Consultation Groups

Also: See our upcoming workshops and read what colleagues are saying about our programs.

Couples Consultation Group

Our consultation groups are for licensed therapists who want to increase their understanding of couples therapy and their skills in working with couples. We will learn couples therapy using the case study method. Each meeting we will discuss two cases from our practices. You are invited to present a case of yours, if you'd like to. You are not required to present a case. You have the option of posing a clinical question instead, or just learning from the other cases presented.

In each case discussion we will do our best to answer the therapist's questions. We usually discuss how to proceed at a difficult juncture in therapy. We discuss how to help with that particular couple, and we discuss the principles and interventions that can be used with similar couples in everyone's practice.

It's a very practical method. You learn skills to use, and interventions to consider. You also learn the art of deciding what-to-do-when -- how a couples therapist considers many different ideas, theories and interventions -- and chooses which to do when, and with whom.

When you do discuss a case of yours, you can do it in any format you like. Some people make detailed, lengthy case presentations. Others just briefly describe their couple, and then ask for help with the situation they are facing.

The online platform we are using is SecureVideo, which is built on top of Zoom, and provided to us by PSYBooks. This platform is encrypted, confidential and HIPAA compatible so that our discussions are secure and confidential.

This training group is open to all therapists, there is no prerequisite. It is designed for psychologists, social workers, counselors, marriage and family therapists, and pastoral counselors.

The cost is $75 per meeting. There are 2 CEs per meeting. These CEs are Category IV for psychologists, and Related hours for counselors, social workers, and marriage and family therapists. Each participant commits to attend, and pay for, the whole series of six meetings. Everyone is allowed one free miss.

Working with Difficult Couples

Working with Difficult Couples is an consultation group that meets Friday mornings, 9:30 to 11:30. This advanced group is limited to therapists who (1) have taken two or more sessions of Working with Difficult Couples already or two or more sessions of Advanced Training in Couples Therapy, and (2) have a practice that includes couples therapy.

In this consultation group we will will focus on the challenging couples and challenging situations that arise in couples therapy.

If you've been doing couples therapy for a while, you know that it's not easy. There's a lot going on - pretty fast - and you've got to make a lot of decisions.

Some decisions can be made slowly. Like, "When should we talk about that underlying childhood trauma?" Some decisions need to be made more quickly. Like, "What am I going to do about his yelling right now?"

Some decisions are best made collectively. Like, "What would be the best way to wrap up our work together?" Some decisions are best made unilaterally. Like, "I'm sorry, but I can't help you while this affair is continuing."

You also need ways to stay focused and not get scattered. You can stay focused with your couple, by setting the agenda and asking them, "What's most important to talk about today?"

You can also stay focused yourself, by repeatedly considering, "What's the most important part of this discussion?"

"What's the part we can make some progress with today?"

Sometimes the answers to theses questions are totally obvious, right on the surface. Sometimes they are hidden and deep. It's all part of the Art of Couples Therapy - the art we're all still learning.

This group has been ongoing for a number of years. It's a very friendly, supportive group. We're here to help each other get better and better at couples therapy.

Deborah and I are not purists in any one approach to couples therapy. We've studied many approaches and find great wisdom in each. We also know the limits of each. We find that having more than one model gives us greater versatility. You'll see this perspective as we discuss cases.

This consultation group is for psychologists, social workers, counselor, marriage and family therapists, and pastoral counselors.

We use a case presentation format. You will have the opportunity to discuss some of your challenging couple cases and get feedback about them. Usually, each case has lessons for all of us.

I imagine we will discuss separation, divorce, affairs, anger, verbal abuse, violence, power struggles, withdrawal, betrayal, therapist loyalty, confidentiality, ethical issues, narcissism, control, grandiosity, etc. We may cover other topics as well, because our discussion will be guided by the cases you present.

There is no required style of case presentation. Some people simply talk about a couple they’re having trouble with. Others bring in genograms, fear cycle charts and testing data. People have brought in videotapes and audiotapes. You are welcome to present your cases in any way that you would like.

The cost is $75 per meeting. There are two CEs per meeting, for a total of 12 CEs. Each participant commits to the entire series of six meetings. Everyone is entitled to one free miss.

If you'd like to learn more about this group and see if you're eligible, please contact David at 404-325-3401 or woodsfellow@gmail.com