Treating Couples Conflict

Overview (indicative)

1. Part A - Outline of the Webinar
   1. Introduction to Relationship Conflicts
   2. Definition and prevalence
   3. Importance of addressing conflict in couples therapy
2. PART - B Causes and Consequences of Conflict
   1. Common causes: communication issues, financial stress, external stressors
   2. Consequences: emotional, mental health, family dynamics
3. PART C - Practical CBT Techniques for Conflict Resolution
   1. Stabilisation
   2. Behavioural change
   3. 'Fair fighting' rules
   4. Identifying cognitive distortions
   5. Enhancing communication and active listening
   6. Problem-solving skills training
   7. Building empathy and emotional regulation
   8. The role of schemas and childhood attachment
4. PART D - Case Study and Practical Application
   1. Example of a couple benefiting from CBT
   2. Role of therapist interventions
5. PART E – Conclusion
   1. Summary
   2. Next Steps
   3. Resources

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this webinar, you will be able to:

1. **Understanding Relationship Dynamics**: Participants will be able to define relationship conflicts and articulate their prevalence and importance in couples therapy, recognizing how these dynamics influence overall mental health.

2. **Identifying Conflict Causes and Impacts**: Participants will analyze common causes of relationship conflict, such as communication issues and external stressors, and evaluate their emotional, mental health, and familial consequences.

3. **Implementing CBT Techniques**: Participants will demonstrate the practical application of cognitive-behavioural techniques for resolving conflicts, including stabilization, behavioral changes, and the establishment of 'fair fighting' rules.

4. **Enhancing Therapeutic Skills**: Participants will develop and practice skills in enhancing communication, active listening, empathy, and emotional regulation, along with identifying cognitive distortions that contribute to relationship conflicts.

5. **Application through Case Studies**: Participants will engage in case study analysis to apply learned CBT strategies, assessing the role of therapist interventions in facilitating positive outcomes for couples in conflict.

Questions to Reflect on Before the Webinar 

In advance of the session, participants are invited to reflect on the following questions. [These will be discussed and you can optionally and anonymously share your reflections]

• 1. **Personal Experience**: Think about a time when you encountered a conflict in a personal relationship. What were the main issues at play, and how did you attempt to resolve the conflict? What did you learn from that experience?
  
  2. **Perceptions of Conflict**: What are your current beliefs about conflict in relationships? Do you view conflict as a negative experience, or do you believe it can be an opportunity for growth? How might these beliefs influence your approach as a future therapist?
  
  3. **Expectations of CBT**: What do you hope to learn from this course regarding the use of CBT techniques in conflict resolution? Are there specific skills or strategies you are particularly interested in acquiring?

Resources

All delegates will get a copy of all slides and specialist worksheets for use with clients in this area, designed by Professor McGhee. In addition, all delegates will get free access for 7 days to our unique Notebook LM Intellgent Podcast audio which will summarise the entire workshop - and related materials - presented as an engaging two-person conversation.

Who is leading this webinar?

Professor Patrick McGhee is a CBT therapist, psychologist and UK National Teaching Fellow. Educated at the universities of Glasgow and Oxford, he has completed CPD programmes at Harvard Business School and Ashridge. In 2017 he was a Visiting Fellow/Scholar at the universities of Cornell, Yale and MIT in the USA. He has taught, researched or practised in psychology and therapy for 30 years. His first post was a Research Fellow in Psychiatry and Psychology at St George's Hospital Medical School, University of London. He is the author of Thinking Psychologically (Palgrave) and co-editor of Accounting for Relationships (Methuen). He is an occasional columnist for the Guardian, the BBC and the Times Higher. He currently works in private practice in Greater Manchester. He has full accreditation from the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies.