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.

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Day 1

Introduction to relationship counselling and the self in practice

Aims

Understand what relationship therapy is and how it differs from individual
Consider who attends for relationship counselling and why
Understand ethical implications working with couples
Explore Self in Context
Reflexivity

Topic

Understanding of what relationship therapy is
Ethical practice – how does BACP guidelines relate to couple work (individual is client not relationship)
Difference and diversity – an introduction
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
Be able to use systemic questioning to direct couple work
Be able to create and work with a genogram

Topic

Systemic thinking – origins and general themes
Systemic questioning
Creating a genogram – to be kept through the whole course

Day 3

Theory – Intro to psychodynamic ideas

Aims

To have an understanding of psychodynamic principles in couples work
To understand couple fit and object relations
To explore projection, transferences and projective identification
To be able to use the vulnerability cycle in couples work

Topic

Psychodynamics – repression, splitting, defences etc.
Vulnerability cycle

Day 4

Attachment and managing the couple relationship in the room

Aims

Have an understanding and be able to work with attachment styles in couples counselling
Building the relationship

Topic

Attachment Theory
Holding Split agendas
Managing 2 people in the room

Day 5

Domestic violence and abuse and working with a sexual focus

Aims

Be able to identify and work with DVA and coercive control and be able to refer appropriately
Be able to work with a sexual focus
Understand the circular relationship between sexual and relational issues
Understand the difference between relational issues and sexual dysfunction

Topic

Identifying DVA (including control) and how to deal with this in the room
Safety planning
Exploring the issues couples bring with regard to sex – what are the presenting problems
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
To have explored the effects of mental health issues in relationships
Be aware of issues around diversity and managing intersectional dynamics in the couple
Be able to use active techniques in couples work

Topic

Working with affairs
Mental health issues in couples work
Diversity
Active techniques – e.g. sand tray, stones, timelines