Couples therapy is complicated and transformative. The field is both rich and confusing. Many therapists notice they feel less confident and grounded when working with couples, and may even shy away from working with them. With so many therapeutic approaches practiced, it is important to find an approach that best fits your style and frame for change.
We are starting a 3-session seminar for therapists who would like to feel more successful and impactful in couples work. In each 3 hour Zoom session, we will look at multiple leading theoretical frameworks including: Systems, RLT, Developmental, Gottman, and EFT. Using our own approaches as examples, we will demonstrate interventions using participants’ case material. Strongly influenced by the work of Esther Perel, we will also pay special attention to working with affairs and sexual dynamics.
The group is both didactic and experiential, with an emphasis on personal process and integration with whichever approach feels most congruent. Readings and videos will be available before and between sessions to encourage lively discussions.
Course Outline. All times are PST
Session 1: April 24
8:30am Coffee and Social Time (optional)
9:00 – 9:30: Introductions, Seminar goals, Response and review of pre-readings
9:30 – 10:30: Theory Overview of Differences and Similarities of EFT, Gottman, RLT (Terry Real), Developmental Model (Bader and Pearson)
10:30 – 10:45 Break
10:45 – 11:45: Best Practices for Couples work (keeping secrets, seeing partners individually, etc) with case application and enactments
11:45 – 12:15pm Conclusion and Questions
Session 2: May 22
8:30am Coffee and Social Time (optional)
9:00 – 9:30: Article review and discussion
9:30-10:30: Case Presentation with theory and application of techniques
10:30 – 10:45: Break
10:45 – 11:45: Case Presentation with theory application (this section would be where we apply the prior discussion and learning points to actual cases)
11:45 – 12:15pm Conclusion and Questions
Session 3: June 26
8:30: Coffee and Social Time (optional)
9:00 – 9:30 Article/Media review and discussion
9:30 – 10:30: Working with Affairs
10:30 – 10:45 Break
10:45 – 11:30: Working with Sexuality with Case application (this section would be where we apply the prior discussion and learning points to actual cases)
11:30- 12:15pm Conclusion and Questions
Learning Objectives
Session 1
Distinguish similarities and differences of leading couples therapy approaches.
Identify a minimum of 3 practice debates in the field.
Apply best practices to couples therapy demonstrated in enactments.
Session 2
Demonstrate techniques from an Integrative Systems Approach.
Describe techniques from RLT (Relational Life Therapy).
Name at least one aspect from each of the 3 “Phases of Couples Therapy Model”
Session 3
Summarize your own countertransference in working with affairs and sexual issues in couples.
Prescribe 2 Sexual Intimacy Exercises to be given to couples as homework.
Practice 2 Sexual Intimacy Exercises to be used in the office/Zoom room with couples.
Structure and Meeting Times
The 4th Saturday in April, May, and June from 9-12:15pm. There will be a short break mid-way and a coffee “get settled” half hour beginning at 8:30. Limited space available to promote process and connection.
Fees and Participants Registration
This Seminar is open to LMFTs, LCSWs, Psychologists, Registered Interns and Associates, and Graduate Students. This course content is aimed at intermediate level couples therapists and will be useful for beginning therapists as well.
The cost is $300 for the Seminar if you enroll before April 17 and $375 after that date.
Registration
To register for the Seminar, call or email Alison 916-712-6233 or alisonabuckley@gmail.com or Sharon at 530-304-3004 sharonthompsonwilson@gmail.com Preferred payment through Venmo. Other arrangements upon request.
For questions or concerns during or after the Seminar please email Alison at alisonbuckley@gmail.com or Sharon at sharonthompsonwilson@gmail.com.
Continuing Education
9 CEs Units are available upon satisfactory completion of the Seminar. The cost of $40 for the total CEs is paid directly to R.Cassidy after the Seminar, not to Alison or Sharon, nor at the time of Registration. https://www.academeca.com/
Satisfactory Completion
Participants must have paid tuition fee, logged in and out each day, attended the entire webinar, and completed
an evaluation to receive a certificate. Failure to log in or out will result in forfeiture of credit for the entire
course. No exceptions will be made. Partial credit is not available. Certificates will be available following
course completion at www.ceuregistration.com
Cosponsored by R. Cassidy Seminars, P.O. Box 14473, Santa Rosa, CA 95405
For complete information regarding eligibility for CEs please go to https://www.academeca.com/
Cancellation Policy
Full refunds given for withdrawal by April 17 minus a $40 processing fee. No refunds after that date.
For questions or concerns contact Sharon at 530-304-3004 or sharonthompsonwilson@gmail.com or Alison at (916) 712-6233 or alisonbuckley@gmail.com
Instructors
Alison Buckley, LMFT, Certified RLT Therapist
Alison has over 20 years working with couples and is certified in RLT (Relational Life Therapy). She has worked in the past with Ellyn Bader and Peter Pearson and their developmental model and was trained in both systems and attachment models.
Her current practice is dedicated to couples exclusively.
For further information about Alison visit her website
https://www.alisonbuckleymft.com/or more information about RLT visit terryreal.com.
Sharon Thompson Wilson, LMFT, Integrative Couples Therapist, ICEEFT Lifetime Member
Sharon has specialized in working with couples for over 35 years in Sacramento and Davis, providing therapy, case consultation, and teaching.
Her practice is grounded in the natural union of Family Systems and Humanistic Theories, while constantly evolving through the integration of emerging theories and insights from masters in the field.
From 2008 until 2016 she was in private and small group case consultation with Esther Perel.
For further information about Sharon visit http://www.sharonthompsonwilsonmft.com/
*There is no conflict of interest or commercial support for this program