Leveraging Relationship Science in Counselling for Better Mental Health Results

Individual therapists and curious couples counsellors will learn how to use relationship psycho-education to improve client long term well being.

It is well-established in the mental health field that an individual's quality of relationship with their romantic partner is one of the most influential factors in their long-term mental health, overall quality of life, and even physical health. Over the 20 years the ubiquity of social media has changed perception of relationships and lifestyle. Often this has resulted in an increasingly negative view of self. Often social media idealizes relationships without context or showing the challenges of relationships. For as much as social media creates an unrealistic perspective of individuals, it also creates an unrealistic perspective of relationships which can have negative mental health effects. Despite this, many counselors receive insufficient training in applying their knowledge of developmental paradigms to the context of romantic relationships. While counselors are often well-versed in developmental paradigms as part of their clinical training, comprehensive education on the cycle of relationships is frequently lacking.

Additionally, counselors often draw heavily on Rogerian principles as the foundation of their eclectic therapeutic modality. However, the evidence suggests that the uninformed application of individual therapy skills within a relationship therapy context is contraindicated. This highlights a significant gap in the training and practice of many counselors, with potential negative consequences for the effectiveness of relationship therapy.

This presentation aims to address these gaps by providing a summary of the cycle of relationships. The use of easily accessible relationship psychoeducation, and how to effectively apply Presence Oriented Relationship Therapy’s Relational Brain Model a neuro-developmental paradigm within a relationship context. It will also explore strategies for adapting individual therapeutic skills in a way that is appropriate and beneficial for relationship therapy, moving beyond a solely Rogerian approach. By bridging the gap between individual and relationship therapy, counselors can better support the long-term mental and physical health of their clients.

November 6, 2024 11 AM - 1 PM NZST

Register to attend the live session or to get a video replay.