An Introduction to Therapy with Couples

In this 10-week online seminar series, participants will explore what it is like to work with couples in therapy. This comprehensive series offers both the opportunity to read theory by key figures in the field and to think, through group discussion, about its application in the work with couples. Film clips and relevant case material are also used to help you gain deeper insight and understanding into this fascinating and burgeoning area in the field of psychotherapy.

Topics covered include what brings couples together, shared unconscious relationships and couple fit, holding the ‘couple in mind’ in therapy, unconscious phantasy and beliefs, projective processes in couples, sex and sexualities, aggression and violence in couples, couples and parenting, ageing and relationships, depression and psychological issues, attachment styles within couples, and intergenerational aspects in relationships. Time is spent as a group discussing and reflecting on these topics, this type of work and the dynamic of couple relationships in therapy. With three in the room the work becomes quite different.

Our seminar leaders are both experienced couple therapists themselves, trained at Tavistock Relationships and immersed in the TR model of understanding and working with couples. This course offers CPD credits for psychotherapists and is a fantastic grounding to pursue any of our clinical trainings, whether you are a beginner looking for a career change or trained to work with individuals and interested to learn more about being with a couple in the room.

Please be aware this course does not result in a clinical qualification allowing you to undertake any form of practice in the field of Couple Psychotherapy and Counselling.

• Psychotherapists
• Psychosexual Therapists
• Psychoanalysts
• Psychologists
• Clinical Psychologists
• Psychiatrists
• GPs
• Counsellors
• Social workers
• Teachers/Educators
• Anyone interested in couple relationships

No previous experience is necessary and we welcome applications from UK and international students. We respect all life experiences and provide a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

Each week there will be papers to read in advance available in your online learning hub account.

Week 1 - First Encounters: The couple and the Culture they Create

20 April 2026

Each session includes a theoretical discussion, case material as well as time to think about what it might be like to work with couples.

Week 2 - First Encounters: In the room

27 April 2026

Each session includes a theoretical discussion, case material as well as time to think about what it might be like to work with couples.

Week 3 - Projective Processes: 'It's not me it's you!'

11 May 2026

Each session includes a theoretical discussion, case material as well as time to think about what it might be like to work with couples.

Week 4 - Difference. The Seen and Unseen: Race, Intersectionality, Identity, Sexuality

18 May 2026

Each session includes a theoretical discussion, case material as well as time to think about what it might be like to work with couples.

Week 5 - The Oedipal Situation and the Third: When two become three.

1 June 2026

Each session includes a theoretical discussion, case material as well as time to think about what it might be like to work with couples.

Week 6 - Where do siblings and the wider family sit in couple relationships?

8 June 2026

Each session includes a theoretical discussion, case material as well as time to think about what it might be like to work with couples..

Week 7 - Sex and sexuality: Through the Lens of the Psychosexual Model

15 June 2026

Each session includes a theoretical discussion, case material as well as time to think about what it might be like to work with couples.

Week 8 - Attachment and the Couple

22 June 2026

Each session includes a theoretical discussion, case material as well as time to think about what it might be like to work with couples.

Week 9 - Mentalization Based Therapy for Couples

29 June 2026

Each session includes a theoretical discussion, case material as well as time to think about what it might be like to work with couples.

Week 10 - Divorce and separation and Ageing and Loss

6 June 2026

Each session includes a theoretical discussion, case material as well as time to think about what it might be like to work with couples.

You will receive a certificate of attendance at the completion of this course.

To ensure satisfactory attendance and an optimised online learning environment, full participation of students is requested, with a requirement to attend the scheduled seminars for their full duration. A minimum of 80% attendance is needed to receive a certificate at the end of the course.