Welcome to the Focused Psychological Strategies blog

Focused Psychological Strategies is an intensive one day program that outlines a range of focused strategies for relationship problems.

It is one of a series of "focused psychological strategies" programs we are developing. The next one will be focused on a structured approach to managing affairs in relationships.

This program, Focused Psychological Strategies with relationship Programs,  is relevant for working with both individuals and couples who present with issues around relationship maintenance.

It is particularly relevant for Medicare practitioners dealing with relationship issues. 

Strategies discussed will include psycho-education, behavioral and cognitive interventions, and acceptance based interventions.

To complete the program, participants will need to attend the day (9.30 to 5p.m., read a relevant reference and email a 400 word reflection on the use of a strategy or strategies (including generic client material if appropriate).

APS endorsed 11-541 (ten hours)

Reference will particularly be made to the work of John Gottman, Michelle Weiner Davis, and Andrew Christensen.

Behavioral, cognitive-behavioral and integrative behavioral approaches will be discussed.

For the session powerpoint, click the PDF link in the right column.

 Course Materials:

John Gottman

John Gottman:

Gottman interview

Gottman interviewed on the online Edge magazine

You can also visit the Gottman Institute online.

Michelle Weiner Davis

Michelle Weiner-Davis:

Why should I be the one to change.

You can also also visit Divorcebusting.com

Neil Jacobsen

Neil Jacobsen:

Outlining the core ideas of the integrative behavioral approach.

Acceptance versus change interventions. 

Andrew Christensen

Andrew Christensen:
 
 Acceptance, mindfulness and change in couple therapy

Other references:

William Doherty

Bill Doherty on common errors in relationship work

Negative interaction cycle diagram:

(Click on the image to get a version you can save.)

Requirements for certification

You do not need to apply for our certificate if you simply wish to claim your seven hours of professional development.

However, if you want our endorsed certificate for ten hours, you will need to:

• Read an article relevant to the topic (you may use one of the articles listed on the blog, but you may also use your own reference)
• Emailt a 400 word reflection to rayhawkesmelbourne@gmail.com
• If you email your reflection, please indicate if you give your permission for your reflection to be posted to the blog, to contribute to group discussion of the topic.
• The reflection should discuss the application of one or more focused strategies to a case (disguised for privacy) or case situation. We are flexible as to how you discuss the material.
• Remember that this is a public blog, which van be read by anyone, so any case discussion should be disguised and generic.

Your certificate should be emailed to you within two weeks.  If not, contact Ray.

Best wishes from Ray and Rosalie.

We look forward to seeing you at our other programs.