This workshop focuses on managing the first couples therapy session—often the most critical. It covers how to establish a working alliance with partners who may be ambivalent, reactive, or have conflicting goals. Key strategies include assertive leadership, empathic engagement, and structured techniques like discernment counseling. Topics include assessing prior therapy, clarifying desired outcomes, and identifying the couple’s relational patterns to set the stage for effective, goal-oriented work.
An overview of a family therapy approach that emphasizes individualized treatment, full family involvement, and the use of storytelling and metaphors to support client-led solutions. Non-pharmacological strategies are favored, particularly in treating schizophrenia, with a focus on systemic change. Additional topics include working with sexually abused children and valuing clients' intelligence and resilience.
