Many of the issues which bring clients to therapy arise because of internal conflict.
For example, a client wishes to have a romantic relationship but is gripped by such intense social anxiety that they rarely, if ever, socialise, let alone ask someone out on a date.
When facing such inner conflicts, clients typically align with one side of the conflict (the desire to date) and take a strong anti-position against what they believe is getting in the way (the social anxiety).
Thus, the client presents in therapy with a desired outcome of ‘getting rid of’, ‘overcoming’ or ‘managing’ their social anxiety. On the face of it, this seems a perfectly rational approach, and indeed many therapists would assist the client to do just this, sometimes with beneficial results, sometimes not.
There are No Bad Parts
If we view social anxiety not as a troublesome symptom but as a vital attempted solution, a completely different therapeutic conversation arises, one that validates and honours both sides of the apparent conflict.
In this case, the positive intention of the social anxiety may be to prevent the client from entering a romantic relationship because of a deep fear of intimacy and loss of autonomy.
By understanding the positive intent of the symptom pattern, we can assist our clients in addressing their real issues (e.g., the fear of intimacy) rather than the protective symptom (e.g., the social anxiety, which will naturally dissipate when no longer needed).
To invite such a therapeutic encounter, we need to help clients adopt a position of the ‘fair observer’ with respect to all sides of their inner conflicts.
This is often easier said than done, for several reasons. Hence, this workshop is designed to equip you with the necessary skills to use the thinking behind, and the tools of, effective Parts therapy.
Topics Covered Include…
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A brief historical overview of working with Parts (drawing upon Federn’s ego psychology and the enormous contributions of John and Helen Watkins)
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The recent important further contributions by Richard Schwartz and his internal Family Systems model
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How to identify when Parts work is indicated and contraindications
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How to help clients adopt the ‘fair observer’ position
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How to invite generative communication with Parts
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How to engage fearful and seemingly malevolent Parts
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How to assist trauma-carrying Parts to unburden their pain in a safe manner
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How to engage non-verbal Parts.
The Fine Details
Mode of Study
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Face-to-face tuition.
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Practical demonstration and exercises.
Hours of Study
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14 hours over 2 days (14 hours CPD).
Assessment
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For anyone who is counting this towards their UKCP additional hours, there will be a written assessment.
Cost
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£295 (£275 for NCHP alumni).
Entry Requirements
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Practising hypnotherapists and hypno-psychotherapists;
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Students and trainees who have completed the Stage 2 training at NCHP.
Course Dates
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18/19th April 2026 (10 am – 5 pm).
Course Venue
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The Leonardo Royal St. Paul’s 10 Godliman Street, EC4V 5AJ.
What Next?
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Upon completion and certification of specialist training, you will be equipped with practical skills to use immediately in your practice.
Book This Course Below
Your Tutor – David Corr
David Corr will lead this course. David is a UKCP-registered and accredited therapist and clinical supervisor.
David has over 30 years’ experience as a hypnotherapist and hypno-psychotherapist, with extensive training in several models of working with Parts.