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Live Webinar | Half Day Training

Introduction to Couples Therapy

with Karen Murphy

Saturday, 12th September 2026
9.30 am – 1.30 pm
Live and Recorded
4 CPD Hours
€49

€49.00Add to basket

A Practical Introduction to Couples Therapy

Curious about couples work but not sure where to begin? This 4-hour training is a warm, accessible introduction to couples therapy — ideal for therapists who want to understand how this work differs from individual therapy and what it really takes to be effective.

Couples therapy is a unique and challenging discipline, requiring therapists to think relationally, manage complex dynamics, and facilitate conversations that can feel deeply exposing for clients. If you’ve ever been curious about how couples therapy differs from individual work or what it takes to be effective in this field, this half-day training is the perfect starting point.

What You’ll Gain from This Training

This introduction to couples therapy is designed to increase your knowledge and understanding of working with relationships. It is a space to gain knowledge and explore if couples therapy is for you. You’ll leave with:

  • A clear understanding of what couples therapy is, and isn’t
  • An overview of key models and integrative approaches used in couples work
  • Insights into common presenting issues and the frameworks that underly them.
  • Ethical guidance and assessment tools exclusively tailored to relationship therapy
  • Practical examples of couples therapy in action.

Topics Covered

  • Introduction to key models of couples therapy
  • Overview of the integrative approach
  • Causes of relational distress
  • Differentiation and emotional regulation
  • Individual vs couples therapy — core differences
  • Therapist role and leadership in sessions
  • Ethical considerations and assessment tools
  • Navigating difficult or high-conflict presentations

Who It's For

This training is ideal for:

  • Trainee therapists considering adding couples work to their practice
  • Experienced practitioners who want a foundational understanding of couples therapy
  • Therapists seeking a low-pressure way to explore whether this field is right for them
  • Anyone looking for a clinically sound, supportive introduction to couples therapy

Available to Watch Live and/or Recorded

4 CPD hours by the Institute of Couples Therapy

€49.00Add to basket

”In couples therapy, you’re not working with two individuals—you’re working with the relationship between them.

Karen Murphy

Karen Murphy

Karen founded the Institute of Couples Therapy driven by her passion and commitment to this field. She dedicates herself to finding the most effective and relational ways to help couples find routes out of their difficulties. She has over a decades experience as a psychotherapist and is also an accredited supervisor.

Testimonials

”Karen’s teaching was clear, engaging, and informative, she held my attention throughout the day. Her openness and enthusiasm for couples therapy were evident. The videos offered clarity and insight into what’s really needed when working with couples. I came away with so much learning and practical guidance, as well as a lot of food for thought. The material was excellent and beautifully presented.

Margo Foley MinihaneDublin

”I really enjoyed the introduction to the different approaches used in couples counselling. The video demonstrations brought the work to life and gave a clear sense of therapy in action. I felt the course covered everything needed for an introduction, it was comprehensive and well thought through.

Niamh FortuneWicklow

”I appreciated the integrative approach, bringing together the best elements of different therapeutic models. The presenter’s expertise, inclusive style, and overall manner created a really strong and accessible learning experience.

Darina ShouldiceDublin

What Fellow Therapists Say About ICT Training

Practical tools for couples therapy Invaluable, even if you never plan to work with couples. I recommend this course to every therapist I know. Great quality teaching materials Confidence to begin couples therapy Structured and ethical approach Warm, grounded, real teaching Deeper insight into relationship dynamics Safe and supportive learning environment No-pressure, adult-to-adult learning space Real-life examples and honest insight Clear framework for working with couples Blend of theory and practical application A brilliant foundation for those starting out, and for those already working with couples. Insightful, reflective, and deeply human Valuable even for individual work I now have the confidence to try couples counselling. Encouraging, accessible, and relatable Perfect for therapists at any stage Karen’s style is honest, humble and wise So much more than techniques—it’s a mindset Structured guidance for first sessions Ethics, safety, and clarity from the start Challenging, inspiring, and full of heart

Introduction to Couples Therapy

Half Day Training on Zoom

12th September 2026

9.30 am – 1.30 pm

€49

Gain Access to
  • 4 CPD Points
  • Watch live and bring your questions
  • Recorded to view in your own time
  • Suitable for both trainees and experienced therapists
  • Demystification of the process of Couples Therapy
  • Exploration of the challenges of this work
  • Interactive with space for questions

Who is this training suitable for?

This training is ideal for both trainee and qualified therapists who are curious about working with couples or want a better understanding of how couples therapy differs from individual work.

Do I need to have prior experience with couples therapy to attend?

Not at all. This workshop is designed as an introduction, so no prior experience is needed. It’s a supportive starting point for exploring whether couples work is right for you.

What makes couples therapy different from individual therapy?

In couples therapy, the focus is not only on each individual, but on the dynamic between them. This means the therapist is working with interaction patterns, conflict cycles, communication, emotional safety, and the relationship itself.

Will I receive a CPD certificate for attending?

Yes. This training qualifies for 4 CPD hours and is awarded by the Institute of Couples Therapy. You’ll receive a certificate after attending the live session or watching the full recording.

Will this training qualify me to work with couples?

This is an introductory training, so it is designed to give you a clear foundation and help you decide whether couples therapy is an area you want to explore further. Therapists who wish to begin practising couples therapy may want to continue with more in-depth training and supervision. We also offer a 5-day Professional Certificate in Relationship Therapy training.

Is this training interactive?

Yes. The training includes space for questions, reflection, and discussion. It is designed to be accessible and practical, with examples that help bring the work of couples therapy to life.

Will the recording be available if I cannot attend live?

Yes. The training is live and recorded, so you will be able to access the recording afterwards if you cannot attend on the day or would like to revisit the material.

CPD Accreditation

This training qualifies for 4 CPD hours and is awarded by the Institute of Couples Therapy.

Want to Explore More?
Check out our Couples Therapy CPD Hub for more live and recorded training options.

Ready to Start Your Couples Therapy Journey?

If you’ve been unsure about couples work or want to understand the fundamentals before diving in, this introduction to couples therapy will give you the clarity, structure, and confidence to take the next step.

€49.00Add to basket

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