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Deepening Relational Practice Through Clinical Dilemmas

This online Deepening Relational Practice Through Clinical Dilemmas workshop is aimed at people who want to develop or enhance their ability to work relationally with clients. It is for all levels from first year trainees to qualified practitioners.

Workshop outline

Alistair will present a series of therapeutic conundrums, all taken from real life clinical examples. Participants will then break into small groups to think about how they might respond to these dilemmas, for example: “if the client said/did this… what would your next intervention be, and what is your clinical thinking behind that?” Trainees will then come back into the wider group and discuss how the different interventions would lead to different directions in the therapy, and if there are any ethical or intersectional concerns to consider.

There will be three rounds of clinical conundrums all based around working relationally:

• the first will focus on the therapeutic frame
• the second on therapeutic potency
• the third on self-disclosure

Each round will be preceded by a short, accessible teach on the subject so that participants have a scaffolding to think about the types of responses that may be appropriate.

Workshop goal

The goal of this workshop is for participants to leave with a comprehensive understanding of what a two-person, relational approach is, and an enhanced ability to employ relational interventions within their clinical practice.

What Participants Say

“This workshop was a great mix of theory and practice, perfect for any practitioner wanting to brush up on a bit of theory and learn from others. It was a safe place to discuss possible clinical dilemmas and the ways you might approach them.” Workshop Participant – June 2025

“This workshop is a must if you’re confused in any way about what Relational therapy looks and feels like, Alistair’s workshop will bring it all to life. The quality of the session, exemplary!” Workshop Participant – June 2025

“A great refresher in relational theory and strategies, and the conundrums provide a useful, but non-threatening means of self-challenge.” Workshop Participant – June 2025

“Highly recommended thought-provoking workshop that promoted reflective practice in terms of how much we work relationally with our clients.” Workshop Participant – June 2025

“I got a lot out of the workshop. My practice as a therapist and supervisor has shifted and grown around my learning. Wonderful stuff!” Workshop Participant – June 2025

Course delivery: hours over Zoom. The sessions will not be recorded.

Participant Numbers: There will be a maximum of 40 participants.

Pre-Course Requirements: Participants should be qualified or trainee Counsellors or Psychotherapists. There is no pre-course work required.

Recognition: A Link Centre Certificate will be presented.

Course Tutor:

Alistair Berlin, PTSTA, PGCert in Higher Education for Teaching Counselling & Psychotherapy

Alistair is a PTSTA with a PGCert in Higher education for teaching counselling and psychotherapy. He maintains a private practice as a psychotherapist and supervisor in London. He trained at the Metanoia Institute and has taught there for the past five years. His theoretical and clinical focus is on a present-centred, relational approach to psychotherapy. He has published a number of academic articles on psychotherapy and is particularly interested in teaching relational theory in a way that is accessible and usable in practice.