Are ‘process groups’ in counselling and psychotherapy training ethical?
8th July 2025 - BOOK HERE
Speaker: Patrick Brook:
Process Groups’, or ‘Experiential Groups’/‘Personal Development Groups’, have become an integral part of many counselling and psychotherapy training. Proponents offer them functionally as ‘vehicles for self-awareness and support.’
Drawing on the work of several authors, Patrick will begin provocatively by inviting participants to engage with the proposition that in their unstructured form, ‘Process Groups’ are fundamentally unethical. Looking at issues associated with dual-role, boundaries, the nature of regression, and potential risk/harm to trainees.
He will then introduce a different model - Theme Centred Interaction – which was first introduced by the psychoanalyst Ruth Cohn in the 1960s and that he has developed as an alternative framework to achieve developmental goals without compromising ethical principles.
Welcome to CPD Sussex
A hub for Continuous Professional Development (CPD) designed specifically for counsellors and psychotherapists in and around the vibrant Sussex South Coast. We represent a dynamic partnership between two local businesses: New Road Psychotherapy, Brighton and Hove, and Connexus Institute of Psychological Development and Training, Hove. Guided by experienced psychotherapists, supervisors, and trainers Rory Singer and Patrick Brook, our mission is to foster an environment for meaningful connections, networking, and idea exchange for professionals in counselling and psychotherapy, regardless of the stage of career - be it seasoned practitioners or those still in training.
Low-Cost Networking Workshop Events
In our desire to inspire, empower, and unite counsellors and psychotherapists across the region, Rory and Patrick are pleased to present a series of affordable CPD/Networking events scheduled bi-monthly from September 2024 to July 2025.
These workshops, open to all, are priced at just £10 per person and are held ‘in-person’ and ‘in-room’ at the Connexus Institute training premises on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Each attendee will receive a 2-hour CPD Certificate, and complementary tea, coffee, and refreshments will be provided.
About Us
Patrick Brook
BA (Hons), DELTA, MA, Dip.Couns, Dip Sup, CTA(P), TSTA (P)
UKCP Reg Psychotherapist and Supervisor
After a substantial career in teaching and university education, Patrick embarked on a career in psychotherapy and counselling. He is a certified Transactional Analyst (CTA) and a Teaching and Supervising Transactional Analyst (TSTA) in the field of psychotherapy, a UKCP Registered psychotherapist/supervisor, a senior accredited NCPS counsellor, and an internationally approved TA trainer and clinical supervisor. He is also one of the founding Directors of the Connexus Institute.
Rory Singer
UKCP Reg Psychotherapist and Supervisor
Rory has over 35 years of experience as a psychotherapist, teacher, and trainer.
His psychotherapy career began after five years of training as a Buddhist monk in the Thai Forest Tradition. He then qualified as a group and individual psychotherapist at the Gestalt Centre in London.
Rory has worked as a psychotherapist and trainer in various settings, including educational institutions, hospitals, and private practice.
Psychoanalytic, Gestalt and Buddhist theories and practices deeply influenced his work. He is also the founding director of New Road Psychotherapy.
Details
Dates:
Tuesday evenings bi-monthly.
Times:
6 pm - 8 pm
Group Size:
25 participants (max)
Cost:
£10
Venue:
Connexus Institute, 5 The Drive, Hove, BN3 3JE
Programme:
The networking/workshop events will generally adhere to the following structure:
6:00 to 6:15 pm: Welcome and opportunity to meet/mingle
6:15 to 7:30 pm: Workshop Presentation and Discussion
7:30 to 8:00 pm: Networking/Opportunity for further discussion
8th July 2025- BOOK HERE
Are ‘process groups’ in counselling and psychotherapy training ethical?
Speaker: Patrick Brook