Working with Couples: An Introduction to Theory and Practice
Venues
The Working with Couples Conversion Course will run from the High Melton venue. The first intake will be in September 2008. Specific details about further dates and venues will be posted on our website as they become available. At High Melton accommodation will be available for those who wish to stay on site. This can be organised directly with Doncaster College.
Cost
£1500 for 2008 in High Melton
The course fee includes all tuition and tutorials. Clinical supervision is included with the Relate Centre placement. The fee does not include the cost of accommodation, meals, travel. Students will also be expected to purchase or borrow their own books, journals or articles.
The course
This three month course aims to provide training for practitioners wishing to work as Relate couple counsellors who have previous working experience and qualifications in the field of counselling.
After successfully completing this course 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 at a Relate Centre.
The course takes place over four two day blocks. Each day begins at 9.30 am and ends at 5 pm.
Students will also undertake a placement at a Relate Centre of 40 hours of clinical practice supervised within the placement. Of the 40 hours, 25 hours should be with both partners present in the counselling room.
Entry criteria
Prospective applicants must :
- Hold a counselling qualification at Diploma level or above.
- Have completed a minimum of 50 hours of supervised counselling practice
- Be prepared to undergo a Criminal Records Bureau check at enhanced level.
In addition, applicants are strongly advised to ensure they have adequate IT skills and access to the internet before embarking on this course
Interview criteria
Applicants will need to provide evidence of their qualifications and experience, and of a placement agreement to work in a Relate centre.
All applicants will be required to attend a selection interview at the Relate Institute before being accepted on the course.
Themes
- Systemic and Psychodynamic ideas relating to couple counselling
- Human Sexuality
- Ethical practice in an organisational setting
- An awareness of Domestic Violence and Abuse
Teaching
The course uses a variety of methods. These include theoretical input, structured skills development and practice and workshops. Because this course is a clinical course, there is a strong emphasis on practical and experiential work, including Personal and Professional Development Groups.
An essential aspect of Relate's approach to learning and teaching is the importance we place on student feedback and evaluation. We try to incorporate students' ideas whenever practicable and appropriate within the course structure and philosophy.
Assessment
Assessment will be by two written assignments, one of which will be practice based, and the other theory based. Students will also submit a Professional Portfolio.
Students are expected to attend all training events as a requirement of the course. Students are also required to adhere to the BACP Ethical Framework.
Course dates
Working with Couples (Conversion Course) September start 2008
Applications
Applications are welcome from all those who are suitably qualified, regardless of their racial or ethnic origins, their nationality or religion, their gender, their age, their economic status, their sexual orientation, or any disability or medical condition they may have.
Closing date for applications: 15 July 2008
More information and details of how to find Doncaster College in High Melton 
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Course Information and Guidance Helpline
For printed versions of course application forms
Telephone: 0800 358 7575
If after reading this page and having contacted the information telephone number above, you still have questions about the content of this course, please contact Michele Logue at michele.logue@relateinstitute.ac.uk or on 01302 553 818
