PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
Assessment and Treatment Planning in Couples Therapy
About the webinar
Assessment and treatment planning set the foundation for effective couples therapy. Without a clear structure, therapy can drift, become reactive, or focus too narrowly on the presenting argument rather than the relationship system underneath it. This training supports clinicians to confidently gather relationship histories, assess key risk and strength areas, and develop treatment plans that are ethical, collaborative, and clinically meaningful.
What You'll Learn
How to conduct a thorough couples assessment without overwhelming clients
An exploration of how to balance depth and pacing in early couples sessions so assessment feels containing rather than interrogative. This includes structuring conversations in a way that builds safety, maintains engagement, and avoids information overload while still gathering clinically meaningful data.
How to gather relationship history, significant events, and past ruptures
A framework for mapping the couple’s relationship story, including key milestones, stress points, betrayals, losses, and moments of repair. This section focuses on identifying patterns over time rather than getting stuck in isolated incidents.
How to explore presenting problems and motivation for therapy
Guidance on how to clarify why the couple is seeking therapy now, what each partner hopes will change, and where motivations align or diverge. Attention is given to recognising ambivalence, external pressure, and differing levels of commitment to the work.
How individual histories including mental health, family background, and values inform couple dynamics
A discussion of how individual mental health, attachment experiences, family systems, and core values shape how partners interpret conflict, closeness, and responsibility within the relationship.
How to use structured assessment tools to inform formulation and treatment planning
An overview of how standardised couples assessment tools can be used thoughtfully to identify strengths, risks, and patterns, and how to integrate this information into a relational formulation rather than treating results as standalone data.
How to translate assessment data into clear therapeutic goals
A practical approach to turning assessment insights into shared, realistic treatment goals that guide therapy, support accountability, and help couples understand what they are working towards and why.
Whats included
Learn how to conduct early assessment and develop treatment plans that reflect relational patterns, risk, and therapeutic priorities.
Guidance on conducting joint and individual assessment sessions.
Overview of commonly used couples assessment tools and how to interpret them.
Case examples demonstrating assessment-informed treatment planning.
Practical frameworks to support formulation and goal setting.
Who Should Attend?
Who is it for
Especially helpful for clinicians who feel unsure about how much assessment is enough, how to structure early sessions, or how to move from information gathering into focused therapy.
Level of experience
Suitable for early career and experienced clinicians. Previous training in couples therapy is highly recommended.
This training is not a certification program or a replacement for supervision. It focuses on core clinical understanding and practical tools rather than advanced modality specific training.
Length
3 hours
Confirm Your Attendance
Join this live, three hour training for therapists who want to feel more confident and steady when working with conflict in the room.
This session focuses on practical skills, therapist self awareness, and clear ways to support couples through difficult moments.