35 Social Sciences courses in Ashtead

– the practical skills you need Discover how to combine key new insights into the causes and symptoms of depression with a range of powerful psychological techniques to make treatment easier and more consistently effective … Accredited CPD Certificate : 6 hours Length 1 day (9.30am - 4.00pm) Practical, inspiring and full of hopeDR GINA JOHNSON, GP Why take this course Until recently depression was little understood but key new insights into its causes and symptoms have made treatment easier and more consistently effective. On this day you will learn how combining these insights with a wide range of different psychological techniques enables the majority of cases to be lifted surprisingly quickly … even severe ones. Although antidepressants can play a role in reducing symptoms, they can also be dangerous and prove hard to withdraw from – research shows that appropriate counselling is more effective at lifting even the most severe depression, with a much lower rate of relapse. The approach you will learn on this workshop is in this category and is proving very effective – 10,000s of people have already been successfully helped with the knowledge and skills you will learn on the day. I feel much more confident in my understanding of the process of depression and how to target it with helpful interventionsDANIEL COOPER What will you learn New insights into why depressed people wake up tired and unmotivated, and what to do about it Information about the links between inflammation and depression Clear, practical steps for lifting even severe depression Demonstrations of the skills that quickly break the cycle of depression, move people on and prevent relapse A profound understanding of why these work and are a big improvement on drug therapy Practice sessions in using these proven skills and techniques yourself What to do if you suspect someone may be feeling suicidal How to establish what’s not working in a person’s life and why, using a case history Techniques for tackling rigid thinking, negative expectancy and the pessimistic rumination that causes depression How to work with your clients to find effective ways they can get their innate emotional needs met well and in balance A range of additional useful tips and strategies that you can easily incorporate into your work The opportunity to watch a film of master therapist Joe Griffin working quickly and successfully with a highly depressed patient You will also have plenty of time to ask questions of the tutor, who is also a practising therapist herself… Everyone, not just the caring professions, should do this day.GENERAL PRACTITIONER Who is this course suitable for? If your life is affected by depression in any way – perhaps the staff or students you are responsible for at work present with depression, or a friend or family member is depressed – you will benefit from attending Anyone who, for whatever reason (personal or professional), would like to better understand the causes of depression and be able to offer practical help to people who are depressed If you would like to know how best to prevent relapses and help clients build long-lasting resilience against future setbacks, this workshop is for you Anyone concerned about the side effects of drug treatments for depression, who would like to know about the easy-to-learn psychotherapeutic techniques that can lift depression quickly, will benefit from attending It is essential training for counsellors, psychotherapists, social workers, occupational therapists, HR professionals and all other health and welfare professionals – since depression is now so common, it is crucial to understand it and know how to treat it quickly and effectively. Good to know This workshop complements our online course: How to break the cycle of depression. Guided imagery and visualisation and Therapeutic Language are useful skills to have for implementing the strategies taught on this workshop. Course Programme From 8.30am Registration (Tea and coffee served until 9.25am) 9.30am Understanding depression and what you can do about it 11.00am Discussion over tea/coffee 11.30am Exploring how to work with depression 1.00pm Lunch (included) 1.45pm Practice in using the HG approach 2.45pm Discussion over tea/coffee 3.00pm Guided imagery for depression 4.00pm Day ends 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.

The guided imagery and visualisation techniques you will learn on this workshop are essential for helping people successfully overcome depression, addictions, anxiety and more…. Accredited CPD Certificate : 6 hours Length 1 day (9.30am - 4.00pm) Why take this course This new workshop delves deeper into this essential therapeutic skill’s power and flexibility – you will learn a variety of guided imagery techniques that are highly effective at helping people move on from problem behaviours, reframe life circumstances, lower emotional arousal, make therapeutic lifestyle changes, increase resilience and more. Building on the skills learnt on Guided Imagery and Visualisation for therapeutic change (‘Day 1’), this second workshop focuses specifically on the techniques that allow clients to move forward from depression, overcome anxiety and combat addiction. We also look at how to introduce helpful new understandings to clients in a way that overcomes resistance. Strong emotions focus and lock attention keeping people trapped or stuck – so this hands-on training also gives you the opportunity to further develop your therapeutic abilities to help people rehearse in their imagination any desired change to their behaviours and/or feelings, which dramatically increases the likelihood of those changes taking place in ‘real life’, and then being maintained in the future. Guided imagery, as taught on Day 1 is one of the most powerful psychotherapeutic tools available to us; Day 2 will allow you to develop your ability to use it flexibly and successfully in a range of different client presentations. These are essential skills to have in your therapeutic ‘toolkit’. * Please Note: counter-conditioning was previously taught on our pre-2023 Stopping Addictions workshop. Ros has a lovely delivery style that’s very inspiring and left me with so many ideas going forward...MARY FLYNN, GUIDED IMAGERY AND VISUALISATION FOR THERAPEUTIC CHANGE What will you learn How to use the brain’s powerful internal ‘reality generator’ to enable clients to make desired change in their lives Invaluable ways to enable a client to approach situations with confidence and overcome situational anxiety Powerful ways of using this skill to help a client take the ‘first steps’ out of depression An effective technique (counter-conditioning*) which increases likelihood of success when working with clients struggling with addiction Understanding of how to use guided imagery effectively when supporting a client with behaviour change of any kind The use of metaphor within guided imagery; how to craft powerful extended metaphors which take into account a client’s individual model of reality Training and practice in using these techniques Greater confidence in working flexibly with this technique so as to respect each individual client’s model of reality Powerful ways to introduce helpful ideas to a resistant client without breaking rapport Supervised practice in specific techniques for work with a range of presentations How to use healing trance states to reframe difficult life circumstances and build hope using the client’s own resources Specific techniques that can be used to manage pain, or work with anxiety or any other strong state of distress Increased understanding of trance states and their role in everyday life A scientifically-sound knowledge of why the various techniques and skills you will gain are so valuable A range of ways to help people improve their performance – sports, public speaking etc. The opportunity to experience for yourself specific new techniques within guided imagery and visualisation Dates and venues Good to know To attend this course you need to have plenty of experience in using guided imagery and visualisation for relaxing clients or to have completed our Guided Imagery and visualisation for therapeutic change (Day 1) course. (If you are taking the HG Diploma, you will need to attend both days, as both count towards Part 1 of the Human Givens Diploma.) The additional skills you will learn on this second day are introduced on the following courses as integral to effective treatment for the conditions they cover: Stopping Addictions: effective treatment and recovery How to Lift Depression Overcoming Self-harm Please note: The counter-conditioning technique was previously taught on our ‘Stopping Addictions’ workshop. This changed from January 2023. Course Programme The ‘Guided Imagery and Visualisation Additional Techniques’ course starts at 9.30am and runs until 4.00pm. From 8.30am Registration (Tea and coffee served until 9.25am) 9.30am Reality Generator: a powerful way of rehearsing new behaviours and feelings 11.00am Discussion over tea/coffee 11.30am Introducing new, more helpful patterns and overcoming resistance 1.00pm Lunch (included) 1.45pm Working with addiction and behaviour change 2.45pm Discussion over tea/coffee 3.00pm Working with addiction and behaviour change – continued 4.00pm Day ends Who is this course suitable for? Anyone who has already attended Guided Imagery and Visualisation for Therapeutic Change (Day 1) or who has experience in using guided imagery and visualisation to induce a relaxed state in their clients Anyone, with the above skills, who wants to help people effectively and for the long-term, particularly those working in mental and physical healthcare, or with addictions or self harm Psychotherapists, counsellors and mental health workers (who also have the above skills) who work with a wide range of conditions and would like to ensure long-term behaviour change Trained hypnotherapists looking to add these techniques to their existing skillset. 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.

This practical workshop covers the unique challenges of working with complex trauma cases and gives you clear guidance on the most effective ways to help Accredited CPD: 6 hours Length: 1 day (9.30am - 4.00pm) Absolutely jam-packed with techniques/information and resources. Ros is superlative. A calm, confident and articulate trainer...J YAP, THERAPIST Why take this course Clients suffering from Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) or who have experienced trauma in a shutdown or dissociative state, can present unique challenges to practitioners working with them – but with the right knowledge and skills we can help sufferers move forward in their lives. In this hands-on, experiential workshop you will learn more about what makes trauma ‘complex’, why shutdown or dissociation are often experienced by sufferers, and how to best work with such presentations using the Human Givens framework of understanding. You will also have the chance to collaborate with other experienced practitioners and clinicians during exercises designed to further your understanding, add to your existing skillsets, and bring wider context to an often-misunderstood area of work. During this intensive day of live, in-person training, experienced psychotherapist Ros Townsend will introduce you to a framework within which you can set your understanding of complex trauma presentations and discover the opportunities that we have to help clients move forward from their difficulties. You will learn more about the neurobiology of the automatic survival options that we have available to us, especially dissociative and ‘shutdown’ states, and leave with an understanding of how to use this knowledge to inform your work, giving you greater confidence to work creatively and flexibly with such presentations. From understanding the symptoms that are now recognised as distinguishing C-PTSD, to adapting existing HG techniques and strategies and introducing new tools and skills, this course will explore how we, as clinicians, can approach such complex presentations without getting lost in the complexity ourselves. Using case histories and discussion you will have the chance to understand more about the unique challenges that such work presents and to leave feeling more confident in your ability as a therapist to work effectively and contextually with these. Such a thought-provoking and informative day. Complex PTSD is a real buzz word at present, this took the mystery out of it in a clear and understandable way – highly recommend...MELISSA DERRICOURT What will you learn What Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) is What other symptoms a client may present with in addition to those meeting the criteria for ‘classic’ PTSD How to effectively work with these within the Human Givens framework of understanding Vital tools for psycho-education – both adding to your own understanding and to pass on to clients Why individuals enter into a dissociative or ‘shutdown’ state The difference between ‘freeze’ and ‘shutdown’ Why anger can present when an individual comes out of a ‘shutdown’ state How to help a client deal effectively with anger if it does arise The crucial role of the pattern-matching processes in the brain in post-traumatic stress symptoms – and how the kinds of templates stored can subtly differ in more complex trauma How to adapt existing techniques – such as rewind and deconditioning molar memories – to work creatively with such presentations The Dos and Don’ts when working with Guided Imagery in complex presentations How to refine your Guided Imagery skillset to powerfully benefit clients who have experienced trauma in a shutdown state Why any work that we do must be informed by the innate ability we all have to recover from trauma How to avoid negatively reframing trauma and making symptoms worse The most effective ways to help clients towards recovery and post-traumatic growth Under careful guidance from the tutor, you will: Explore and discuss the different survival options available to us as humans in traumatic situations Learn more about the neurobiology of these states – including our passive survival responses Develop a new framework of understanding within which to set your work with all kinds of trauma Understand more about why ‘shutdown’ or ‘dissociation’ are often associated with complex presentations Understand why addictions and self-harming behaviours are often a part of the picture Work collaboratively with peers and colleagues to extend and develop your own skillsets and knowledge Explore how guided imagery can be adapted and used to most powerfully benefit clients suffering in this way You will leave with: The confidence to work creatively and flexibly with a wider range of presentations A clear understanding of a framework within which you can work and continue to develop and adapt your tools and skillsets An appreciation of the importance of taking your time with such work and proceeding at a pace right for each individual client An understanding of how to support clients in moving forward from the use of faulty coping strategies – such as addiction and self-harm Greater confidence in creating metaphors that work powerfully for clients An understanding of how helping a client to meet their emotional needs is particularly key to recovery in the most complex cases Throughout the day there will be plenty of opportunity for you to ask questions and to engage in collaborative work and discussion with the tutor and with experienced colleagues and practitioners. Important note Working with Complex PTSD requires specific skills and experience and thus is only suitable for practitioners either already working in this area and looking to extend their skillset or those who are already practicing as therapists and wish to begin working in this area. If you are an experienced practitioner from another modality, we recommend you familiarise yourself a little with the HG approach before you attend, see: About HG therapy, benefits of the approach, and what is RIGAAR. Who is this course suitable for? Any qualified therapist working with distressed or traumatised people. In order to take full benefit from the course, you will ideally have already taken our Guided Imagery and Visualisation for therapeutic change and Rewind Technique workshops. NB If you are an experienced practitioner from another modality, we recommend you familiarise yourself a little with the HG approach before you attend, see: About HG therapy, benefits of the approach, and what is RIGAAR. Any qualified practitioner in the field of psychiatry, psychology, psychotherapy or counselling can attend; again you would benefit most by having previously attended our Guided Imagery and Visualisation and Rewind Technique workshops and familiarising yourself a little with the HG approach to therapy. Course Programme This intense 1-day training proceeds through a blend of talks, skill-developing exercises, discussions and deconstruction of real-life case-studies. There is also plenty of opportunity for networking and discussion during the breaks. The training runs from 9.30am–4.00pm. From 8.30am Registration (Tea and coffee served until 9.25am) 9.30am What is complex trauma? A framework for understanding 11.00am Discussion over tea/coffee 11.30am Adapting our toolkit: working creatively with complex presentations 1.00pm Lunch (included) 1.45pm Self-efficacy: supporting a client to become an active agent in life 2.45pm Discussion over tea/coffee 3.00pm Reframing: adding context in complex cases 3.30pm Serving clients well 4.00pm Day ends 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.

– in yourself and others Research shows that exercising self-compassion creates more resilience against stress, greater ability to focus, increases happiness and optimism, improves relationships and more. This live online course explains why and gives you a range of effective techniques you can use straight away…  Accredited CPD Certificate: 6 hours Length: 1 day (9.15am - 4.00pm BST) Absolutely brilliant live workshop from beginning to end!CARMEL AUSTIN Many people struggle with showing themselves compassion – they may be highly critical of themselves, or wracked with feelings of shame, self-doubt or self-worth – but with the right approach it is possible to help them develop this key component of recovery and wellbeing. This new online self-compassion course provides you with all you need to know to bring self-compassion into your practice, your personal life and the lives of others – with plenty of time to try out the techniques for yourself. Join our expert tutor Julie Johnson live online on Tuesday 4th June 2024 for this helpful CPD training delivered via Zoom. When you book, we’ll email your booking confirmation – your link for joining the Zoom workshop will be sent the day before the event – numbers are limited so book soon to ensure your place. BONUS RECORDING – the training is recorded, in case anyone experiences technical difficulties, so you’ll also get a recording afterwards for a limited time to maximise your learning. Why take this course Being compassionate towards ourselves when things go wrong, or we are struggling to cope, is not self-pity – it is an essential skill that can be learnt and developed, giving people the strength to move forward. When things don’t go our way or we feel we can’t cope – or something bad has happened to us – we may feel ashamed or blame ourselves for not being good enough, capable enough, strong enough and so on. This negative self-criticism can be highly damaging and hold us back. It is far more empowering to turn towards ourselves with compassion (which is what self-compassion literally means). Helping people to find the best ways to draw out their self-compassion is a skill that needs to be learned. Different from empathy (the ability to appreciate what another person is experiencing) and from self-pity (which is self-focused, exaggerates personal suffering and is disempowering and draining), self-compassion enhances resilience, allowing us to recognise our personal failings while appreciating that we are all human and make mistakes – thus helping us to move on past them. Learning how to use self-compassion from a human givens perspective makes it an extra-valuable tool for supporting our clients in getting their innate needs met and making best use of their innate resources. It may also help you in your own life. This indepth 1-day live online self-compassion experiential training day shows you how. A wonderful online learning experience, jam-packed full of useful teaching and loads of references to resources for further self study and development...KARSTEN ALVA-JORGENSEN, EXECUTIVE COACH What will you learn What self-compassion is and isn’t Research findings that demonstrate the positive effects on the body and mind of exercising self-compassion Why some people find self-compassion difficult The roots of self-compassion A new empowering perspective on making mistakes How practising self-compassion helps our ability to problem solve An important adjunctive tool for working with harsh self-criticism, trauma, emotional pain; bereavement, loss, change, and chronic-conditions Why self-compassion increases resilience Simple techniques for self-soothing and self-care How to apply these new understandings in therapy The especial value of using these techniques with parents and children How to bring these technique seamlessly into everyday life Ways that self-compassion helps with meeting emotional needs The impact of self-compassionate practice on organisations How self-compassion can help children become happier and kinder Why compassion for oneself enhances sense of status Ways that exercising self-compassion lowers emotional arousal and unhelpful thinking How self-compassion differs from both compassion and empathy The dangers of too much self-compassion How self-compassion helps focus the imagination positively Creative applications of self-compassion How self-compassion maps onto every human need and innate emotional resource, making it an essential tool in every HG practitioner’s toolbox Practical examples and case histories to learn from Who is this course suitable for? Anyone interested for personal or professional reasons Including anyone working as a practitioner helping those in mental distress or with chronic physical conditions Anyone interested in skills to help promote their own wellbeing and that of others Anyone working or living with children, or young and older people Anyone working with parents Anyone working within a caring context, such as carers, teachers, NHS workers, foster carers, social workers etc Therapists, counsellors and mental health professionals Course Programme The ‘Developing Self-Compassion’ live online training day starts at 9.15am and runs until 4.00pm. (BST). 9.15am Join the Zoom meeting 9.00am Introduction to self-compassion 11.00am Comfort break and discussion 11.30am Unpacking self-compassion 1.00pm Lunch break 1.45pm Self-compassion skills 2.45pm Comfort break and discussion 3.00pm Pulling it all together 4.00pm End days 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.

Every relationship has its ups and downs, but sometimes these become too difficult for a couple to manage on their own… Accredited CPD Certificate: 6 hours Length: 1 day (9.15am–4.00pm GMT) Probably the best couples therapy training course I have ever attended. Very full, hugely informative contentWELLBEING OFFICER, SOLENT MIND Live training delivered online – Attend Jennifer Broadley’s online training masterclass live online on Tuesday 21st May 24 via Zoom. The content covered is the same as her attended workshop with a few modifications to some of the exercises, and you will have plenty of opportunities to ask questions. All you need is a quiet place to watch, a computer or tablet and a strong internet signal, the rest is easy – simply book your place as normal, and we will email you details of how to join the Zoom workshop. BONUS RECORDING – the training is recorded, in case anyone experiences technical difficulties on the day, so you will also get a recording for a limited time afterwards to maximise your learning. Why take this course Relationship issues are one of the most common causes of emotional distress – and often the reason people seek help. A solid understanding of why difficulties arise, and what can be done about them, is extremely useful therefore for all caring professionals, not just those working with couples. Drawing on pioneering research, Jennifer Broadley’s one-day couples counselling course gives you this important knowledge, along with a range of strategies and proven tips for working effectively and ethically with more than one client. She shares the practical guidelines and skills she has acquired over many years of successfully helping couples using the human givens approach to build and maintain supportive and mutually rewarding relationships. Presented without psychobabble, and making good use of insightful case histories, Jennifer demystifies an area of counselling that many find daunting or fear is complicated. The day covers: the most effective ways to help and build rapport with couples in conflicted relationships; the sex differences in processing emotions; non-blame talking styles; the long-term impact of parenting; past conditioning, including psychological traumas, that can give clues about why difficulties arose; and what we can learn from the way successful couples facilitate mutual needs satisfaction. Well worth attending – and the money. I'm going back refreshed and well resourced, with lots of new skills and strategies to try.PSYCHOTHERAPIST What will you learn Essential skills for building and maintaining rapport with two emotionally-aroused people Ways to encourage both partners to engage in solving their difficulties How to teach non-blaming communication skills and explain the differences in male and female behaviour to clients What to do if one or even both parties are having an affair How to deal with issues specific to couple counselling, such as confidentiality The key points you need to bear in mind when working with more than one client at a time How to structure effective therapy sessions and goal setting with two people Effective ways to help each partner begin to cooperate in helping the other get their emotional needs met The key ingredients for a healthy and mutually rewarding relationship An insight into the many common relationship problems – and how to help clients overcome them (illustrated with case histories) Tips and techniques for staying objective and empathetic, whilst calming your clients’ high emotional arousal How to recognise and interrupt disruptive behaviour patterns How to use Solution Focused Questioning to initiate change How to manage setbacks and keep the partners motivated How to tell when the relationship isn’t the problem – and what to do about it How to use Guided Imagery with two people Information regarding the latest research into effective couples therapy How early life experiences can influence our relationships, and what to do about this now Creative ways to develop effective interventions, including using tasks and metaphor Asperger’s syndrome – how to work with couples if one or both show Asperger traits, a common cause of relationship problems Considering the wider picture, including other family members Course notes, Accredited CPD Certificate and more… Course Programme The ‘Couples therapy – a practical masterclass’ counselling course starts at 9.15am and runs until 4.00pm. (GMT). 9.15am Join the Zoom meeting 9.30am What predicts relationship stability and fulfilment? 11.00am Comfort break and discussion 11.30am Building empathy, how to use RIGAAR™ 1.00pm Lunch break 1.45pm Structuring therapeutic interventions, establishing goals, and moving forward 2.45pm Comfort break and discussion 3.00pm Valuing the bigger context 4.00pm Day ends Who is this course suitable for? Anyone considering working therapeutically with couples Psychotherapists and counsellors already working with couples who would like additional insights, tools and strategies to use Anyone involved in mental health or whose work involves dealing with couples or families, including: social workers, psychologists, teachers, GPs and health visitors Anyone who is interested in learning solution focused, brief therapy interventions, working from the human givens approach, to facilitate a rapid process of change for couples in distress Anyone wanting to overcome their own insecurity in a relationship or to learn more about the myriad dynamics that come into play in relationships will benefit from the information given on this course. Please Note This course is not a substitute for therapy.

A masterclass in devising therapeutic metaphors This inspiring online training day gives you powerful, non-intrusive ways to help distressed young people – and others – overcome difficulties in their lives – the skills you will learn can also be used with adults Accredited CPD: 6 hours Length: 1 day (9.15am - 4.00pm GMT) LIVE ONLINE – Join Pamela Woodford live online on Tuesday 18th June 2024 for this enjoyable, experiential CPD accredited training day – you will have plenty of opportunities to ask questions, take part in exercises to practice the steps involved, come up with pertinent metaphors and create your own story. Limited numbers. BONUS RECORDING – you will also get a recording of the tutor sessions for a limited time afterwards to maximise your learning. >> If you can’t make this date please register your interest below and we’ll let you know as soon as a new date is available. Fantastic online training, engaging and thought-provoking throughout. The confidence Pamela has given me will impact positively on my everyday practice, I am truly inspired...PSYCHOTHERAPIST Why take this course Children’s natural affinity with stories gives us an incredibly powerful, non-directive way to help emotionally distressed and abused young people, who can sometimes be hard to reach in any other way. On this practical live training event you will learn how to tap into your own metaphorical brain to create therapeutic stories and metaphors ‘in the moment’ that are appropriate to each individual’s circumstances and experiences. Throughout the day Pamela – a master storyteller and highly experienced psychotherapist – draws on her own case histories, metaphor and story examples as she guides you through the steps involved in ‘thinking on your feet’ and creating a story yourself in the moment. By the end of the day you will have lots of new, innovative ways to engage with and help distressed children deal with the experiences they have had – whilst also offering them hope, understanding, and new ways of thinking and feeling about life and themselves. Indeed, you may well be surprised at how quickly positive psychological changes occur as a result of the stories you will create and tell ‘in the moment’. Stories also play a crucial role in child development – through the ways the different characters think, act and overcome difficulties, children gain important templates for understanding the world and dealing with the challenges and situations they will meet in life – both now and in the future. They are a wonderful way to help build resilience. Storytelling and the careful use of therapeutic metaphor are crucial elements of successful counselling and psychotherapy – they help bypass assumptions and rigid thinking to offer a new, broader way of looking at things, awaken innate resources and offer crucial hope – just what struggling children need… Wonderful, interactive online course. Pamela is a joy to listen to – I learnt so muchCOUNSELLOR What will you learn A clear understanding of how to address emotional issues in children Simple ways to calm and relax children – “it’s the way you tell ‘em” Tips for igniting your own imagination and creativity How to ‘think metaphor’ to find the right one for each situation A step-by-step guide to creating your own stories – the 6 steps for creating short stories with metaphors specifically tailored to quickly bring about positive psychological changes in children and young people Breathing life into inanimate objects and taking inspiration from nature – how to tune into your metaphorical mind Valuable experience in creating your own therapeutic story from scratch How to use your stories and metaphors The importance of paying attention to the words children use when telling you something Case histories which illustrate the effectiveness and flexibility of stories – and show why they are such powerful therapeutic tools, even with difficult cases How to find your own metaphors and connect them emotionally to distressing situations Using embedded suggestions in stories – exercise Different ways to use therapeutic stories, such as those in Pamela’s acclaimed Brighter Little Minds series, to develop emotional literacy The importance of incorporating all of our senses How to adapt stories to use with adolescents and adults Tips for thinking creatively ‘on your feet’ to come up with suitable metaphors and ideas there and then in the moment Flexible skills that can easily be adapted to working with adults Why subtly entwining a child’s interests into a story makes its impact stronger How to introduce a story or therapeutic metaphor naturally into your conversation Feedback on the story you create and time to ask questions of the tutor – a highly experienced and creative psychotherapist who has spent decades working therapeutically with distressed children and young people A greater appreciation of the subtle power of metaphor, imagination and embedded suggestions and how to use them to help the young people you care for Increased confidence in creating and telling therapeutic stories yourself A variety of story examples and ‘scripts’ Lots of new ideas from Pamela Woodford’s ‘treasure chest of healing spells’ to spark your own creativity Tips for improving your own storytelling abilities Such a helpful live online training day – the use of metaphor via story form is a powerful toolHEAD OF BEHAVIOUR SUPPORT SERVICE – EDUCATION Course Programme The ‘How to create healing stories for distressed children’ live online workshop starts at 9.15am and runs until 4.00pm. (GMT). 9.15am Join the Zoom meeting 9.30am What can go wrong for children? How stories can help 11.00am Comfort break and discussion 11.10am Using metaphor, relaxation, imagination and embedded suggestions 1.00pm Lunch break 1.40pm Setting the scene and creating the story 3.10pm Comfort break and discussion 3.20pm Sharing the stories you have created 4.00pm Day ends Who is this course suitable for? Anyone working with emotionally distressed children or young people, including: Psychotherapists, therapists and counsellors Teachers and educational professionals Childcare and healthcare professionals (and students) Foster carers Adoptive parents – and perspective adoptive parents Social workers Parents and carers Interested friends or family who wish to help a young person they know And anyone who would like to attend for personal reasons 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.

Help with chronic pain – learn the powerful psychological and behavioural techniques that alleviate persistent pain and accelerate healing with pain specialist Dr Grahame Brown Accredited CPD Certificate: 6 hours Length: 1 day (9.30am - 4.00pm GMT) Fantastic to have the opportunity to train with this specialist. Thoroughly enjoyed this online course – the best I have attended...CLINCIAL HYPNOTHERAPIST Live online training – Join Dr Grahame Brown on Wednesday 24th April 2024 for this practical live online training event via Zoom, you will have plenty of opportunities to ask questions. Simply book your place and we will email you the Zoom link the day before the event. BONUS RECORDING – the training is recorded, in case anyone experiences technical difficulties on the day, so you will also get a recording for a limited time afterwards to maximise your learning. Can’t make this date?  Register your interest and we’ll let you know when there’s another. Why you should attend Pain is endemic in our society and whatever the cause – back pain, migraine, arthritic pain, dental pain, irritable bowel (IBS), labour/menstrual pain, cancer pain, psychogenic pain, psychosomatic pain – it can be incapacitating. Chronic pain is any pain which lasts for more than three months and it is estimated that between 25–40% of our population suffer from persistent or chronic pain. The sociological and economic costs of this are enormous but it is in the personal human suffering involved – mental as well as physical – that the real costs should be measured. Many are desperate for effective help to relieve their pain and the associated effects, such as insomnia and depression. This online workshop – with leading pain and musculoskeletal medicine consultant Dr Grahame Brown – gives you important new information about how we experience pain – derived from the latest neuroscience – and a powerful range of psychological techniques for managing pain naturally, preventing it from escalating and speeding up healing. You will discover how people can be helped out of the vicious cycle of chronic pain and how, by working holistically through the bio-psycho-social model, suffering can be dramatically reduced. You don’t need to have any prior medical knowledge to learn from and enjoy the day – you will leave with a much clearer understanding of what is going on in the mind/body system, what you can do to reduce suffering when pain persists and ways to prevent chronic ongoing pain from developing. It is a key event if you work with people suffering from pain at any stage (from recent onset, recurrent to persistent) or if you would like to find out how to successfully manage pain without medication. You will learn a wide variety of pain management techniques, which can easily be integrated into your work, to help relieve pain and promote recovery – often in just one session. Dr Grahame Brown has a real gift for helping people heal themselves – I know: I’m one of them!CHRISTOPHER BUCKLEY, PROFESSOR OF RHEUMATOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM What will you learn An increased understanding of how we perceive pain (from the latest neuroscientific research) and what is happening in the mind/body system A road map for helping people out of the vicious cycle of chronic pain, or to stop it developing in the first place The confidence and skills to help patients suffering from persistent pain of whatever cause – no need to feel ‘heart-sink’ with some patients anymore An understanding of what is going on when pain persists – and what you can do about it How to reduce the risk of chronic pain developing – prevention is better than cure – and identify the factors that make it likely A range of psychological chronic pain management techniques to use with your patients or yourself The importance of the bio-psycho-social model in reducing pain and accelerating healing How to produce significant pain relief by changing the way people think about their pain – in minutes An understanding of the value of pain displacement and how to use the brain’s ‘reality simulator’ What the latest neuroscience tell us about the experience of pain How to use guided imagery, relaxation and distraction to promote chronic pain relief How to deal with constant pain and promote healing How healthcare professionals can make their consultations more therapeutic How to avoid labelling patients’ pain as ‘purely psychological’ The many myths about pain – and why some well-intentioned pain management techniques don’t work and more… No prior medical knowledge is needed for you to benefit from the day. Course Programme The ‘Effective Pain Management’ live online course starts at 9.15am and runs until 4.00pm. (GMT). 9.15am Join the Zoom meeting 9.30am Understanding pain 11.00am Comfort break and discussion 11.30am Assessing a person with persistent pain 1.00pm Lunch break 1.45pm Psychological & Behavioural treatment interventions 2.45pm Comfort break and discussion 3.00pm Practical demonstration of interventions 4.00pm Day ends Who is this course suitable for? This course is designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of health care professionals of any discipline who work on a regular or occasional basis with people in pain to improve outcomes, including: • doctors • surgeons • nurses • dentists • neurologists • osteopaths • chiropractors • palliative care workers • psychiatrists • midwives • physiotherapists • occupational therapists • psychologists • health visitors • support/care workers • psychotherapists • counsellors – it is perfect CPD If you personally experience persistent pain then you will gain much from the workshop but please be aware the programme is not designed to be a treatment day and the tutor will be unable to give opinions to individuals with pain problems unless (with consent) their problem can be discussed for the benefit of all participants Anyone who would like to understand more about their own experience of pain, or that of someone they care for, and what can be done to manage ongoing pain and alleviate suffering This course has been independently assessed 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.

Essential trauma awareness training on the causes, symptoms and best ways to treat PTSD Join our expert tutor live online to deepen your understanding of trauma and our responses to it – recovery is possible… Accredited CPD Certificate: 6 hours Length: 1 day (9.15am - 4.00pm GMT) Excellent online trauma course! I've worked with complex trauma for over 5 years and there was still plenty for me to take away...KAT MARLOW, PSYCHOTHERAPIST Why do some people become traumatised and others not? What makes an event traumatic? Why are the symptoms of trauma so many and varied? What happens if someone freezes – or experiences a shutdown or dissociative response – during a traumatic event? Live Online Training – Join Ros Townsend on Tues 16th April 2024 to find out the answers to these questions, and many more… You’ll also have time to ask your own questions and benefit from the group discussions. Once you’ve booked you’ll receive emailed confirmation – you’ll get your Zoom link the day before the event. Limited numbers – book soon to ensure your place. BONUS RECORDING – the training is recorded, in case anyone experiences technical difficulties on the day, so you will also get a recording for a limited time afterwards to maximise your learning. This inspiring and helpful online course with Ros Townsend, a highly experienced psychotherapist and trainer who specialises in treating trauma, will give you a thorough, clear understanding of how and why we can be impacted by traumatic events, what is happening in our brains, what causes post-traumatic stress (PTS) symptoms, why we respond in different ways (fight, flight, freeze or shutdown/dissociation), how to help someone who is suffering, when to seek professional help – and more. Why take this course Suffering from trauma, whether from a single incident or multiple events spread over the course of many years, can have a significantly detrimental impact on a person’s mental and physical health, and their quality of life. It can also greatly affect the lives of those around them. Since the Covid-19 Pandemic, more people than usual have experienced extremely stressful, distressing and/or frightening events, and many are finding that it has left them with symptoms of post-traumatic stress which can, in themselves, be very frightening. Recovery is possible – understanding is key Understanding what causes PTSD symptoms, how our brains and bodies react to distressing events and what makes us vulnerable to becoming traumatised, are all key to successful recovery. This knowledge creates a firm foundation on which to build successful coping strategies and clarifies what needs to happen to enable successful self-help and recovery. During the day you will also gain a clear understanding of how to spot the ‘early warning signs’ of trauma, before they go on to affect further areas of someone’s life, which red-flag signs indicate that it is time to seek professional help, and how trauma specialists are able to help people recover, from even the most difficult times, effectively – and lots more. Jam-packed full of essential information and important insights, real-life case studies and tips, this trauma course clarifies the different ways trauma can impact on people, leaving you better equipped to help support recovery and build resilience. It is an essential course for anyone who works with distressed people or who wishes to support someone they care for in their recovery from trauma, or for those simply wishing to better understand what they, or someone they care for, are experiencing. You will have plenty of time to ask questions throughout the day as the course is designed as a balance between structured learning, group discussion and activities (it is a live, expanded version of our shorter online course: Understanding Trauma). Ros is a brilliant teacher and presenter. She made the whole course interesting, engaging and informative as well as very supportive. She was also very patient with all our questions!GEMMA ROGERS, COUNSELLOR/COACH What you will learn A clear understanding of what trauma is – and the different survival responses we have evolved to help us deal with it What happens in our brains when we experience a traumatic event Why some people are affected by traumatic events, but not others What makes something ‘a trauma’ What symptoms may indicate that someone has been traumatised Why post-traumatic stress (PTS) occurs and the many different ways it can present The physical and psychological causes of post traumatic stress symptoms such as flash backs, hypervigilance, anger, poor sleep, poor memory, physical pain, difficulty thinking, digestive problems, low mood, apparent over-reaction to non-threatening situations Why PTS symptoms can develop years after a traumatic event The fight, flight and freeze response – its impact on our brain and body, and why it can be triggered inappropriately Why experiencing trauma in a passive survival state – such as freeze, shutdown or a dissociative state – can affect an individual particularly deeply How high emotional arousal impacts on our ability to think clearly Why our brains evolved this way Why some people experience trauma in a passive survival state such as freeze, shutdown or a dissociative state – and why we shouldn’t feel ashamed or guilty if we do The double whammy that comes with the ‘freeze’ response Why some sufferers experience ‘shutdown’ or dissociation as a result of trauma – and how this can lead to feelings of shame or guilt Why anger and other strong emotions can follow when someone comes out of a shutdown state during recovery from trauma How traumatic memories can stay ‘live’, keeping us on constant alert for danger ‘The straw that broke the camel’s back’: why one seemingly small event can tip someone into PTSD after years of exposure to other distressing events The importance of pattern-matching in understanding how our brains work Why post-traumatic stress triggers seemingly inappropriately extreme fear reactions The far-reaching impacts of unresolved trauma, including the development of co-morbid conditions and unhelpful coping strategies, such as addictions How unresolved trauma can lead to depression – the trauma / depression cycle Differences when treating single incident trauma, multiple trauma or ‘complex trauma’ When to seek professional help – spotting the ‘red-flag’ signs that you, or someone you care for, might need further support Where to find effective professional help An understanding of how the rewind technique works; its many advantages and applications The common elements of all effective treatments for post traumatic stress (PTSD) How we need to adapt traditional approaches to treating trauma for those experiencing shutdown or dissociative symptoms in the present Working holistically from the human givens approach The natural way we recover from distressing events What we all need as human beings to live emotionally healthy lives How to best employ self-help strategies to support your own recovery or to help others’ suffering from the effects of trauma How to build resilience and recover from symptoms How to access the ‘recovery zone’ Using breathing techniques with clients suffering from trauma Self-help strategies for improving your mental health and minimising traumatic symptoms A wonderfully informative course – I learned so much about traumaCOUNSELLOR Please note This live online training course is an expanded, live version of our shorter online course: Understanding Trauma. If you work with people with Complex Trauma, you may also like our attended workshops: Complex Trauma: Working effectively with challenging cases. Who this workshop is suitable for Anyone interested in understanding trauma and the many different ways it can present, the physical and psychological causes of post traumatic stress symptoms (PTSD), and what can be done to help – whether for personal or professional reasons. Anyone working with traumatised people including health and welfare professionals, such as: psychologists, counsellors, psychotherapists, mental health nurses, psychiatrists, school counsellors, student wellbeing officers, doctors, nurses, OTs, social workers, health visitors, youth workers, outreach, support workers, clinical psychologists, midwives, welfare officers, youth workers, hypnotherapists Anyone working with traumatised members of public services, such as: firefighters, police, paramedics and military personnel Family members of a traumatised individual who wish to understand more about how they can support their recovery or help them to access support Individuals wanting to understand more about their own experience of symptoms relating to trauma and learn more about what effective support is available – you will find the information on this course hugely helpful. Please note As the course deals with the subject of trauma, participants should be aware that discussion of specifically chosen examples of trauma and PTS symptoms will take place, for illustrative purposes, during the day. These will be generic examples for teaching purposes, however, and will not go into unnecessary detail or be voyeuristic or inherently distressing. Participants on the course will not at any stage be expected or put under pressure to discuss or disclose details of any personal experiences of a traumatic nature that they may have had. Course Programme The ‘Trauma: Patterns from the Past’ live online course starts at 9.15am and runs until 4.00pm. 9.15am Join the Zoom meeting 9.30am Introducing PTS 11.00am Comfort break and discussion 11.30am Understanding PTS 1.00pm Lunch break 1.45pm Red-flag signs – when to seek professional support 2.45pm Comfort break and discussion 3.00pm Self-help strategies 4.00pm Day ends 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.

– the practical steps you need to know This live online suicide intervention training covers a wealth of essential information and strategies to help you help anyone you suspect may be thinking about or planning suicide, or who has survived a previous attempt… Accredited CPD Certificate: 6 hours Length: 1 day (9.15am - 4.00pm GMT) You never know when you may need these skills… Brilliant! I’ve been on previous suicide intervention courses over the years, but this is by far the best – great pace, very knowledgeable trainer...who brings real experience into the learning...SUE HASWELL Join Malcolm Hanson LIVE ONLINE on Tuesday 12th March for his essential suicide intervention training, delivered via Zoom. Book your place and we’ll send you the Zoom link the day before the event. BONUS Recording – the training is recorded, in case anyone experiences technical difficulties, so you also get a recording for a limited time afterwards to maximise your learning. Why take this suicide prevention course Suicide can be a difficult subject to broach and a daunting one to deal with – anyone working with distressed or depressed people wants to keep them safe, to give them the hope they need that circumstances can change for the better, and to provide the skills for coping until that comes about. When people can’t envisage an end to their difficulties, particularly in highly challenging times, a slump into depression can all too quickly spiral down into suicidal thoughts, plans and suicide attempts. The negative trance state of depression itself can beguile people into thinking that there is no other way out of their hopelessness. Thankfully, there is much we can do to help – as this indepth suicide intervention course shows. Tutor Malcolm Hanson has a wealth of experience at helping seriously distressed people get through difficulties which he draws upon as he takes you clearly through the steps to take when faced with anyone who feels suicidal. (He worked for 9 years as a psychotherapist in NHS primary care in an area of extreme deprivation, and for many more years since has seen patients referred by GPs, social workers, psychiatrists, police and probation officers for complex issues.) He has successfully helped clients experiencing multiple trauma (including veterans), chronic pain and terminal illness, clients struggling with uncertain asylum status or facing deportation, and also victims of human trafficking – a tragic range of circumstances in which even the most resilient may sometimes sink into despair. His compassion and understanding shine through this course as he shares with you what he has learnt, along with the latest psychiatric research and risk assessment strategies, to give you the knowledge and assurance you need to work confidently and respectfully with clients struggling to find reasons to stay alive. You will learn how to build in expectation of positive change from the start, have plenty of time to benefit from group discussions and will work through case scenarios with other attendees to help embed your learning. Suicide affects countless people, not only those directly involved, and is now the most common cause of death in men aged 17 to 34. The highest suicide rate is in men aged 45–49; in women, it is highest in those aged between 50–54.1 Join us for this practical online suicide prevention training to learn how you can help reverse this state of affairs… Book your place So much helpful and insightful information delivered in a way that was easy to listen to and take on board...STEVEN TESSEYMAN What will you learn Deeper insight into when and why different people consider suicide Crucial elements needed to build rapport with suicidal people Why most suicidal crises are surprisingly temporary How to normalise circumstances safely A model for running therapeutic sessions that best manages suicide risk Ways to use your own demeanour to instil confidence in the person who is feeling suicidal Effective information gathering to challenge unhelpful beliefs What to look for in their answers to your questions How to broach the subject of suicidal thoughts A structure for difficult conversations The ability to reframe unhelpful beliefs Methods of risk assessment that do not risk losing rapport Advances in psychiatric research on suicide risk management and the implications of this for psychotherapy and counselling How to use language of influence Effective means to address beliefs about being a burden How to set realistic and empowering goals How to make best use of the client’s own resources The importance of addressing emotional needs How to create a safety plan Strategies for client safe self-management between sessions The power of guided imagery for working with suicidal clients Powerful insights and hope from real case histories How to take care of yourself – and more… Malcolm is a wonderful communicator: so clear, measured and thoughtful ... it was a pleasure and privilege to learn from himMATTHEW HOPKINS Course Programme The ‘How To Reduce Suicide Risk’ live online course starts at 9.15am and runs until 4.00pm. 9.15am Join the Zoom meeting 9.30am The important first steps for suicide risk management 11.00am Comfort break and discussion 11.30am Working with what the client brings 1.00pm Lunch break 1.45pm Rehearsing the safety plan 2.45pm Comfort break and discussion 3.00pm Putting what you have learned into practice 4.00pm Day ends Who is this suicide awareness and prevention course for? Psychotherapists and counsellors All mental health and welfare professionals – including GPs, social workers, the emergency services, pastoral care and outreach workers – and anyone else working with people with suicidal ideation Anyone concerned for personal or HR reasons – the training contains a lot of key, helpful information which is presented in a clear, easy to understand way, even though it is primarily geared towards carrying out therapy effectively with suicidal clients Anyone working with young people, such as teachers and youth workers, will benefit from this live online suicide intervention course Anyone who may come into contact with people who are very distressed, whether through their paid or volunteer work, will also learn essential live-saving information. Please Note This course is not a substitute for therapy. Reference 1. www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/deaths/bulletins/suicidesintheunitedkingdom/2019registrations The one certainty in life is that circumstances ALWAYS change... This online suicide awareness and prevention 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.

Essential self-care for helping professionals New research gives us practical ways to prevent overwhelm or burnout in ourselves and others, manage workplace stress, avoid ‘compassion fatigue’ and much more… Accredited CPD Certificate: 6 hours Length: 1 day (9.15am - 4.00pm GMT) Really interesting and engaging online course with lots of tips to support ourselves and our clientsCOMPLEMENTARY THERAPIST Live Online Training – Join Emily Gajewski on Thursday 11th April 2024 to take some important time out for yourself, or to help those you support. Once you’ve booked your place we will email you confirmation and you will receive details of how to join the Zoom workshop the day before the event. Bonus Recording – the training is recorded, in case anyone experiences technical difficulties on the day, so you will also get a recording for a limited time afterwards to maximise your learning. Can’t make this date? Then please register your interest below – and we’ll email you when a new date is available. To help others effectively, we need to have enough ‘spare capacity’, which means looking after our own wellbeing too – new research shows us how… Why you should take this course When our day-to-day jobs involve continually listening to other people’s emotional difficulties, how do we avoid being overwhelmed by them ourselves or succumbing to compassion fatigue? We are the ‘tool’ of our trade. It could be argued that we have a duty to those we work with to prioritise our own mental health and wellbeing so that we can give them the best possible service. This live online training events shows you how. ‘Burnout’ is commonly defined as a physical and emotional state caused by excessive or overwhelming workplace stress. This is often specifically related to work but of course feelings of burnout can be impacted or compounded by other life events and caring roles too. Even if we know good stress management techniques, this often isn’t enough. Burnout is a very common phenomena in the ‘helping professions’, A 2018 research review paper published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology analysed 30 years of research on this topic, involving 9,000 psychotherapists. Over half of the therapists they sampled reported “moderate-high levels of stress and burnout”. The good news is that burnout, overwhelm and empathy fatigue are not a given of working in roles where we are consistently exposed to others’ emotional pain. New research and insights into ‘buffering’ the impact of this work mean that we can consciously choose to put in safeguards to our own mental wellbeing, whilst also remaining connected and present with our clients. Emily Gajewski’s online course draws on her extensive experience of working as a therapist and clinical supervisor, in the NHS and privately, for over 20 years. Throughout the day she examines the many ways working in the caring professions can impact us personally and gives you a wealth of practical steps you can take to mitigate them. She also covers the most up-to-date guidance on keeping ourselves well and thriving in caring roles and will help you develop a realistic plan for your own continuing wellbeing. Excellent online training…. very insightful and thought provokingHILARY KEARNS, ACUPUNCTURIST What you will learn The latest research on how to prevent burnout in your working life How to identify burnout in ourselves and others – the warning signs you need to look out for Easy, practical steps to protect yourself in stressful work situations How to avoid ‘compassion fatigue’ Evidence based ‘top tips’ for optimal working practices to maintain your own wellbeing The Cycle of Stress – how to ‘work with it’ for optimal health An understanding of vicarious trauma – and how to avoid it Techniques to calm yourself in client sessions when you are ‘triggered’ by something they bring up Understanding the difference between compassion fatigue and empathy fatigue Reducing your own risk of depression when you’re worried about your clients The joy of creating ‘flow’ in our working life Constructive ways to manage difficult feelings that arise as a result of your work Practical techniques for grounding and ‘letting go’ of clients How to safely explore our own areas of vulnerability Useful tips for ongoing stress management What you need to maintain your own mental health How to re-ground yourself if you’re feeling overwhelmed or derailed by a client An opportunity for you to reflect on your own practice and wellbeing, take some time to step back, learn what works for you and how you can create more spare capacity Time to relax, try out techniques and refresh your tools to support your wellbeing and build resilience How to utilise what you’ve learnt to create your own realistic wellbeing plan. Very useful and practical. The term ‘burnout’ is become as over-used as ‘wellbeing’ and ‘stress’. This online course provides clarity on what the term ‘burnout’ means in reality ... with strategies to counter the effectsHEADTEACHER SUPPORT SERVICE COUNSELLOR Course Programme The ‘How to avoid burnout’ live online course starts at 9.15am and runs until 4.00pm. (GMT). 9.15am Join the Zoom meeting 9.30am Understanding Burnout and how to halt the journey towards it 11.00am Comfort break and discussion 11.30am Exploring practical self-care steps that can work for YOU! 1.00pm Lunch break 1.45pm How to manage difficult feelings that arise as a result of our work 2.45pm Comfort break and discussion 3.00pm Creating a plan for your own wellbeing 4.00pm Day ends Who this workshop is suitable for Anyone who works within a role that involves caring for others – including: medical professionals – including GPs and nurses health and social care professionals therapists and mental health workers counsellors educators, teachers professional carers (foster carers and non-paid carers) social workers occupational therapists outreach workers volunteers holistic practitioners etc. 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.