Relationship models
Differentiation, attachment, systemic approaches, vulnerability cycles, and integrative process models.
IACP-Approved International Training
Professional Certificate in Relationship Therapy - by the Institute of Couples Therapy, Ireland
A 5-day live online training by the Instititute of Couples Therapy, Ireland designed to equip you with confidence, skills, and frameworks to work effectively with the complexity of couples through a blend of theory, practical tools & experiential learning.
Led by Karen Murphy, MIACP (Accred) - founder of the Institute of Couples Therapy, Ireland.
Explore our current training initiative
Why this training matters
Relationship therapy requires a different clinical stance from individual therapy. Practitioners must learn to hold two experiences in the room, track relational cycles, assess safety and ethics, work with vulnerability, and structure sessions in a way that supports both containment and change.
A rare opportunity for Pakistani therapists to train directly with an international relationship & couples therapy trainer through a live, discussion-based, experiential programme.
Meet your INTERNATIONAL TRAINER
Karen Murphy, MIACP (Accred)
Founder
Institute of Couples Therapy, Ireland
Karen Murphy is an experienced couples therapist, accredited supervisor, and founder of the Institute of Couples Therapy. ICT was established to provide high-quality professional training for therapists who want to specialise in relationship work. Its programmes integrate multiple therapeutic approaches and support therapists at different stages of their careers.
TRAINING BY
Institute of Couples TherapyCurriculum
What the 5 days cover
Couple assessment
Structured pre-therapy assessment, tools, questionnaires, genograms, paper exercises, and ethical decision-making.
Relational change
Working with negative cycles, communication blocks, emotional vulnerability, reframing, enactments, and dialogue work.
Family of origin & systems
Integrating family histories, intergenerational patterns, and wider systems into relationship work.
Complex presentations
High conflict, trauma impact, affairs, betrayal, ethical dilemmas, and clinical complexity.
Therapist presence
Reflective practice, use of self, bias, countertransference, resilience, supervision, and peer support.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the programme, participants will be able to:
- 01Conceptualise relationships using key theoretical models, including differentiation, systemic, vulnerability cycle, and gestalt approaches.
- 02Assess couples effectively using structured pre-therapy assessment, assessment tools, and ethical frameworks.
- 03Facilitate relational change through evidence-based interventions focused on communication patterns, vulnerability cycles, and process-based work.
- 04Integrate family-of-origin and systemic factors into the therapeutic process.
- 05Manage challenging presentations including high conflict, trauma impact, and ethical complexities.
- 06Structure therapeutic work across initial, ongoing, and individual sessions while balancing containment and change.
- 07Apply creative and flexible approaches such as role play, enactments, experiential techniques, drawing, sculpting, and imagery.
- 08Engage in reflective practice by integrating personal awareness, use of self, and supervision into professional development.
5-day timetable
Structured across five focused days
- Overview of the Models of Couples Therapy
- Individual vs Couples Therapy
- Developmental Model of Relationships
- Differentiation
- The Vulnerability Cycle
- Integrative Process Model
- Four Cornerstones
Who it's for
Designed for therapists who want to begin or deepen their work with couples
This training is designed for therapists, counsellors, psychotherapists, clinical psychologists, social workers, and mental health practitioners who want to begin or deepen their work with couples and intimate relationships.
- Practitioners wanting to start working with couples
- Therapists already working with couples who want deeper clinical structure
- Professionals supporting clients through conflict, disconnection, affairs, intimacy concerns, trust rupture, and life transitions
- Therapists seeking practical, experiential, and clinically grounded training to hold relational dynamics and work with complexities couples bring.
At a glance
- Training
- Professional Certificate in Relationship Therapy - by the Institute of Couples Therapy, Ireland
- Trainer
- Karen Murphy MIACP
- Delivery
- Live online via Zoom
- Location
- Online
- Duration
- 5 days
- Language
- English
- Fee
- PKR 140,000
- Discount
- 20% off for the first five registrations
- Dates
- 10, 24, 31 Aug & 7, 14 Sep 2026 (Day 1–5)
- Time
- 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM Pakistan time (GMT+5)
- Includes
- Free 6-month access to the ICT Community
- Payment
- Payment link shared after application review
Language
English language requirement
This training is delivered live in English and is discussion-based, with space for questions, group reflection, and experiential learning. Participants should be fluent enough in English to follow the teaching, engage in discussion, and participate comfortably in live exercises.
Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
To maintain professional standards and facilitate advanced clinical training, applicants must satisfy all of the following requirements:
- Professional Standing: Applicants must be fully qualified therapists, counselors, clinical psychologists, or registered mental health practitioners. They must hold a recognized degree or diploma in counseling, psychology, or a closely related mental health discipline.
- Post-Qualification Experience: A minimum of 1 to 2 years of active, post-qualification clinical work with clients is required. This experience must be fully verified and have been conducted under formal clinical supervision.
- Supervision Support: Candidates must have a secure contract or arrangement for consistent, ongoing clinical supervision to support their practice.
Process
How applications work
1
Submit application
Complete the application form and upload your core qualification documents.
2
Application review
Rahmah reviews your professional background and suitability for the training.
3
Payment link shared
Approved applicants receive payment instructions and a secure payment link.
4
Seat confirmation
Your seat is confirmed after payment is completed.
Application
Apply for the Professional Certificate
Please complete the application form below. Payment details will be shared only after application review.
Brochure
Download the programme brochure
Submit your details to access the brochure for the Professional Certificate in Relationship Therapy.
FAQ