This is a one-day workshop suitable for counsellors, supervisors and counsellor-managers seeking to explore the dynamics of therapeutic relationship, whether with clients, colleagues or in organisations. Counselling training to certificate level is assumed, and a basic understanding of psychodynamic principles and practice will be helpful. It is part of the “Continuing Professional Development for Counselling and Supervision” programme being prepared by Ruach, and is aimed at people who already offer counselling as individuals or part of a practice.

Recommended reading material for this course may be purchased from the Ruach Therapy online shop at Amazon UK. The most useful single book from this online list is Psychodynamic Counselling In A Nutshell by Susan Howard .

What is this workshop about?

• Our internal world - the development of ‘mind’ (drawing on neuroscience and psychoanalytic theory).
• Containment & play - therapeutic dialogue and use of image, metaphor & dreams as transitional objects.
• The presenting past - therapeutic use of transference & counter-transference. Experiencing the ‘shadow of the object’.
• The holding environment - the setting, the therapist and the contract as instruments of containment.

What does this workshop offer?

An understanding of the psychodynamics of therapeutic relationship is central to any counselling practice. Whatever our theoretical or practical orientation, transference and counter-transference dynamics are always present, and affect our working alliance and therapeutic relationships.

The workshop includes discussion of theoretical principles and an exploration of psychodynamic practice. You will be given opportunities to confidentially reflect on both case studies and your work, using interactive learning in both small groups and pairs.

Workshop participants will need to be able to attend all the training sessions within the day and will receive a certificate of attendance upon completion. Please contact ruach to confirm current prices.

Refreshments - please bring your own lunch. Drinks and biscuits will be provided.

Currently planned workshop dates

The next workshop dates will be announced shortly. Please contact us by email or post if you are interested in participating in this or other future courses. Please note that by arrangement these workshops can be hosted at other venues.