Certificate in working with couples

Course Director: Anna Palin-Swift MA BSc ( dual honours)

Location: Online using zoom

COST: £545

About the course
This course will suit anyone who already has an understanding and experience of the counselling process and is looking to extend their knowledge and skills of working in the interesting world of couples counselling. It will build on your knowledge of counselling theory but also on the practical and theoretical aspects of working with the couple dynamic.

You will develop the skills needed to understand and work with couples and their interactions both conscious and unconscious

Course Structure

The course consists of three two day modules, delivered monthly on a Friday ad Saturday. 

Learn from home by using zoom for our training days, you will have many opportunities to partake in full group discussions, mini group work and one to one role plays throughout the course.

Aims of the Course

To provide an introductory training for people wishing to work as couple counsellors who have previous working experience and qualifications in the field of counselling.

Learning Outcomes:

After successfully completing the training students will:
• Have an understanding of aspects of psychodynamic theory, systemic theory and human sexuality, applicable to working with couples.
• Have developed additional counselling skills for working with couples.
• Have started working with couples.

Learning and Teaching Strategies:
• Theoretical input from trainers
• Experiential exercises
• Group discussion
• Skills practice

Course outline:

Module 1 explores the aims of the course and the basic principles and things to think about when beginning to work with relationships and couples. You will begin to explore systemic theory in relationship work, look at genograms as a key tool and learn about couple fit. 

Module 2 continues the exploration of Psychodynamic theory within relationship counselling with a look at object relations, attachment in adult relationships and couple collusions. You will also begin to consider couple conflict and communication. Finally you will take a look at working with affairs and the common reactions to affairs within relationships.

Module 3 will give you an opportunity to think about the issues and key areas of interest with blended families, domestic abuse and separation. You will also explore issues surrounding split agendas within couples and take a look at ethical dilemmas and how you may work in these situations.

All of our modules are designed to offer multiple opportunities for group discussions, small group work and skills practice.

January course is now fully booked

New Course Dates for 2025

Module 1 - April 11th and 12th

Module 2 - May 9th and 10th

Module 3 - June 6th and 7th