Core Clinical Skills | APT Training

The Association for Psychological Therapies

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Core Clinical Skills

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NEW: Relationship Building

As long ago as 1986, Goleman identified that the quality of the relationship between
therapist and client was the single best predictor of success or failure in a therapeutic
enterprise. And yet, in the rush for new therapies, this fundamental truth has been overtaken.
The result is that many professionals now lack the skills to have their patients attend for
therapy regularly. The resultant dropout rates are staggering and the potential quality of the service grossly impaired. This day looks at every aspect of the relationship right from the
moment of first meeting through to the ending of therapy, at every point seeking to maximise
the effectiveness of the professional input.

A 1-day course for 6-16 people.
We bring the training to you for an all-inclusive fee of £1,495 plus VAT.

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NEW: Effective Listening

There is a basic truth that if the patient does not believe that the professional has heard and understood the problem, then the patient will take no notice of anything that the professional subsequently says. After all, how can the professional say anything useful if they don't
understand what the problem is? And yet some professionals' listening skills are undeniably poor, even some teaching on the subject is poor, with one text book advocating that the professional should 'look at the client as though you are really listening to them'! So on
this day we cover everything from (a) how to get the client talking, (b) the reasons why it is important for the client to talk and the professional to listen, (c) how to make the client feel
good about what they are saying, and why this is important to do, and (d) listening skills that regain your sense of direction when you lose it!

A 1-day course for 6-16 people.
We bring the training to you for an all-inclusive fee of £1,495 plus VAT.

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NEW: Empathy and Validation

Empathy and validation fit together like hand in glove. Empathy - the ability to really
understand the patient's point of view - is fundamental in comprehending why patients
do what they do and just which of the myriad of techniques we have available to us will best
help them. Moreover, a client who 'senses' that the professional doesn't truly understand
will pay little heed to what the professional says.

In a parallel way, validation is the key skill for helping people to feel good about themselves
and able to move forward. Applying equally to friends and to clients, it is probably the single
most effective 'bonding tool' we have available to us: everyone wants to know that their
feelings and behaviours are 'valid', and it liberates them to move on and deal with their
problems. This day looks at the importance of these two concepts, and the skills involved in delivering them effectively.

A 1-day course for 6-16 people.
We bring the training to you for an all-inclusive fee of £1,495 plus VAT.

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NEW: 'Homework' Setting

There are 168 hours in a week, and a professional will be lucky to spend just one of these
hours with any particular client. It follows, therefore, that the out of session projects or
'homework' are absolutely crucial if a lasting effect is going to be achieved. Equally,
therefore, the ability of the professional to (a) identify key tasks for the client to do that will
make a real difference to their wellbeing and (b) to put these tasks forward to the client in
a way that will result in them actually doing the tasks is vital. We examine these two
components carefully to reveal the factors that mark out those professionals who can identify
the actions that will make a difference and get their patients to do those things and enjoy the benefits from doing so.

A 1-day course for 6-16 people.
We bring the training to you for an all-inclusive fee of 1,495 plus VAT.

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"I have actually stopped applying for any non APT courses as they far exceed the content and presentation of ny other NHS course I have been on in my 20+ years experience of psychiatry. Many thanks."

Tony White, Course Delegate

"Without a doubt the best training course I have ever attended. Thoroughly enjoyable, relevant and helpful to my job role."

Stephanie Young, Course Delegate

"Absolutely enthralling from start to finish. Very comprehensive and relevant but also concise."

Alexander Clarke, Course Delegate

"Hooray, the best presented, organised, stress-free course I have ever attended since working in mental health nursing."

APT Course Delegate