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About the Institute of Couples Therapy

At the Institute of Couples Therapy, we are passionate about delivering professional couples therapy training for therapists who want to build expertise and confidence in this transformative area of work. Our approach is built on relationship, respect, authenticity, and curiosity.

Ethos

Ethos of the Institute of Couples Therapy

The Institute of Couples Therapy is committed to providing professional training to therapists in the area of Couples Therapy. Most of our trainings are approved by the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP).

It is underpinned by the cornerstones of relationship, respect, authenticity and curiosity. These apply both to the delivery of the training and the work in the room with couples.

The Institute is committed to treating all trainees and members with respect, fostering a culture of inclusion and recognising and embracing diversity with the community.

The Institute promises to approach any difficulties which may arise with a collaborative relational approach. 

Developing a supportive community where therapists can bring themselves and their work and grow as a therapist in that work is central to the Institute of Couples Therapy.

We are proud to deliver couples therapy training that is ethical, respectful, and supportive. 

The training approach of the Institute puts the following as non negotiable:

  • Working Ethically. Members will prioritise safety and will adhere to their accrediting bodies code of ethics. They will be familiar with child first legislation and be clear on applying these in their work.
  • Non-Shaming. Members will ensure that couples are respected in the therapy room and will not be shamed for opening up about the issues in the their relationship.
  • Client led. Members will work according to the wishes of the couple and will not bring any personal approach to the couples relationship.
  • Supervision/Consultation. Couples work is very challenging and having supervision, consultation groups and/or peer groups is necessary to hold you safely as a couples therapist. 

Founded by Karen Murphy

I am passionate about working with couples. Our primary relationship has the most significant influence in our lives and if that is struggling it impacts on all areas of our lives.

I set up the Institute of Couples Therapy in response to a significant demand for expert couples therapy training combined with strong interest from therapists for this work. 

From my time working with couples I have brought together the knowledge, approaches and skills which have been most effective in helping couples achieve transformative change.

I want other therapists to be able to gain confidence and expertise to work in this area and expand their career to an area that is deeply fulfilling.

Our Integrative Approach to Couples Therapy Training

Our couples therapy training at the Institute of Couples Therapy is integrative and draws from leading models. This is based on the models set out below and the consolidation of the feedback from couples through the years. The institute journeys with therapists from the initial period of working with couples through to emerging as a confident couples therapist through trainings and ongoing supports. 

Resnicks Gestalt Approach

Developmental
Model

Terry Real’s Relational Life Therapy

Salvador Minuchin’s Family Therapy

Murray Bowen’s family systems theory

David Schnarch’s differentiation

Our Integrative Approach to Couples Therapy Training

Our couples therapy training at the Institute of Couples Therapy is integrative and draws from leading models. This is based on the models set out below and the consolidation of the feedback from couples through the years. The institute journeys with therapists from the initial period of working with couples through to emerging as a confident couples therapist through trainings and ongoing supports.

Resnicks Gestalt Approach

Developmental
Model

Terry Real’s Relational Life Therapy

Salvador Minuchin’s Family Therapy

Murray Bowen’s family systems theory

David Schnarch’s differentiation

What Therapists Say About our Couples Therapy Training

”I attended face to face couples training with Karen earlier this year and was introduced to wide range of information and supports. There was great interaction and discussion in the group and I found the role plays really good. The role of therapist can be quite isolating at times but to know there is access to a support network available to me is really encouraging.

Deirdre O ReardonCork

”I found this training excellent, very informative, with lots of practical tools and great resources. Karen was approachable and willing to provide any further information as needed, I would certainly attend further training with Karen.

Liz HughesCork

”I would highly recommend the Training Course on Couples Therapy with Karen.
Karen was very generous in her facilitation of the course. She shared not only the theory but also her experiences of working with clients both the positive and negative aspects of the work. I liked how Karen gave practical examples in different situations working with couples. The recommended readings, handouts, videos etc. were excellent. The course was an excellent preparation for starting couples therapy. This was a professionally run course by a very committed therapist.

Brid MurphyCork

”This course is invaluable in bridging the gap between individual psychotherapy work and couples therapy work. The training lead us through several couples’ therapy models and we were given a clear structure to support work with couples. Thank you Karen for your knowledge, generosity, and authenticity.

Liz WrightDublin

”Karen has a fantastic ability to impart her knowledge around couples therapy in such a clear and transformative way. The four day training was very much geared to providing very useful tools and structures into your practice with couples work, regardless of your own experience in this area. The added bonus of multiple resources, future training, networking opportunities and supervision options is also invaluable.

Maria GleesonTipperary

”After taking this course, Karen helped me see how much richer working with couples can be when you pull from different therapy models. I thought I was giving my best to my couples work, and am now realising I have greater resources to draw on and more variety on how to deepen the work. One of my biggest takeaways is the network of other couples therapists to call on for peer support and referrals when I need them. Karen, I really appreciated your open, honest, relaxed manner and the care and thought that you put into the course.

Muuka GwabaDublin

”For me, this was one of the most enjoyable and engrossing courses I've attended. Over the 4 course days, Karen managed to bring us from introduction and overview to a position where seeing couples genuinely feels like a realistic prospect. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who would like to equip themselves to start seeing couples, or even just for an additional perspective on dynamics in relationships to bring to their individual work.

Aine WoodsDublin

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