Presented by Dr Dan Kolubinski

About the event

Due to high demand, the BABCP Couples Special Interest Group is offering a re-run of the Introduction to Cognitive-Behavioural Couple therapy. 

A certificate of attendance will be issued for 6 x hours CPD. The event will be held on Zoom and will not be recorded. As this is a participative workshop with breakout rooms and group discussions, it is expected that you will have your camera on and participate to be eligible for a CPD certificate.

Registration closes – Wednesday 13/01/27. Places are limited though so book early to avoid disappointment!

Synopsis

This one-day CPD workshop offers a structured introduction to Cognitive-Behavioural Couple Therapy (CBCT) for CBT therapists who are interested in extending their work into the couple context in future. Building on core CBT principles, the training explores how interactions between thoughts, emotions, and behaviours operate at a relational level, contributing to difficulties such as communication breakdown, conflict cycles, and emotional disconnection. Participants will be introduced to a clear framework for assessing couple difficulties and developing concise cognitive-behavioural formulations.

The workshop combines theory and skills practice, with opportunities to apply key techniques through guided exercises and case discussion. Areas of focus include assessment of couples, formulation of interactional patterns, communication and problem-solving strategies, and introducing behavioural and cognitive interventions within sessions. By the end of the day, participants will have a working understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of CBCT.

This workshop is aimed at qualified CBT therapists and trainees who have a grounding in core CBT principles and are interested in developing their understanding of working with couples. The workshop is also suitable for Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners (PWPs) and other low-intensity practitioners who have completed formal CBT-based training and would like to know more about CBCT.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
– Describe the core principles of Cognitive-Behavioural Couple Therapy (CBCT) and how these extend standard CBT models into a relational context
– Conduct a structured assessment of couple difficulties, including conjoint and individual components
– Develop a basic cognitive-behavioural formulation of relationship distress, identifying interactional patterns between thoughts, emotions, and behaviours
– Apply key CBCT-informed interventions, including communication skills training, guided behaviour change, and problem-solving strategies
– Recognise common challenges in couple work (e.g. high conflict, emotional escalation, balancing perspectives) and apply strategies to manage these effectively
– Demonstrate an understanding of diversity, equality, and inclusion (EDI) within couple therapy, including how culture, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, religion, and other protected characteristics may influence relationship beliefs, roles, and communication patterns
– Apply principles of culturally competent and anti-discriminatory CBT practice when working with couples, including adapting interventions sensitively to account for differences in values, power dynamics, and lived experience

About the speaker

Dr Dan Kolubinski is a Cognitive-Behavioural Therapist and Clinical Director of Reconnect UK and Santoka Therapy and Coaching, He brings over 20 years’ experience of working with individuals and couples across a broad range of psychological and relationship difficulties. His work is grounded in evidence-based practice and informed by contemporary developments in CBT, including metacognitive and compassion-focused approaches.

Alongside his clinical work, Dr Kolubinski delivers professional training and workshops for therapists and other professionals, with a focus on translating psychological theory and research into practical, applicable skills. He has particular expertise in helping practitioners develop confidence in working with complex interpersonal and relational difficulties.