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How to Avoid/Address Pitfalls in the Therapeutic Relationship

Dr Dan Kolubinski

Thursday 15 January 2026

Introduction

The therapeutic relationship is a cornerstone of effective clinical practice, but it is also fraught with potential pitfalls that can hinder progress or even cause harm. This webinar, "How to Avoid/Address Pitfalls in the Therapeutic Relationship," will offer practical strategies for recognizing and addressing these challenges. Drawing from the latest research and grounded in real-world clinical experience, this event will provide attendees with tools to strengthen their therapeutic alliances and navigate complex dynamics. Whether you’re new to therapy or a seasoned practitioner, this session aims to deepen your understanding of relational pitfalls and offer actionable solutions.


The event will be equivalent to 2 hrs of CPD.

Content

The webinar will cover common pitfalls in the therapeutic relationship, including boundary issues and ruptures. We will explore how these dynamics can manifest in various clinical settings and discuss strategies for addressing them in a way that fosters trust and growth. Participants will learn techniques to enhance attunement, manage emotional triggers, and repair therapeutic ruptures. The session will also emphasise the importance of reflective practice and supervision in maintaining a healthy therapeutic relationship. Practical examples and case vignettes will be used to illustrate key concepts and techniques that can be immediately applied in clinical practice.

Learning Objectives

• Identify common pitfalls in the therapeutic relationship and their impact on clinical outcomes.
• Develop strategies to manage transference, countertransference, and boundary issues effectively.
• Implement techniques for repairing ruptures and rebuilding trust in the therapeutic alliance.
• Integrate reflective practices to enhance self-awareness and prevent common relational pitfalls.

Training Modalities

The webinar will include didactic content, Q&A, and case vignettes to illustrate key concepts. There will be opportunities for interactive participation through live polls regarding clinical scenarios. Self-reflective exercises will help clinicians identify potential areas for growth within their own practice.

Key References

Clarkson, P. (2003). The Therapeutic Relationship.
Gelso, C.J., & Hayes, J.A. (1998). The Psychotherapy Relationship: Theory, Research, and Practice.

Norcross, J.C. (Ed.). (2002). Psychotherapy Relationships That Work: Therapist Contributions and Responsiveness to Patients.
Rogers, C.R. (1961). On Becoming a Person: A Therapist's View of Psychotherapy.

Safran, J.D., & Muran, J.C. (2000). Negotiating the Therapeutic Alliance: A Relational Treatment Guide.

Wampold, B.E., & Imel, Z.E. (2015). The Great Psychotherapy Debate: The Evidence for What Makes Psychotherapy Work.

About the presenter

Dr Dan Kolubinski is a seasoned clinician, educator and presenter with nearly 20 years of
experience as a Cognitive-Behavioural Therapist. He is known for his research into self-critical
rumination, a process of dwelling on self-critical thoughts without an attempt to problem-solve and works clinically with individuals and couples in varying degrees of distress.

Who should attend

This webinar is suitable for clinicians across various disciplines, including psychologists, counsellors, psychotherapists, and primary and secondary care practitioners. It will be particularly beneficial for those working in adult mental health, child and adolescent services, or specialised areas where relational dynamics are central to treatment.

Details coming soon

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