2008: May 31 - June 8: THE IMPACT OF PROFESSIONALISM

led by Caroline and David Brazier and Gina Clayton

Becoming a counsellor or therapist means joining a profession. The idea of professionalism can be one that inspires us to reach for the highest standards in our work, or which leads us to limit and control our impact on others by creating a professional distance. The professional role of the counsellor is, of course, an identity. It is shaped by our self-image and the image of what we would like to become. It can be challenging or defensive. In this course block we will look at professional issues in therapeutic work and will explore how joining a profession can be a creative process that inspires us to see new potential in our situations.

31May-1June: Using Supervision
Supervision is an essential aspect of therapeutic work. The counsellor is required to have regular supervision as part of their professional status, but using that supervision effectively can be a challenge, both in that the process itself is as creative or otherwise as the two people involved, but also because the supervision relationship itself develops professional norms that may enhance or detract from its usefulness. This weekend will look at different forms that supervision sessions may take and how a counsellor can maximise their usefulness. This workshop will provide a good introduction for students who intend to start placements, but will also be an opportunity for experienced counsellors to review their own use of supervision.

2-5 June: The Role of the Counsellor: Counsellor Intensive
A four day intensive offering students a opportunity for intensive experience of both counselling and supervision, interspersed with sessions reflecting on the impact of professional image and issues upon the therapist’s process. We will review professional materials and articles and reflect on how the profession is portrayed, alternating these reflective sessions with counselling sessions, which will allow a ongoing relationship to continue over several days. Juxtaposing these two formats will allow reflection on the impact of professionalisation on therapeutic encounter. This four day section is suitable for students who have already completed some basic skills training or practising counsellors and therapists.

6 June: Day Seminar: Structuring Counselling and Supervision Relationships
This theory seminar will explore different models of counselling and supervision process taken from Western and Buddhist approaches. It will reflect on the motivations for supervision and the different interests which the supervision process supports.

7-8 June: Brief Counselling & Informal Contexts
Although counselling is often portrayed as a long term relationship which allows time for issues to unfold and deeper meanings to emerge, many counsellors work in settings where brief therapy is appropriate. In particular people who use counselling skills in other contexts, such as pastoral care or chaplaincy settings, time may be very limited and making an impact may require speedy engagement. Buddhist approaches to therapy with their emphasis on practicality, other-centred work and avoiding habit formation, lend themselves to a brief therapy approach. This weekend will explore the way that short therapeutic encounters can offer support and effect real change.

This course block is part of the Psychotherapy Training Programme. All courses are complete in themselves and may be attended by the general public. If you would like to join us for all or part of this course, please contact courses@amidatrust.com. For students registered on one of our longer programmes, course fees are paid as lump sum payments. Costs for those who are not registered students on psychotherapy courses are £60 per day for the public and £36 per day for students with general registration. Accommodation costs are additional. Attendance is subject to the conditions given elsewhere on this site.

For full information on Amida Trust educational programmes please consult http://www.buddhistpsychology.info