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Birkbeck Training Series

Background

Launched in 2018 by the Student Counselling Service at Birkbeck, University of London, these workshops are designed by and for HE counsellors and tailored specifically for those working using short-term therapeutic models.

Over the years, the series have become a dedicated space for valued professional development, reflective practice, and dialogue among practitioners across the sector.

The theme of this year’s series is: 'Where Therapy Begins: Depth, Formulation and Impact in Brief Therapy'

2026/27 Workshops

  • Who is this training series for?

    Our workshops are aimed at qualified counsellors, psychotherapists and mental health practitioners working with students in the higher education sector or other short-term therapy services.

    We also welcome trainee/honorary therapists and clinicians who are interested in developing their understanding or working with a short-term model or with students in H.E.

  • What will you get?

    The interactive workshops will include the trainer’s presentation, Question and Answer session, and breakout group discussions.

    Following the workshop you will receive via email the slides, presentation recording, any shared resources and a CPD certificate of attendance.

    Additionally, the workshops are a great opportunity to connect with peers working in the mental health and university sector, as well as gaining a deeper understanding of the topics explored in the trainings. 

  • Ticket price

    Standard ticket price: £75 per workshop

    Series ticket (all three trainings): £210

    Discounted tickets for trainee/honorary therapists or group booking are available upon request. 

  • Time

    Training 1 is an afternoon training and will run from 1-5pm with short breaks.

    Trainings 2 and 3 will run from 9:30am-1:30am with short breaks. 

  • Delivery details

    Live online workshops via MS Teams.

    Participants need an electronic device (preferably a computer/laptop) with a microphone, webcam and reliable internet connection.

    Joining instructions will be emailed to participants a few days before, including a guide to using the online platform/software, schedule, and slides in advance when possible.

  • Booking and payment

    Book your place on the Birkbeck Training Series workshops.

    Bookings can only be made by card payment online.

    Please note that past workshops have had waiting lists, so we advise early booking to avoid disappointment.

    Please be advised that due the high number of bookings, we are unable to provide individual invoices for each booking. The booking confirmation you receive will suffice to reclaim any expenses incurred from your employer.

  • Cancellation policy

    All cancellation requests must be made by email.

    A refund can only be given for a single-ticket booking cancelled more than two weeks before the booked event. A cancellation made less than two weeks before the booked event will not be eligible for a refund.

    No refund will be given for group bookings, discounted tickets or series tickets.

    Please note that if you have received the joining instructions email ahead of an event, this is considered access to part of the training materials; as such, you will not be eligible for a refund.

    However, if you cannot attend, you can transfer your place free of charge to another person who is a counsellor/therapist if you provide their name by email at least 24 hours before the scheduled event start time; please note that in this case all further workshop materials including the CPD certificate will go to them.

    In the unlikely event of the workshop being cancelled or postponed, we will offer a full ticket refund. However, we will not be responsible for any incidental costs incurred such as time off work.

  • Contact details

    If you have any queries, would like any further information about the training series or want to find out about group bookings/trainee discounts, please email Aditi Dhar (Counsellor and Training Series Co-ordinator ) and she will respond as soon as possible.

    We also welcome your feedback and ideas for future workshops.

Past workshops

  • 2025/26

    • Projective Processes and how to survive them
    • Dissociation: The Forgotten Defence
    • Decoding Defences

  • 2024/25

    • The Psychodynamics of Self Harm
    • Working with Disordered Eating
    • Working with the Body in Mind

  • 2023/24

    • Attachment Theory and Practice in Short-term Work
    • Attachment Informed Therapy: recognising and working with patterns of insecure attachment in short-term work
    • Working with Attachment Related Trauma in Short-term Work. 

  • 2022/23

    • Working with visible differences 
    • Working with race, identity and intersectionality
    • Working with Otherness and Privilege
    • Follow-up forum

  • 2021/22

    • Working with bereavement and loss in short-term counselling in HE
    • Working with transitions and loss in short-term counselling in HE
    • Thinking about our loss when working in short-term counselling in HE
    • Follow-up forum

  • 2020/21

    • Working with Trauma
    • Working with Race
    • Working with Autism Spectrum Conditions

  • 2019/20

    • Working with Eating Disorders
    • Working with Gender Identity
    • Working with Borderline Personality Disorder

  • 2018/19

    • Assessment for Short Term Counselling in Higher Education 
    • Managing Risk
    • Working with Trauma and Sexual Abuse