Counselling Couples
Overview of course content for 'Working with Couples and Intimate Relationships'. A 6 day foundation programme for qualified counsellors.
Trainer
Imelda Hatton
Art Therapist, Psychosexual and Relationship Therapist, EMDR Practitioner, Supervisor, Trainer, PGCE, FHEA
I have worked in mental health for 40 years, initially training as a mental health nurse. I qualified in Art therapy in 2001 and then went on to gain qualifications in psychosexual and relationship therapy and supervision. I was a senior lecturer in higher education for 12 years, developing and delivering undergraduate and post graduate training on counselling and psychotherapy programmes, including the COSRT Accredited Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy programme. I have worked in the voluntary sector and in the NHS. I gained my teaching qualification in 2014. I am currently working in private practice, and I supervise a range of qualified practitioners and trainees. I teach on the THIRST learn Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy training, accredited with COSRT.
Delivery
This course 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 overall aims of the course are to build on existing skills and knowledge and gain confidence in working with couples and intimate partner relationships.
Overall objectives:
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Build on existing skills and knowledge.
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Definition and scope of working with intimate partner relationships.
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Greater understanding of theories and practices relating to intimate partner relationships.
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Participate in a range of activities.
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Gain a certificate in skills and practice
The course content outline is presented below. Please note the day structure may vary slightly depending on needs of attendees.
Day 1
Introduction to the differences in working with couples and working with individuals.
Aims
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Understand what is needed in a contract when working with an intimate partner relationship.
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Exploration of what individuals bring to a relationship.
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Working with an individual from a relationship context.
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Understand the meaning of “Relationship Fit”.
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Where do we start when working with a relationship.
Topics
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Setting boundaries in line with BACP guidelines.
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Introduction to theory
Day 2
Introduce the role of culture and its influence in relationships, genograms and working with 3 people in the room.
Aims
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To understand and practice using genograms as a therapeutic tool.
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To consider the role of culture in intimate relationships
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Experience dynamics of 3 people in the room.
Topics
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Introduce Carkhuff/Egan theory.
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Reflection on genograms.
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Interpersonal dynamics with 3 people.
Day 3
Loss, change, family systems, and pinch/crunch model when working with couples.
Aims
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To recap theories of loss and relate to relationship work.
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To understand how change affects a relationship.
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To understand family systems
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To understand the pinch/crunch model.
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To reflect on how the above theories may affect a relationship.
Topics
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Recap stages of grief including Kubler-Ross and Stroebe & Schut Dual Process Model and how they can be applied to intimate partner relationships.
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Introduce Wei Chei Chart
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Introduce Burnham’s Family Systems theory
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Introduce Crunch Points for Couples – Julia Coles
Day 4
Let’s talk about sex
Aims
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To understand sex and intimacy.
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To be able to offer an assessment and formulation
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To become familiar with sexual language.
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To be aware of personal responses and barriers.
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To research the influence of media.
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To become familiar with the terminology for primary and secondary sexual dysfunctions.
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To understand the human sexual response.
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To consider homosexual, bi-sexual, trans-sexual and transgender relationships.
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To consider alternative relationship styles and choices such as a consensual non-monogamy.
Topics
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Group reflection on talking about sex
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How to introduce sex into the counselling conversation.
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Personal reflection, limits and boundaries.
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Knowing when to refer to a psychosexual service.
Day 5
Relationship breaches, how are they defined and why do they happen? What do I when there is domestic abuse?
Aims
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To consider the definition of relationship breaches and how they might exist in relationships.
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To explore why relationship breaches happen, being alert to signs.
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To understand triangular relationships and how patterns repeat.
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To be aware of the domestic abuse policy in your organisation.
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To understand all forms of domestic abuse.
Topics
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Possible definitions of a relationship breach.
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Common reasons why relationship breaches happen.
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Personal triangular relationships.
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Personal responses to domestic abuse.
Day 6
Working with endings, incorporating the social aspects of separation and divorce, and Fishers rebuilding model.
Aims
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To reflect on personal endings.
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To consider the wider aspects when relationships end.
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To understand the complexities of moving on after a relationship ends.
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To explore if/how relationships can be repaired.
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To consider how your model of practice can integrate working with relationships and intimate partners.
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Reflections and evaluation of the course
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To help decide whether couples work is for you.
Topics
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Group reflections
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Book reviews
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Recap.