Enter the fascinating world
of couples counselling
Effective Couples Counselling
6 Day Foundation Programme
Trainer
Alex Sanderson-Shortt is an experienced counsellor and trainer who specialises in relationship therapy, Alex has an MA in Relationship Therapy and is an accredited member of NCS. Alex teaches for Relate as well as presents seminars and training on LGBTQ issues in counselling.
Delivery
This course is combines the learning of theory and practice through a mix of direct teaching delivery, group discussions and experiential exercises such as role play / skill practice sessions.
Pre Requisite
Recognised Counselling Qualification
Course Details
The course content outline is presented below. Please note the day structure may vary slightly depending on needs of attendees.

Day 1
Introduction to relationship counselling and the self in practice
Aims
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Understand what relationship therapy is and how it differs from individual
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Consider who attends for relationship counselling and why
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Understand ethical implications working with couples
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Explore Self in Context
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Reflexivity
Topic
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Understanding of what relationship therapy is
-
Ethical practice – how does BACP guidelines relate to couple work (individual is client not relationship)
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Difference and diversity – an introduction
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Reflexivity – use of self in relationship counselling and how the therapists narratives can facilitate and stand in the way of effective therapeutic processes
Day 2
Theory - Basic systemic and thinking and common factors
Aims
-
Understand systemic thinking
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Be able to use systemic questioning to direct couple work
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Be able to create and work with a genogram
Day 3
Theory – Intro to psychodynamic ideas
Aims
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To have an understanding of psychodynamic principles in couples work
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To understand couple fit and object relations
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To explore projection, transferences and projective identification
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To be able to use the vulnerability cycle in couples work
Day 4
Attachment and managing the couple relationship in the room
Aims
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Have an understanding and be able to work with attachment styles in couples counselling
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Building the relationship
Day 5
Domestic violence and abuse and working with a sexual focus
Aims
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Be able to identify and work with DVA and coercive control and be able to refer appropriately
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Be able to work with a sexual focus
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Understand the circular relationship between sexual and relational issues
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Understand the difference between relational issues and sexual dysfunction
Topic
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Identifying DVA (including control) and how to deal with this in the room
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Safety planning
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Exploring the issues couples bring with regard to sex – what are the presenting problems
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How to uncover the problems when the couples find it hard to talk about
Day 6
Working with affairs and using active techniques
Aims
-
Understanding how to work with affairs
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To have explored the effects of mental health issues in relationships
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Be aware of issues around diversity and managing intersectional dynamics in the couple
-
Be able to use active techniques in couples work
Topic
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Working with affairs
-
Mental health issues in couples work
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Diversity
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Active techniques – e.g. sand tray, stones, timelines