Author: Graham

28/04/25 – 14/07/25 – Oxford – Mondays 2:30pm to 4:30pm

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This course on the history and evolution of counselling and psychotherapy offers a comprehensive exploration of key theoretical developments and their practical applications over time. Starting with early philosophical influences and moving through major movements such as psychoanalysis, behaviourism, and cognitive therapies, the course emphasizes a pragmatic and experiential learning approach.

Students engage through resources on a VLE, lectures, critical discussions, and case studies, applying historical insights to contemporary issues and practices. The course aims to equip students with a strong understanding of the field’s foundations and the skills to critically analyze and anticipate future trends in psychotherapy.

While a background in counselling or psychotherapy is not required, practising counsellors will find that this is an exciting alternative for their CPD.

01/02/25 – Oxford – Saturday 09:45am to 5:00pm

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Coaching draws on insights from psychology, sociology, anthropology and education to inform its practice. Ideas can also come from applied studies – such as health coaching, finance coaching, and executive development. Committed coaches keep ‘up to date’ through CPD, but with so many fields to monitor this can be a challenge. Many coaches don’t have access to academic literature, let alone the time to scan such a broad range of topics. This one-day event helps bridge this gap.

Currently, four key areas will be explored: the qualities of the coach, improving the coaching process, the coaching relationship and the nature of the client. We will adapt the programme if new themes emerge. 

During the day, participants will review a dozen pre-selected references, pool their interpretations and relate these findings to their own coaching practices. Rather than passive lectures, this is an opportunity to learn from a diverse group of practitioners and dig into published evidence together.

20/01/25 – 24/03/25 – Oxford – Mondays 6:30pm to 9:30pm

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This course on transpersonal psychology explores the spiritual dimensions of human experience, intertwining psychology with spirituality. The curriculum covers theoretical foundations, spiritual development, and practical applications in therapy and healthcare. Learning is immersive and experiential, employing a mix of seminars, discussions, guided meditations, and practical skills sessions. Participants will be encouraged to keep a reflective journal throughout.  The course aims to equip you with both a deep theoretical understanding and practical skills, preparing you for the thoughtful integration of transpersonal concepts in various professional settings, especially counselling, leadership, and work in well-being.

20/01/25 – 24/03/25 – Oxford – Mondays 2:00pm to 5:00pm

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One of the transformational developments in the history of talking therapy, the person-centred approach (PCA) proposed by Carl Rogers, has become firmly established at the heart of modern counselling. It has profoundly impacted coaching, teaching and education, healthcare and medicine, mediation and conflict resolution, and even international reconciliation. 

The first therapeutic method in the humanistic school marked a huge departure from the ‘medical’ mode of doctor-patient. The three ‘core conditions’ of empathy, unconditional positive regard, and congruence are frequently over-simplified, taken out of context, and mistaught. PCA is not simply a set of techniques – it is a fundamental philosophy about individuals and the world as a whole.

In this course, we explore the philosophy underlying PCA, Rogers’ detailed analysis of what is necessary for therapy to work, and add a modern understanding of emotions and their communication.

30/09/2024 – 02/12/24 – Oxford – Mondays 6:30pm to 9:30pm

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Helping anyone interested in using coaching, whether professionally, as a life skill, or to achieve better results in their work with others. Thought-provoking and practical, we explore the theory and skills of good coaching.

Whether you are just curious about coaching, have a little understanding of what it involves, would like to develop some core skills in it to use in your work, or think it might be useful in parenting, or as a life skill, this is the course for you. In a supportive environment, we shall explore the core skills, the mindset necessary to be an effective coach, understand the boundaries of coaching, and what you need to do to protect yourself and your ‘client’. 

Regardless of their starting point, participants will have plenty of opportunities to put their learning into practice and should emerge with solid skills, the ability to self-assess and improve, and the confidence to apply coaching in ways that they have not previously tried.

Some students may wish to go on to our Advanced Coaching course, but this introduction stands alone and should leave you ready to work in your chosen way.

30/09/2024 – 02/12/24 – Oxford – Mondays 2:30pm to 4:30pm

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That emotions are crucial to our experience of the world around us has been appreciated for thousands of years.  When Goleman popularised our understanding of just one dimension – emotional intelligence – in 1995, his book sold millions of copies.

Emotions shape our relationships, determine our values, are the basis of our own motivation and how we motivate others. 

Over ten weeks, with a balance of theory, practical activities, and experiential opportunities, we attempt to understand the detail of emotions and what they are, how they impact us, and fashion society.

Explore the definition and components of emotions, and discover how they shape our thoughts, perceptions, and behaviours. Trace the evolution of emotional research, from ancient philosophies to modern cognitive science, gaining valuable insights into this ever-evolving field.

Delve into the neuroscience of emotions, the workings of our brain and how it processes emotional responses. Examine the ongoing debate of whether emotions are innate or social constructs, exploring the interplay between biology, culture, and socialization.

Uncover the minimal set of emotions that form the foundation of our emotional repertoire and explore their universality across cultures. Discover how empathy serves as a mechanism for emotional communication among individuals and even other sentient animals.

Investigate the relationship between positive emotions and psychopathology, gaining practical strategies for fostering mental wellness. Explore the intersection of emotions and motivation, and how they influence our actions and decision-making. Examine behavioural economics and marketing, where emotions are skilfully provoked to shape popular behaviour.

Understand the connection between wisdom, values, and emotions, and practical decision-making and finding meaning in our lives. Lastly, explore the relationship between religion and emotions, uncovering their role in spiritual practices and beliefs.

Whether for professional or purely personal interest, this course should help you make just a little more sense of the complex world in which we live.