About this EventWhat does it mean to connect to others in an in-depth way in therapy, and what is its impact? Research shows that relational depth with clients is associated with improved therapeutic outcomes; and, at a time of social disconnection, fragmentation, and fear, those connections may be more important than ever. This workshop will give participants an opportunity to explore their experiences of relational depth and how it feels to meet others at this level of intensity and intimacy: in both their therapeutic practice and everyday life. The workshop will look at the impact of, and psychological processes behind, relational disconnection, and the mechanisms by which relational depth can have a positive effect. The second part of the workshop will focus on means by which we can deepen our relating with clients; and we will focus on both face-to-face work and online/telephone counselling. Recent research shows that relational depth can be reached in online therapy, and we will explore the factors that can facilitate, and inhibit, the experience of relational depth in this particular modality. Participation in the workshop is free, and a self-completion CPD certificate will be available for participants. Our one ‘ask’ is that participants commit to attending for the full day (10.00-16.00, see schedule below) so that we have a consistent community of participants throughout the day. Participation in the workshop will be via the online platform Zoom. Please ensure that you have tested use of this platform prior to the event, so that technological problems are minimised on the day. Once you complete your free registration you will receive an email with the link to a Zoom online meeting room. The workshop will consist of both theoretical input, whole community discussion, and pairs-work exercises. All formats will be hosted via Zoom, and procedures for participating in the different formats will be explained on the day (they’re very straightforward). As we will be inviting you to participate in personal sharing in pairs, we ask all participants to commit to maintaining strict confidentiality: not disclosing something that has been shared by another participant to you outside of that context. Participants in this workshop should be counsellors, psychotherapists, counselling/clinical psychologists, or other mental health professionals – either qualified or on an established training course. The workshop is open to participants outside of the UK, but you should be fluent in English (to be able to participate fully in counselling pairs exercises) LEARNING OUTCOMES By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to: Understand the nature of relational depthArticulate their own experiences of in-depth relatingUnderstand the latest research findings on the nature, impact, and prevalence of relational depth in therapyRecognise means of deepening levels of relating with clients, both face-to-face and onlineRecognise their own ‘chronic strategies of disconnection’ and other barriers to relational depth  SCHEDULE 10.00-11.30: Experiencing relational depth -- in and out of therapy11.30-12.00: BREAK12.00-13.00: Disconnection and distress13.00-14.00: LUNCH (not provided!)14.00-14.50: Facilitating relational depth: recognising our ‘chronic strategies of disconnection’14.50-15.05: BREAK15.05-16.00: Facilitating relational depth: learning from our clients16.00-17.00: Process Group