PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
Working with Relationship Ambivalence and Mixed Commitment
About the webinar
Many couples arrive in therapy unsure whether they want to stay together, change the relationship, or separate. Ambivalence can create paralysis, heightened conflict, or disengagement, leaving therapists unsure how to proceed without pushing for an outcome. This training supports clinicians to work ethically and effectively with mixed commitment, helping couples clarify their position while maintaining safety, respect, and structure.
What You'll Learn
How ambivalence shows up in couples therapy
An exploration of the many ways ambivalence presents in the therapy room, including hesitation, mixed messages, disengagement, or repeated cycles of hope and doubt. This section focuses on recognising ambivalence as a meaningful clinical signal rather than resistance or lack of effort.
The difference between individual uncertainty and relational stalemate
A discussion of how one partner’s uncertainty differs from a relational deadlock where neither person can move forward. You will learn how to identify whether ambivalence is held by one partner, both partners, or the relationship itself.
How mixed commitment impacts engagement and progress in therapy
An overview of how differing levels of commitment influence attendance, emotional investment, risk taking, and therapeutic momentum. This section supports clinicians to adjust pacing and expectations when commitment is uneven.
How to work with pressure to decide too quickly
Guidance on managing internal and external pressure for clarity, including pressure from partners, families, or therapists themselves. This includes supporting thoughtful decision making without forcing premature conclusions.
How to support clarity without steering the outcome
An exploration of how therapists can facilitate reflection, honesty, and values clarification while remaining neutral and avoiding alignment with a particular outcome.
How to assess readiness for repair, pause, or separation
A framework for evaluating whether couples are ready to work towards repair, need time to pause and stabilise, or may be moving towards separation. This section focuses on ethical assessment rather than directive decision making.
Whats included
Work effectively with couples where one or both partners feel uncertain about staying, leaving, or committing to change.
Case examples illustrating different forms of ambivalence
Frameworks to structure sessions when commitment is unclear
Tools to support values clarification and decision making
Guidance on pacing and boundaries in ambivalence work
Who Should Attend?
Who is it for
Especially helpful for clinicians working with couples where one or both partners are unsure about continuing the relationship or feel stuck between staying and leaving.
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.