Welcome, and thank you for visiting our clinical workshops page
See the list of CPD workshops below
Working therapeutically with dementia clients and carers
Are you a healthcare professional, who wants to develop an understanding of dementia and how to work therapeutically with people at the early stages of dementia and their carers?
Dementia is a progressive neurodegenerative which affects nearly a million people in the UK, and these numbers are increasing with the enhanced awareness of it. More and more people are getting diagnosed early, and the age of the dementia sufferers is getting younger.
The approach to dementia treatment is mostly bio-medial-social, which focuses on pharmacological treatment with psychotropic medications, and non-pharmacological treatment with therapeutic cognitive stimulating activities. However, people with dementia do come to therapy to address their psychological needs, particularly at the beginning of their cognitive decline, and in their early diagnosis stages.
Information
Some people in therapy may start presenting dementia with symptoms, which necessitates therapists to adjust to how they work with them. It is imperative that as therapists we understand how to identify dementia symptoms, and develop an awareness of working with the dementia client group, and their carers in a therapeutic manner.
Psychologically people with dementia experience multifaceted loss and grief- loss of faculties, loss of the life that they could have lived, and the impending loss of their cognitive and functional abilities. Dementia sufferers are also prone to depression and their depression can be misinterpreted as dementia. As therapists, it is crucial that we pay attention to the psychological needs of those affected by dementia and meet them in a way that enhances their wellbeing, and adequately supports them through this significant life stage.
Carers of dementia sufferers also come to therapy to work through the trauma and navigate the journey of caring for a loved one with dementia or having a loved one diagnosed with dementia. They often experience chronic stress, and they are at risk of burnout. They also experience devastating loss and grief, which at times becomes complicated due to the contradiction of losing someone who is still alive - loss of the healthy relative/friend they had and having to grieve and get used to the new version.
These complexities in grief often manifest in profound guilt, anger, resentment, difficulties letting go, and one becoming a martyr in their caring role. As therapists, it is vital that we have a robust understanding of dementia, how it manifests, and the psychological needs of the carers in order for us to adequately support the carers in their formidable caring roles.
This workshop will give you the knowledge of what dementia is, symptoms, and skills of working therapeutically with dementia clients and their carers. The workshop gives particular attention to the psychological impact of dementia, framing the loss and grief in the works of Kubler-Ross and more recently David Kessler. It is interactive and will allows you to work in small groups and as a large group.
What you will learn:
Understanding dementia
Gain insight into different types of dementia, their presentations and impacts on the individual - Alzheimer's, dementia, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, Parkinson's dementia, mixed dementia and Korsakoff syndrome.
Identifying symptoms
Presentations, cognitive and non-cognitive symptoms.
Risk profile
Identify the different risks and risk factors people with dementia face.
Working therapeutically with dementia clients
Identify the psychological impact of dementia on the sufferers.
Identify how therapists can work therapeutically with clients, paying attention to their psychological needs, and attending to loss and grief.
Robust application of the Kubler- Ross model of grief as well as Kessler's extension of this model.
Working therapeutically with carers of dementia clients
Identify the psychological impact of dementia on the carers of dementia sufferers.
Identify how therapists can work therapeutically with the carers, paying attention to their psychological needs, and attending to loss and grief
Robust application of the Kubler- Ross model of grief as well as Kessler's extension of this model.
Navigating identity shift
Facilitating and acceptance of the new identity and learning to accept help.
Communication
Learn how to effectively communicate with individuals living with dementia, fostering trust, understanding and self-acceptance.
Appropriate empathy and countertransference
Being mindful of our countertransference and the risk of acting out, we tend to see our older selves and overidentify which can be countertherapeutic.
Treatment and interagency working
Develop an understating of how dementia is treated and services that can help dementia sufferers.
Dementia community support
Understand the support services available for dementia sufferers.
Dementia carer support
Understand the support available for dementia carers.
This CPD is interactive, and you will take part in small group exercises.
You will receive learning material from the workshop and useful links
This CPD does not enable you to refer to yourself as a specialist in the field unless you have specific training and qualifications to do so.
Working Therapeutically with Intercultural Couples
This CPD is for practitioners working with couples, who want to further develop their skills of working therapeutically with couples who have different cultures (interculture), helping them enhance their intercultural competences, fostering an environment of respect, collaboration, and enriched communication. Each partner in the couples therapy context is unique, bringing a rich cultural background, diverse values, and different communication styles, which can both enrich the relationship or be a source of conflict.
In today’s interconnected world, understanding and appreciating cultural diversity has never been more important for therapists who are bound to work with diverse clients. It is crucial that therapists put culture at the core of their practice and explore strategies, cultural competencies, and innovative approaches that can help us effectively support intercultural couples in their journey toward understanding, connection, and growth.
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It is also crucial that therapists critically reflect on their culture- their belief systems, world views and potential biases, while helping their clients to do the same. Throughout the workshop, we will engage in small group exercises designed to challenge our perspectives, share experiences, and deepen our understanding of cultural nuances. We will discuss topics such as communication styles, values, beliefs, and practices that vary across cultures using vignettes as references of some of these challenged. The workshop will provide a safe space where everyone feels comfortable sharing and learning from one another. By the end of this workshop, participants will not only have gained valuable insights into different cultures but also developed practical skills to navigate their practice in working therapeutically with intercultural couples.
The main goal of this workshop is to enhance your awareness of culture as a ubiquitous yet internal experience, gain skills in creating a safe, respectful, and empowering space where clients can explore their cultural identities and relationship dynamics. This workshop provides a space to explore the rich tapestry of cultures that make up our global community.
Whether you are new to this area or seeking to deepen your expertise, this workshop aims to provide practical tools, insights, and reflections to enrich your therapeutic practice with intercultural couples. Let’s begin by understanding the cultural dimensions that influence relationship patterns and how we, as therapists, can foster culturally sensitive and effective interventions.
Workshop Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
This CPD is interactive, and you will take part in small group exercises.
You will receive learning material from the workshop and useful links.
This CPD does not enable you to refer to yourself as specialist in the field unless you have specific training and qualifications to do so.
Cultural Sensitivity and Enhancing Multicultural Competences in Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice
In an increasingly multicultural and pluralistic world, the therapists’ ability to understand, and effectively engage with clients from various cultural backgrounds is essential for effective therapeutic practice.
Increased diversity has made it even more crucial for therapists and anyone who work in the helping profession to be culturally sensitive, culturally aware, and become culturally competent. These qualities enable one to work therapeutically with clients from diverse backgrounds and promote equity and their wellbeing.
Culture is a salient dimension of our identity, which shapes one’s sense of self, subjectivity, belief systems, values, norms, how one interprets the world, and how they relate to others. As therapists it is vital that we explore our own cultures subjectively, and any biases and assumptions we may hold to help clients who have divergent beliefs, and world views- culture to us.
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Cultural sensitivity also enables therapists to tailor their interventions that resonate with their client’s cultural context. Being sensitive helps identify and overcome cultural barriers that might hinder the therapeutic work, such as stigma or differing attitudes towards mental health.
A key aspect of our work as therapists is safeguarding vulnerable adults and children. This workshop provides an exploration of the safeguarding aspect of our work where the cultural practices can account to abuse or any other illegal practices and the resources they can utilise.
Participants will engage in discussions, case studies, and role-playing activities designed to enhance their understanding and application of cultural competence in their work. By the end of this workshop, participants will leave with a deeper awareness of how to create an inclusive and respectful therapeutic environment that honours each client’s unique cultural narrative and a renewed awareness of our safeguarding commitment.
Workshop Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
This CPD is interactive, and you will take part in small group exercises.
You will receive learning material from the workshop and useful links
This CPD does not enable you to refer to yourself as a specialist in the field unless you have specific training and qualifications to do so.
Get in Touch
Please get in touch if you have any questions on Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Couples Therapy, or Relationship Enrichment Workshops, or if you like to book an initial session.
You can also call me on 07960462532 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first. I am happy to discuss any queries or questions you may have prior to arranging an initial appointment.
All enquires are usually answered within 24 hours, and all contact is strictly confidential and uses secure phone and email services.
It is true that the hustle and bustle of modern day city life leaves some people with little or no time to reflect on themselves. As a result, we find ourselves experiencing stress, low mood, anxiety, poor confidence, low self-esteem, poor sleep, problems with relationships with our loved ones or work colleagues, addictions, at times questioning what life is all about, and genuinely wondering about our purpose in life altogether. The stress of present day life also leads to burn out- cognitive overload, and extreme physical exhaustion. As a result, one adopts unhealthy ways of coping, which have a negative impact on one's mental and psychological well being.
At times, there may be some issues from the past that are unresolved, and affecting different aspects of your life. Therapy offers a reflective space where you can unwind and get to know your self more intimately. It also enables you to find healthier ways of being and relating, emotional processing, find healthier ways of managing any problems you are faced with, work through, and develop the capacity to reflect on yourself which is hugely significant. The decision to start therapy is an important one, albeit, not always easy. Evidence suggests that the key ingredient in any therapeutic encounter is the relationship between the therapist and the client.
It is therefore crucial that you find an experienced therapist, who you can connect with, and walk side by side with; a therapist who offers you a safe space where you feel comfortable, respected, understood, validated, listened to, and safely develop the ability to tune into the deeper parts of yourself. Therapy can therefore help you be in tune with yourself, and live life more meaningfully. I firmly believe that psychological well being should be seen in the same light as physical well being. The stigma around mental health and psychological well being is what perpetuates the unnecessary suffering that most people go through, without seeking help at the right time.
Call me on 07960462532 or email me on info@citysanctuarytherapy.com. You can also call or email me by clicking the email or call link buttons further up the page. If I am unavailable on the phone, please leave me a message with a name and number. I aim to respond to all messages (email, text, and voicemail) within 24 hours.
Yes. I am an adult Psychodynamic Psychotherapist and l work with ages from 18 and above. I also work with couples.
The choice of therapy we decide in our consultation depends on the nature of your difficulties and what brings you to therapy. Our sessions for time limited psychodynamic counselling and CBT will be 6-12. Our open ended psychotherapy will have no set end date from the beginning. It is however important that we work towards an ending when we do decide to end therapy, as this is a very important part of our work. The length of time you spend in therapy depends on the nature of your difficulties and the depth of the work. Most people stay in therapy for a number of years to allow themselves sufficient time to work through some of the deepest conflicts, and issues from their past that may be impacting on the present, therefore addressing the whole self.
Ending Therapy: The decision to end psychotherapy is very important and should always be well talked through with the therapist. The ending process itself is a very significant part of the therapeutic work which also reflects on how we end other relationships in life. Abrupt ruptures or endings at particular times, like any course of treatment, can prove anti therapeutic.
It is always recommended that at least 4-6 weeks are taken to end and in
most case a longer time is appropriate. We will continuously review our work and the ending will be mutually agreed.
It is usual practice to charge the regular session fee for a session cancelled by the client less than 48 hours beforehand. A full fee is applicable to a cancellation made with less than 48 hours notice. Any cancellations made by the client with a 4 weeks notice will not be charged, and half the session fee is applicable for any cancellations made less than that time frame- ie 48hrs and 4 weeks. This is because the space is reserved for you and therefore open even if you do not attend. You will not be expected to pay for any sessions cancelled by me and during my holidays. l will give you my holiday dates well in advance, and I will also seek to have your holiday dates in advance.
YesI typically raise an invoice at the end of each month, unless you prefer to pay weekly or fortnightly, which can be arranged. Payments can be made via bank transfer, Paypal or in cash. This should be done in a timely manner.
Individual sessions last 50 minutes, and couple's therapy sessions lasts 50-60 minutes. Sessions are once weekly at agreed times. This will be agreed in the initial session. At times, I do offer twice a week or fortnightly sessions, depending on my clients' needs and life demands.
Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy and CBT sessions cost between £100 per session for individuals. The rate for couples therapy session is £150 per session. These flat rates are applicable to both London and Buckinghamshire (Milton Keynes) locations, as well as online. Some insurance clients may have to pay the difference between the insurance and my standard fee. I am recognised by Axa, Aviva, Cigna, WPA, Healix, and Vitality, as a healthcare provider. If you have insurance through any of these companies, you will be able to use it. Please confirm the validity of your cover first.
CBT is a practical approach which helps you find ways of managing present day distress, while psychodynamic psychotherapy helps us explore and address the source of the distress. Using the metaphor of a house on fire- CBT is akin to putting out the fire flames-cooling and smothering the flames, so that the fire dies down. Psychodynamic work is akin to us figuring out the cause/source of the fire altogether. This is important, otherwise one runs the risk of having yet another fire.
I work with couples, offering couples therapy. However, this needs to be agreed right from the beginning of our work.
Sessions are confidential unless if there are legal implications or in the event of serious risk factors that your GP or other practitioners have to be aware of. As an ethical practitioner, any decision to do so is always in your best interest. I have full indemnity insurance to cover my practice as a therapist. All information kept about you is stored in line with the GDPR laws.
Yes, we can have sessions over Zoom, Skype or Telephone. These sessions are scheduled in the same fashion as face to face sessions.