Working with relationships in therapy, especially when there is more than one client in the room, can be a highly complex process. Multiple lines of communication are at play and managing disclosures – particularly when one partner may be unaware of certain information – can be especially challenging.
This self-access class focuses on how we can use contracting from the outset to help manage and mitigate these complexities. We will consider how a clearly developed contract can address potential issues of communication and disclosure, providing a solid framework for smoother interactions.
Additionally, it explores the concept of consent in a therapeutic context: what consent means, how to contract around consent, what is being consented to, and how to ensure we have consent that is both fully understood and freely given.
Learning Objectives
- To review what is being contracted for in relationship and couple work
- Recognise how contracting can help manage disclosures unknown to partners
- Explore what is meant by consent.
- The session will be a mix of direct input, small group discussions and feedback
Note
These sessions are being developed as part of a wider pathway to supervision. At present, each self-access class can be purchased individually, either as professional development for those working towards supervision or as continuing professional development for existing supervisors. We will release further information about the pathway, including how the sessions fit together once the associated competencies and wider framework have been finalised.
About the Trainer
Anne Chilton
Anne is a highly experienced Psychosexual and Relationship Therapist. She has been in practice for nearly 40 years and has been a supervisor for about half of that time.
She previously ran the Diploma in Sex and Relationship Therapy for Relationships Scotland, where she was formerly the Head of Counselling. She has developed and run numerous courses and workshops on issues related to therapy and supervision.
She works both in the voluntary sector and in a private practice that is currently being run online.
She did her master’s research around confidentiality, couples, and secrets and has an active interest in the use of contracting to ethically manage the intricacies posed when seeing couples in individual sessions.
