8 Courses in London

Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAiders®) are vital to helping boost employee wellbeing as we adjust to a completely changed workplace environment.

– a psychotherapy skills masterclass The language we use has a huge impact on others – on this practical, inspiring course you will learn how to combine solution-focused techniques and effective language skills to help relieve distress and improve outcomes, as quickly as possible… Accredited CPD Certificate : 12 hours Length 2 days (9:30am - 4:00pm) Excellent course! I’ve learnt so much and been inspired so much. Gareth has a wonderful style of delivery...MARY FLYNN This course is suitable for anyone working with adults, teens or children – the knowledge and skills you will gain have a wide range of applications in addition to therapy and counselling, including coaching, healthcare, teaching, motivation, overcoming resistance, emotional turmoil and much more. You will leave with a powerful toolkit of precisely-targeted and creative therapeutic language skills, as well as a range of effective brief therapy strategies. These can be easily tailored to any individual and used to successfully help people resolve a wide range of conditions and problems as quickly as possible. If you want to be more effective in what you do, these are core skills to have… Denise Winn previously taught this course, it is now delivered by Gareth Hughes Why take this course Language is key to everything we do – being aware of the power of language to help or do harm is essential when we’re trying to help people. Knowing how to use it well can make all the difference to a successful therapeutic outcome. Paying attention to the language we use is central to the human givens approach to therapy and counselling: our choice of words is crucial in building rapport with people, learning more about someone – their unique qualities and abilities – in listening and responding, in providing motivation and in collaborating to agree goals and strategies for the effective resolution of their problems. The careful use of language is essential for other areas of life too: at work, home, with family and friends – and this 2-day course is accessible to all. It can be taken as part of the Human Givens Diploma or as a stand-alone course. You will gain a solid foundation in the most effective brief solution-focused strategies and language skills that are essential if you want to be able to help people as quickly as possible. By distilling the essence of proven brief therapy approaches and working in tune with the givens of human nature, outcomes can be dramatically improved and suffering successfully reduced. You will also learn how any team of professional healthcare workers can safely incorporate brief therapy techniques into their work with patients suffering from depression, anxiety, panic attacks, PTSD, anger, OCD, eating disorders, addiction and relationship/marital/family problems, thereby improving outcomes and reducing suffering on an even wider scale. Good to know This course gives you essential skills that are used in the successful treatment of a wide range of conditions, such as anxiety disorders, depression, addictions, self-harm, OCD and the rewind technique for treating trauma and phobias. They are also fundamental skills to have when using guided imagery and visualisation. This course is an essential component of Part 1 of the HG Diploma. I feel very excited and energised. I can't wait to start using these techniques...OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST What will you learn The essential skills needed for successful brief therapy New information about the APET™ model – why it is so important to construct therapy that is in tune with our how brains work (our emotional reactions come first) – this speeds up therapy and explains why purely cognitive and behavioural approaches can take so long An ability to get to the root of the matter quickly by establishing which innate needs are not being met and why (the essence of effective brief therapy) Quick rapport building skills How to use the RIGAAR™ structure to improve therapy outcomes Reflective listening and reflective reframing How to use therapeutic language skills directly and indirectly to initiate change Ways to use solution-focused questioning to create a framework for change How to identify and use your client’s own life resources An understanding of why the human givens approach dramatically increases the likelihood of therapy being brief, regardless of the presenting problem A range of psychological interventions to use with common psychiatric problems: anxiety, panic attacks, depression, intrusive thoughts, relationship difficulties and so on Promoting cooperation by developing realistic and achievable goals How to identify exceptions (when the problem doesn’t occur) and get the patient to take credit for them How to generate motivation for change in your patients Separating the patient’s core identity from their problem How to minimise or overcome resistance How not to be drawn in to a client’s negative self-view Great use of case histories to illustrate the skills covered How to use the psychological laws of positive expectancy and concentrated attention An understanding of why taking this collaborative human givens stance, reduces stress and pressure on you Plenty of opportunity to consolidate what you are learning by practising the skills yourself How is the course structured? Held over two consecutive days, this skills-based practical workshop combines a blend of talks, demonstrations and exercises. Each day starts at 9.30pm and finishes at 4.00pm, with 2 breaks for networking and refreshment and 45 minutes for lunch. Course notes, refreshments and lunch are included on both days. Who is this course suitable for? You and your patients will benefit enormously from you attending these two days. If you are a counsellor, psychotherapist, clinical psychologist, mental health nurse, GP, doctor, nurse, OT, physiotherapist, youth worker, social worker, health visitor, support worker or any other caring professional, and wish to be more effective in what you do, this course gives you the perfect opportunity to discover new, subtle but highly effective skills with plenty of time to practise to help you assimilate them into your own work. Many other professions – such as educational and business professionals – also find the skills and information covered highly applicable to and beneficial for their own work. It is also suitable for anyone who is thinking of a career in this field as these are core skills needed for successful brief, solution-focused psychotherapy. This course has been independently accredited by the internationally recognised CPD Standards Office for 12 hours of CPD training. On completion of this training you’ll receive CPD certificates from the College and the CPD Standards Office.

Discover practical ways you can help using the core skills and concepts of human givens therapy – early intervention and ‘treating the whole person’ can be crucial… Accredited CPD: 6 hours Length: 1 day (9.30am - 4.00pm) Excellent trainer, very engaging, invaluable insights and knowledge This new course for HG therapists builds on the online Understanding Eating Difficulties introductory webinar. It will deepen your understanding of working with clients experiencing eating difficulties and give you practical guidance on the most appropriate ways to support them, whether they have an official diagnosis or not. You will leave the workshop with a much better understanding of how to apply the skills and concepts encompassed in human givens therapy in this area. Jo Baker has a wealth of experience in this area; she has previously worked as a volunteer for BEAT and other local eating disorder charities and helped people with eating difficulties in both private practice and university settings. NEXT DATE:  This course is part of our new range of recommended CPD for HG therapists. We don’t currently have another date for it, if you are interested in attending please register here so we can let you know when one becomes available. Why take this course The numbers of people experiencing eating difficulties are hitting an all time high – in the UK, 1.25 million people are estimated to have a diagnosable eating disorder¹ with hospital admissions more than doubling from 10,318 to 22,000 in the four years between 2016 and 2020². The early stages (or ‘subthreshold’ stages i.e. when symptoms do not meet full diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder as defined by the DSM-5 or the ICD-11) have been identified as a critical period for preventing progression of an eating disorder³. However, stigma directed towards those experiencing eating difficulties that aren’t believed to be ‘serious enough’ to warrant support⁴ can present a barrier to seeking help. With its deliberate use of non-clinical language Jo Baker’s new workshop for HG therapists considers all difficulties around eating worthy of help, understanding and support, irrespective of whether or not these difficulties have been diagnosed or meet the criteria for a diagnosable eating disorder. In this regard, the human givens approach takes a step forward towards early intervention, and treating the whole person. As well as having been a practising Human Givens therapist for 12 years, and teaching the HG Diploma, Jo has previously worked as a volunteer for BEAT and other local eating disorder charities and brings to the day a wealth of practical experience of working with eating difficulties both in private practice and in university settings. What will you learn The nuance of language – how to avoid causing unintentional distress The causes of most eating disorders and difficulties Creating space for the client’s story How to help your client identify and challenge destructive thought processes Therapeutic tools to get to the root of the problem – we look at which techniques can be useful, and what to be careful of The barriers created by clinical language and diagnostic criteria Diversity in eating difficulties – a greater understanding of the impact of cultural and contextual factors around eating How to help your client meet their needs and use their resources in a healthy way Eating difficulties and neurodiversity An increased awareness of complicating conditions – such as alcohol / substance abuse and medical conditions The important role of sleep in recovery Accessing resources and helping the individual to develop a nurturing self Ethical practice Understanding the boundaries of your role and your own limitations And more… Course Programme The ‘The Mind-Body Connection in depth: Movement, Emotion and Calm’ course starts at 9.30am and runs until 4.00pm. From 8.30am Registration (Tea and coffee served until 9.25am) 9.30am Eating difficulties: an overview 11.00am Discussion over tea/coffee 11.30am Understanding and resolving difficulties 1.00pm Lunch (included) 1.45pm Group discussion – questions from the day so far 3.00pm Discussion over tea/coffee 3.15pm Bringing it all together 4.00pm Day ends Who is this course suitable for? This course is for experienced, qualified HG therapists and counsellors who would like to understand more about eating difficulties, eating disorders and the different ways they can affect people. It is an invitation to recognise that all experiences of eating difficulties are equally valid and worthy of care and support. It is hoped that the learner develops further depth and breadth to their understanding and feels an increased confidence to support clients with eating difficulties however they present. The course combines trainer input, discussion and small group activities. All training is limited by time constraints and whilst we have done our utmost to include a diversity of perspectives there will inevitably be topics that have not been covered. This course is an invitation to recognise that all experiences of eating difficulties are equally valid and worthy of care and support. It is hoped that the learner develops further depth and breadth to their understanding and feels an increased confidence to support clients with eating difficulties however they present. This course has been independently accredited by the internationally recognised CPD Standards Office for 6 hours of CPD training. On completion of this training you’ll receive CPD certificates from the College and the CPD Standards Office.

Discover the highly effective psychological techniques that are helping people overcome all kinds of addictions and compulsive behaviours… Accredited CPD Certificate : 6 hours Length 1 day (9.30am - 4.00pm) Hugely informative - one of the best addiction training daysADDICTIONS COUNSELLOR NEXT available date: Tuesday 27th February, London – join Emily Gajewski for this popular addiction recovery training workshop – to ensure your place, book online now or call our friendly team on 01323 811690. Other dates and venues available. When combined with key insights into the addictive process and what drives it, the techniques covered on this day prove effective at helping people successfully quit a wide range of addictions. They also help to reduce withdrawal symptoms, minimise relapses and give people the best chance at effective, long-lasting recovery… What will you learn New insights into the addictive process and why people become addicted Common traps to avoid when treating addictions A range of psychological techniques for overcoming addiction How to develop a treatment plan and deepen a client’s commitment to change Ways to overcome resistance – and prevent relapses Also covered: Demonstrations – by a leading expert in addiction counselling – of the powerful skills that help to quickly break the patterns of addictive behaviour Guidance and practise in using some of these yourself How to break the cycle of shame involved in addictions, using self-compassion and generation of hope Essential motivational interviewing techniques – and how to incorporate them into the ‘cycle of change’ Up-to-date knowledge of the most useful ways to beat a wide variety of addictions – and prevent relapse Increased understanding of the addictive trance and its false promises How to use harm-reduction techniques Why the social-based model of addiction is more helpful than the disease-based model An understanding of the importance of guided imagery in overcoming addictions and substance abuse (particularly ‘counter-conditioning’ which is taught on Guided Imagery 2: additional techniques) Co-morbid conditions – the link with addiction and how to deal with them as effectively and quickly as possible A total revelation – very upliftingMENTAL HEALTH WORKER Why take this course The numbers of people affected by addictions and substance abuse continue to rise – causing immense mental, physical and financial suffering to individuals, their families and colleagues – while the resources to help are dwindling. But thankfully it is possible to help most addicts transform their lives – often in only a few sessions – as you will discover on this practical day which draws together, from various schools of solution-focused therapy, the most effective and proven techniques for treating addictions (including motivational interviewing and self compassion techniques) with essential neuroscientific insights into the addictive process to create powerful interventions. You will leave the day with renewed confidence knowing how it is possible to help most people with addictions, enabling them to transform their lives, often in a small number of sessions. The skills covered are essential to have (along with guided imagery) if you wish to improve your effectiveness when helping people quit any addiction, including: alcohol addiction, smoking, gambling addiction, shopping, social media addiction, sex, substance abuse, self-harm and eating disorders. Please note You will leave this workshop with essential information and a variety of skills that you can implement straight away. However, the key concepts and most effective ways of treating addictions, which you will see demonstrated and explained, incorporate guided imagery skills. We therefore recommend, if you aren’t proficient in these already, that you attend the Guided imagery and visualisation for therapeutic change workshop (either before or after this one). The counter-conditioning technique that you will see demonstrated and explained on ‘Stopping Addictions’, is taught in detail and practiced by workshop participants on Guided Imagery Day 2: additional techniques. ‘Stopping Addictions’ complements our online course Tackling Addiction and what you will learn on it will also be very useful if you support or work with people who self-harm. Course Programme The ‘Stopping Addictions: effective treatment and recovery’ course starts at 9.30am and runs until 4.00pm. From 8.30am Registration (Tea and coffee served until 9.25am) 9.30am How and why people develop addictions 11.00am Discussion over tea/coffee 11.30am Dealing with resistance 1.00pm Lunch (included) 1.45pm How to create the optimal environment for positive change 2.45pm Discussion over tea/coffee 3.00pm Utilising the imagination 4.00pm Day ends Who is this course suitable for? All members of the caring professions, including: psychotherapists, addiction counsellors, drug workers, youth workers, nurses and detox support specialists, doctors, sober companions and drug and alcohol workers, therapists, vocational counselors, clinical psychologists, occupational therapists, psychiatrists, cognitive behavioural therapists, teachers and education professionals, social workers, supervisors, physiotherapists, support workers and anyone wishing to improve their understanding of addictive behaviour and how to treat it. This course has been independently accredited by the internationally recognised CPD Standards Office for 6 hours of CPD training. On completion of this training you’ll receive CPD certificates from the College and the CPD Standards Office.

Dispelling several myths, this informative live online event explains why anyone can experience problems around food, the impact of eating difficulties, symptoms to look out for, the importance of early intervention, how best to help and support – and more… CPD Certificate: 4 hours Length: 9.15am – 1.30pm Increasing numbers of people have difficulties around food and eating, but miss out on help because they don’t have a clinical diagnosis – this online training event is designed to increase awareness of the importance of early intervention to provide better support and help with recovery. Time is of the essence - early support is important An estimated 1.25 million people are affected by eating disorders in the UK – but there are many, many more who may not meet diagnostic criteria or simply don’t get the help they need. Absolutely anyone can be affected by eating difficulties; all ages, all body sizes, all genders, all races, and disordered eating can take many forms. It sits on a spectrum between what might be considered ‘normal eating’ and an eating disorder and may include symptoms and behaviours of eating disorders, but at a lesser frequency or lower level of severity. Eating difficulties don’t just affect the person involved but also their families and friends too, who often feel frightened, confused, and powerless to help. The aim of this live, evidence-based, online training with Jo Baker, a highly experienced psychotherapist, is to give you a greater understanding of eating difficulties as well as eating disorders and body image. You’ll explore the signs and symptoms, and the effects they have on an individual as well as developing new skills around effective communication with someone who is struggling. It will dispel some of the myths around eating difficulties and also help you find ways of calming yourself in moments of overwhelm to ensure you can be as supportive and helpful as you’d like to be… This course is relevant to a range of disordered eating behaviours including: restrictive eating compulsive eating irregular eating inflexible eating avoiding a type of food or food group self-induced vomiting laxative, diuretic, enema misuse supplement misuse clinical eating disorders BONUS RECORDING – you will also get a recording for 2 weeks after the event to maximise your learning. Jo has a wealth of information and experience to share...LINDA HARRISON What you will learn: why early support is important how to react if you think someone is struggling around food – including what not to say and do the potential physical and psychological harm that disordered eating can cause the function of food in mental health the common myths around eating difficulties and problems with food a greater understanding of eating disorders and subclinical disordered eating behaviours – their signs and symptoms increased knowledge of the physical impact and social effects of having an eating disorder new skills around communication – how to approach the subject of eating difficulties or food avoidance why it is important not to focus on food a deeper understanding of ‘body image’ and perception and how media and society impact people’s body image and perception a greater understanding of the male experience of eating difficulties and the unique barriers men may face in accessing treatment new support and communication skills to offer help to anyone struggling with their mental health, body image and eating disorders what exercise addiction is, and its relationship to eating difficulties the impact of gym and diet culture on our mental health, body dissatisfaction and the signs and symptoms of muscle dysmorphia effective ways to look after yourself – managing stress, anxiety and worry for the household how and when to seek professional help Who is this training suitable for Parents, other family members and/or carers of people who are experiencing eating difficulties – or anyone else interested for personal reasons Anyone who works with people and needs to know how best to help when someone shares that they are struggling with food Therapists, counsellors and any other mental health and welfare professionals who want to gain a better understanding of eating difficulties, their symptoms and impact so they can support families with a member who is experiencing eating difficulties. Course Programme The ‘Understanding Eating Difficulties’ course starts at 9.15am and runs until 1.30pm. 9.15am Join the Zoom meeting 9.30am Understanding eating disorders and subclinical disordered eating behaviours 10.45am Comfort break and discussion 10.55am Understanding body image, perception and influential narratives 12.00pm Comfort break and discussion 12.10pm How to approach eating difficulties and be most helpful 1.15pm Course ends Important note This live online CPD training event is an awareness raising course, providing you with evidence-based information, facts and effective communication skills. It does not qualify you to work with eating disorders. If you are an experienced, qualified HG therapist /counsellor who would like to learn more about how we can work therapeutically with people with eating difficulties, problems around food or eating disorders – view our advanced CPD training in-person workshop: Working with Eating Difficulties

Developing a network of MHFA Champions is a key step in creating a mentally healthy workplace. The MHFA Champion one-day course will give you all the skills you need to be an MHFA Champion. This one-day course trains you as an MHFA Champion, giving you: An understanding of common mental health issues Knowledge and confidence to advocate for mental health awareness Ability to spot signs of mental ill-health Skills to support positive wellbeing 1 Introduction to MHFA and understanding mental health (3 hours 30 mins) About Mental Health First Aid About mental health and stress in the workplace Stigma and discrimination Depression Anxiety disorders Other mental health issues (eating disorders, self-harm, psychosis) Early warning signs of mental ill-health Alcohol, drugs and mental health 2 MHFA Champion in practice (3 hours 30 mins) Applying the Mental Health First Aid action plan Action 1: Approach the person, assess and assist with any crisis Suicide Action 2: Listen and communicate non-judgementally Action 3: Give support and information Action 4: Encourage the person to get appropriate professional help Action 5: Encourage other supports Recovery Building a mentally healthy workplace Action planning for using MHFA

Mental Health First Aid (MHFAider) is an internationally recognised training course that teaches people how to spot the signs and symptoms of mental ill health and provide help on a first aid basis. We don't teach people to be therapists, but we do teach people how to respond in a crisis, and how to reach out before a crisis happens. The training gives people tools to support themselves and each other, so everyone can talk about mental health and seek help when needed. As an MHFAider you will be able to: Recognise those that may be experiencing poor mental health and provide them with first-level support and early intervention Encourage a person to identify and access sources of professional help and other support Practise active listening and empathy Have a conversation with improved mental health literacy around language and stigma Discuss the role in depth, including boundaries and confidentiality Practise self-care This course is ideal for those who would like to become an MHFAider to: Gain the knowledge and skills to spot signs of people experiencing poor mental health Be confident starting a conversation and signpost a person to appropriate support Alongside the best evidence-based Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training, MHFAiders are also provided with three-year access to ongoing learning and support through the MHFAider Support App 1 Introduction to MHFAider (3 hours 30 mins) MHFA and the MHFAider role Introduction to the MHFAider Action Plan 'ALGEE' What is Mental Health? Helpful and unhelpful language Undersign our Frame of Reference, understanding how we make sense of the world Understanding stress & the Stress Container 2 Understanding Mental Health (4 hours) What influences mental health? The Mental Health Continuum What is anxiety? What is a traumatic event? Active listening and empathy What are eating disorders? What is self-harm? What is substance misuse? MHFA conversation practice 3 MHFAider in practice (4 hours) Applying ALGEE What is depression? What is suicide? What is psychosis? MHFA conversation practice 4 Next steps (3 hours) Recovery and lived experience Applying ALGEE Boundaries in the MHFAider role MHFA conversation practice Moving forward in the MHFAider role and your MHFA action plan Self-care

Mental Health First Aid England Aware is an introductory course designed to increase mental health awareness and give an understanding of how to look after wellbeing and challenge stigma. Through an interactive instructor-led live session, you will learn: What mental health is and how to challenge stigma An introduction to some common mental health issues Confidence to support someone who may be experiencing mental ill health Ways to look after your own mental health and support wellbeing Outline What is mental health? Mental Health Continuum Factors that affect mental health Stigma Stress and stress management Spotting signs of distress Mental health conditions:DepressionAnxiety disordersPsychosisEating disordersSuicideSelf-harm Recovery Take 10 Together - starting a supportive conversation Supporting mental health in the workplace Useful statistics Helpful resources