistic traits in one or both partners, understanding how these traits influence the relationship and the therapy process.

·       Intervention Strategies: Teaching strategies for working with couples where one partner exhibits narcissistic behaviours, focusing on balancing the therapeutic alliance and ensuring the well-being of both partners.

3. Therapeutic Approaches and Models

·       Relational Life Therapy (RLT): Is a form of couples counselling  aiming to help partners resolve conflicts, develop personal accountability, improve communication, and foster intimacy within their relationship.

·       Gottman Method: Focuses on building relationship strengths and managing conflicts.

·       Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for Couples: Encouraging the use of CBT techniques for addressing specific dysfunctional thoughts and behaviours within the relationship.

4. Ethics and Boundaries in Couples Therapy

·       Managing Dual Relationships: Guiding supervisees on how to manage situations where their therapeutic relationship might be complicated by issues such as infidelity or power imbalances.

·       Confidentiality Issues: Discuss the importance of maintaining confidentiality, especially in situations where one partner may disclose something privately that affects the couple’s therapy.

5. Handling High-Conflict Couples

·       De-escalation Techniques: Equip supervisees with techniques for de-escalating high-conflict situations within therapy sessions, ensuring a safe and productive environment.

·       Safety Planning: In cases of emotional or physical abuse, teach supervisees on how to create safety plans and manage therapy sessions without further endangering either partner.

6. Supervision Techniques

·       Reflective Practice: Encourage supervisees to engage in reflective practice, where they regularly review and critique their sessions through self-reflection along with supervisor feedback.

·       Role-Playing: Use role-playing exercises to allow supervisees to practice and refine their techniques in real-time, with immediate feedback.

7.  Managing Transference and Countertransference

·       Recognising Transference: Help supervisees identify when transference (clients projecting feelings onto the therapist) or countertransference (therapists projecting their own feelings onto clients.

My supervision style is collaborative and strength-based, aimed at fostering clinical growth and competence. I am passionate about empowering therapists to navigate the intricacies of relational therapy and support their clients in achieving meaningful and lasting change.

I am happy to offer a free consultation to discuss how my supervision can support your professional development. If you would like further information, please feel free to reach out, and we can explore how we can work together to enhance your clinical skills and improve client outcomes. I am currently able to offer discount to training counsellors.