Quick Exit
Return home
Contact us
A biracial couple sitting on a couch and having a serious conversation while a couples counsellor takes notes

Introduction to Working with Couples

Would you like to broaden your skills to work with couples?

Couples counselling presents unique complexities that differ from individual therapy. It requires a deep understanding of relationship dynamics, communication patterns, and the ability to navigate the often intense emotions that arise between partners. As a practitioner, you are not just working with two individuals, but with the relationship as a whole—a living system with its own set of challenges and opportunities for growth. 

In this workshop, you will be introduced to the core concepts and essential skills needed to work effectively with contemporary couples. Through a blend of theoretical exploration, practical exercises, and case studies, you will learn how to create a safe and supportive environment where couples can explore their issues, improve their communication, and rebuild trust and intimacy.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this workshop, you'll be able to: 

  • describe the key principles and theories underlying couples therapy, including systems theory, attachment theory, and communication models
  • assess the dynamics within a couple’s relationship, including identifying patterns of interaction, power imbalances, and areas of conflict or disconnection
  • understand how to help couples improve their communication, including active listening, non-verbal communication, and conflict resolution techniques
  • facilitate productive conflict resolution sessions, helping couples move from destructive patterns of interaction to more constructive and empathetic dialogue.

Ideal for

Clinicians, social workers, community organisation workers, health professionals, youth workers, child and family workers and counsellors at any level of experience who are planning to or interested in working with couples.
 

About the presenter

Victoria Strong is a clinical counsellor and experienced trainer with Relationships Australia Victoria. She has a diverse background working in various settings, including education, where she has served as a Disability and Wellbeing Coordinator. Victoria has extensive experience in direct client work with young people and their families, addressing both simple and complex mental health issues, including gender diversity, sexual trauma, family violence, and suicidality. 

Victoria’s expertise extends to working with neurodiverse youth and their families, supported by a deep understanding of the disability sector from lived experience. She holds clinical accreditation with PACFA (Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia). Her career spans the government, corporate, and not-for-profit sectors, where she has provided coaching, training, and support. Victoria is dedicated to enhancing community support systems and empowering others to provide effective sustainable care.
 

Registration information

  • When you register, you'll be taken to our payment gateway to complete your registration. A new account will be automatically created for you in our Learning Management System (Moodle).
  • Registrations for scheduled workshops close 48 hours before the event.
  • Workshops must be paid for at least 2 business days before the training date, or your registration will be cancelled.
  • If paying by invoice, proof of payment needs to be provided at least 24 hours ahead of the event. 

Training Workshops Cancellation Statement [PDF, 1MB]

Other information

Please note that you'll need access to the following to participate in this workshop: 

  • desktop or laptop computer
  • reliable internet connection
  • headphones recommended
  • microphone/speakers
  • webcam (built-in or external to your computer).

Contact us 

Centre for Learning and Innovation 
Phone: (03) 8573 2222 
Email: [email protected] 

Dates/times

9:30am - 12:30pm AEDT on Thursday 13 November 2025

Pricing
$240
Location
Online