This dynamic online course equips experienced counsellors with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed when working with couples and delivering relationship counselling.
The course will run over six Sundays, 26 September to 7 November 2021, with a break between weeks three and four. Each day will run from 10 AM to 4 PM with regular breaks.
Ann Grant will present the course. She is a counsellor and clinical supervisor at Navigating Life and Clinical Lead at 1point Bolton. Ann is an experienced relationship therapist and dynamic, inspiring trainer.
Objectives
- To understand the differences in working with a couple rather than an
individual. - To understand why we choose the partners we do.
- To recognise what we bring to a relationship and why patterns repeat.
- To understand how loss, change, and family systems affect a relationship.
- To understand the importance of clear contracting and firm boundaries.
- To develop confidence in talking about sex and identify personal barriers.
- To understand what affairs are, and why they happen.
- To consider rebuilding after an affair or after a relationship ends.
The Course Outline
Week One (26 September 2021)
This session gives an experiential introduction to relationship and couples’ counselling and how it differs from individual therapy. We will look at ethics, boundaries, and contracting in couple’s work and explore relationship fit theory.
Week Two (3 October 2021)
During week two, we consider Carkhuff & Egan’s 3-stage model and explore the use of genograms as a therapeutic tool. We will also consider the assumptions and expectations that individuals take into the relationships they form, and the interpersonal dynamics involved in couple’s therapy.
Week Three (10 October 2021)
In week three, we consider the foundations of healthy relationships and further explore relationship stages and the circle of change. We will look at Burnham’s Family Systems Theory, Coles’s Pinch/Crunch model, and introduce the Wei Chei Chart.
Week Four (24 October 2021)
Week four is sex week, enhancing your ability to discuss sexual issues confidently and without embarrassment. We will discuss male and female sexual dysfunctions, equipping you to recognise and explore primary and secondary dysfunctions, including how and when to make a referral to a psychosexual specialist. We will also explore common myths associated with sexual relationships.
Week Five (31 October 2021)
This week we consider affairs and betrayals, including the impact they have on relationships and giving you essential training and practical skills to help couples recover from an affair, including a discussion of Fisher’s rebuilding theory. We will also consider the nature and impact of domestic abuse.
Week Six (7 November 2021)
Week six explores life-stage issues and considers how to help couples ending their relationship. We will delve into the dynamics involved in amicable breakups. and explore if/how failing relationships might be repaired. We will further explore communication blocks, attachment theories, supporting ‘good enough’ relationships and consider what happens when a relationship ends.
Learner Assessment
We will expect participants to complete further study between the training days, including researching:
- Contracting with couples
- Ethics and boundaries
- The theoretical approaches discussed
All participants will need to submit a brief review of a book of their choice and complete a personal reflection exercise.
Prerequisites
This is a professional development course aimed at counsellors who have at least 2-years experience working with individuals and are considering expanding their work to include couples.
Common Questions
Will this course equip me to work with couples?
Yes. This course covers the theory and skills required to enable an experienced therapist to work with couples and relationship difficulties.
Is the course accredited?
As this course is CPD rather than a Level-5 Diploma, it is not externally accredited. It does, however, provide the core training required to work with couples.
Costs
The course fee is £600, with a £250 deposit on booking. You can pay the balance in monthly instalments prior to the course starting.
