A short-term professional development group to develop skills for identifying and discussing interaction patterns

Agenda and Learning Objectives

Week 1 – The Systemic Lens in Discernment Counseling (1.5 CE hours)

1.       Define the core principles of systemic therapy and explain how they differ from individual-focused approaches. 

2.       Describe how unhealthy interaction patterns are the core of relationship problems and why focusing on them is essential throughout the discernment process. 

3.       Identify three common couple interaction patterns that frequently appear in discernment cases. 

Week 2 – Spotting Interaction Patterns in Real Time (1.5 CE hours)

1.       Observe and accurately describe interaction patterns.

2.       Differentiate surface-level complaints from underlying systemic cycles. 

3.       Practice mapping a couple’s pattern using a simple visual tool you can use in session. 

Week 3 – Articulating Patterns to Each Spouse (1.5 CE hours)

1.       Deliver clear, concise, non-blaming descriptions of the couple’s interaction pattern to each spouse individually. 

2.       Use specific language that helps each partner see their own contribution without defensiveness. 

3.       Handle common spouse responses (denial, blame-shifting, minimization) with confidence. 

Week 4 – Helping Spouses Own Their Role & Integration (1.5 CE hours)

1.       Facilitate experiential exercises that increase each spouse’s awareness of their part in the pattern. 

2.       Apply the full skill set (identify → articulate → invite ownership) in extended role-plays. 

3.       Create a personal implementation plan to integrate systemic pattern work into your existing discernment counseling practice.