THE SECOND PRACTICE OF PSYCHOTHERAPY:
Beyond Models and Eclecticism

Increasingly, the endeavour of psychotherapy is becoming conflicted between the demands of 'science' and the practical craft of therapy. We all know it is possible to be deeply immersed in a theoretical model 'proven effective by science', or equipped with a grab-bag of eclecticism, and still be an ineffective therapist. With the greater focus on 'evidence-based practice' driven by rebate systems, the field has turned its back on other science that places the therapeutic relationship at the core of successful client outcomes. Norcross (2011) asks, 'Do treatments cure disorders or do relationships heal people?'.

In the current climate, the development of the wisdom and maturity of the therapist has been overshadowed and neglected. In fact, we fail to recognise that adherence to models can actually inhibit the development of the therapist and promote feelings of failure - 'The model is supposed to work. What am I doing wrong?' Whatever model is applied, it is delivered in the context of a relationship, and the quality of this relationship will influence the effectiveness of the model. Becoming an effective therapist is about learning to take what is valuable from models, and to have the confidence to develop a therapeutic self in ongoing relationship with clients. We cannot afford to neglect the essential development of the therapist and the value of practical wisdom.

This training proposes that the capacity to meet the needs of the client and the therapeutic process in each unique context requires a new description - 'The Second Practice of Psychotherapy'. This concept refers to a developmental achievement in the maturation of the therapist: the development of a practical wisdom that combines thorough contextualisation, theoretical depth, relational capacity and a creative surrender to what is required in each developing therapy. The end result is an effective practitioner across a range of settings.

Two themes inform the concept of 'The Second Practice of Psychotherapy'. First, a critical analysis of models of psychotherapy finds them limited and in need of a meta-theory that can explain change, resistance, spontaneous improvement, time frames, contexts and all models of therapy. Such a meta-theory is available. It expands psychotherapy's frame into the concepts of the therapeutic domain, being therapeutic and being a therapeutic presence.

Second, a careful observation of mature, successful practitioners reveals a very different picture of therapeutic process. The pathway of specific experiences leads to 'Second Practice': genuine 'not-knowing' and genuine doubt in a context of experienced expertise, all contained in an emotional balance in the one practitioner. Often not experienced as a space for self-congratulatory certainty, but more of continued doubt, the space paradoxically leads to creative success.

This training will describe these themes and illustrate them with therapeutic stories and case studies. Participants will be invited to reflect on their own history and processes, and to identify under-utilised resources that will lead to more effective and satisfying therapeutic engagement with their clients.

PAUL GIBNEY Ph. D., is a psychotherapist and family therapist in private practice in Brisbane. His doctoral thesis (1993) focused on the theoretical relationship between psychoanalysis, systemic therapy, time in therapy, and the matter of context. His theoretical and academic interests and practical contributions to the field have been in the areas of brief therapy, systemic practice and psychoanalytic thought. He has a deep interest in 'everyday therapy', and how to apply complex frameworks to the practical demands of the real world. He has consulted and supervised across a wide range of institutional settings. Through his keynote addresses, lectures and presentations, Paul is considered one of the most dynamic, engaging and respected speakers in Australia. His 2003 text, 'The Pragmatics of Therapeutic Practice' is a classic text and is used in Masters of Counselling Courses throughout Australia. He is the author of over 30 academic papers.

'It is a gift to be an audience to Paul's superb story-telling ability informed by decades of lived practice, wisdom and a capacity to integrate rich and diverse theoretical perspectives with clinical practice.'
'Excellent presentation. Fast, furious, as well as considered and paced.'
'Dynamic and interesting. One of the few workshops where I am not bored by day two!'
'It is hard to engage an audience for two hours, let alone two days! Stimulating, funny, entertaining and an integration of a wealth of theory, ideas and challenges. Brilliant!'
'A trove of information - dense and valuable - certainly got value for time and money'.
'Personally and professionally expanding and challenging. Fabulous.'
'Excellent, enjoyable, thought provoking, inspiring, and challenging.'

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT HOURS

Certificates of Attendance detailing 14 hours of professional training available for collection IN PERSON at 3.00 pm on the final day of training.

TRAINING AND REGISTRATION BROCHURE
Click here to download a registration brochure

FOR SECURE ONLINE REGISTRATION
Click here to register online or phone 03 9855 2220

DATES AND LOCATIONS

 

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