Staying Objective in Couples Counselling: Strategies for Ethical and Effective Practice

This workshop focuses on maintaining professional objectivity in couples counselling. We will explore foundational principles, frameworks like EFT and Gottman, and strategies to manage personal biases and maintain neutrality.

Key topics include reflective practice, supervision, staying within professional scope, identifying unconscious alignment with or against a client, and knowing when to refer clients. The workshop will equip participants with tools to navigate the complexities of couples counselling while adhering to ethical best practices.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the benefits of clinician objectivity for both the counsellor and the client.
• Identify how personal bias can influence the therapeutic relationship and outcomes in couples counselling.
• Recognize the relevance of BCACC Practice Standards in fostering objective clinical work with couples.
• Develop skills to identify bias when working with couples.
• Apply practical strategies to address bias and maintain objectivity in your clinical practice.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER:

Michelle Moloney

Michelle is a Registered Clinical Counsellor – Approved Clinical Supervisor with extensive experience in clinical counselling and clinical psychology. She has worked across the public, private and non-profit sectors, supporting diverse populations and navigating the intersectionality of systems. Her expertise includes working collaboratively with stakeholders and partners to develop and implement effective counselling programs.

Through her role as a director of clinical programs, Michelle specializes in couples counselling for families with serious conflict and violence, individual clinical counselling, and youth justice. She is a sessional instructor at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, trainer and consultant for clinicians and the non-profit sector. Additionally, she provides clinical supervision and consultation across all career stages, from students interns through to seasoned professionals.

Michelle completed her Master of Psychology (Clinical) at the University of New South Wales, Australia, and is a Registered Clinical Counsellor in Canada with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors. She has also completed training in leadership through the Justice Institute of British Columbia and clinical supervision training through the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta. Supporting students and emerging leaders is an area of passion, helping them build the skills needed for ethical and effective practice.