DURATION: 5 Days    START DATE: TBC

TIMETABLE: Saturday and Sunday from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm

AWARD: PCI College Professional Certificate in Working With Gender, Sexual, Relationship, Diverse Clients (GSRD)

VENUE: Live Online

COURSE AIMS

Historically, training on human sexuality has focussed on issues specific to LGBTQ clients including topics like coming out, safer sexual practices and identity integration. However, this position is neither adequately inclusive nor truly representative of the diversity of gender, sexual and relationship types which present in the lives of clients. The purpose of this short course is to equip therapists with the knowledge and confidence necessary to work with clients who “do not identify as heterosexual, monogamous or cisgender ([someone] content to remain the gender they were assigned at birth)” (BPS, 2019).

LEARNING OUTCOMES

On completion of this Certificate, participants will have relevant knowledge of:

• Introduction to gender, sexual and relationship diversity
• ‘Normal’ versus diverse – exploring and examining our cultural, personal and social biases
• Gender; what is it? Gender identity, expression, role and experience e.g. trans/cisgender
• Sexuality; what is it? Identities, practices, experiences and attractions e.g. heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, pansexual, asexual etc.)
• Relationships; what is a relationship? Solo-ness, monogamy, non-monogamies, aromantics, relationship anarchy and sex work.
• Best practice guidance on working with GSRD clients.

DAY ONE: An introduction to GSRD

• What is gender, sexuality and relationship diversity?
• Social & cultural contexts to GSRD
• Personal values and GSRD

DAY TWO: Gender

• Exploring Gender – What is gender?
• Our values/assumptions as engendered beings.
• Introducing the many elements of gender e.g. Gender Identity, terminology etc.
• Skills practice
• Current best practice when working with gender diversity

DAY THREE: Sexuality

• Exploring sexual Identities, Practices/Experiences and attractions
• Matters of consent
• Skills practice
• Current best practice when working with sexual diversity

DAY FOUR: Relationships

• Relationship diversity
• Exploring ideas such as solo-ness & singledom, monogamies, secret non-monogamies, aromatic relationship styles and related terminology
• Skills practice
• Current best practice when work with relationship diversity

DAY FIVE: Assessment & integration

• Integration session
• Key topics of further discussion from participants
• Poster presentations
• Close & signpost to additional resources 

SKILLS

On completion of this Certificate, participants will be familiar with the use of:

• Self-reflection on personal values and societal/cultural mores to inform practice
• Ways to evaluate their current practice needs with GSRD best practices guidelines
• Current research and professional development resources in support of therapists ongoing skills and knowledge development with GSRD client populations.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

• Attend all 5 days
• Prepare a poster presentation, which will be presented on Day 5 and address the following: Theory, Case presentation, Reflexive Statement, Implication for Practice, References
• Reflexive statement

ELIGIBILITY 

Qualification in Counselling, Psychotherapy or other helping professionals with therapeutic experience and students currently in professional training (BSc Degree Year 2 onwards).

IT SKILLS: Students require sufficient IT skills to complete the course.

Students can expect to be provided with advice and support concerning any learning difficulties that they may encounter. Any diagnosed learning difficulty, e.g. dyslexia, must be noted on the application.

FEES  

Cost of Days 1 & 2 - €235

Cost of Days 3,4 and 5 - €445

Full Price: €640 (Save €40)

PCI College Graduate & Student Full Price*: €580

*PCI College Student rate applies to BSc Degree and Postgraduate students only

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants are invited to book online using the book now. Applications must be accompanied by the payment of the full course fee. Applicants are entitled to a refund if they decide to cancel within 14 days of receipt of their booking, and didn't participate in the course. Please note that the name used on your application needs to be the same name that you have on your passport.

Fees are non-refundable in all personal circumstances. The College makes every effort to avoid altering course times, course commencement and conclusion dates. However, should any changes be necessary, you will be notified at the earliest opportunity. All courses run subject to demand and the formation of a viable class cohort. A full refund will be given to all applicants in the event that the class does not proceed. 

For more information, please visit our full Terms & Conditions page.