Karen Spencer and Jak Smith
Within this workshop we aim to explore how we begin integrating CAT with couple’s theory and concepts to help couples learn new ways to connect and communicate within their couple system. We also consider how CAT can be adapted when working with couples.
We will consider the varied dialogic positions of effective communication within an intimate relationship, and broader social landscapes. We will reflect on the impact of how formative experiences and relationship dynamics particularly with caregivers, and influence ‘our’ relational repertoire and communication templates when navigating couple’s relationships. The workshop aims to promote inclusion, taking into consideration dimensions of diversity and difference.
We will explore the role of culture, trauma, and broader socio-political landscapes that influence current dialogic styles, and responses to conflict and perceived threat.
Karen Spencer is a psychodynamic psychotherapist, CAT therapist, and is fully trained in EMDR. She works with both individuals and couples in her private practice in Richmond-Upon-Thames and central London. Karen is committed to bringing CAT within her couples work and has set up the CAT Couples SIG to create a community with others interested in shaping and thinking about CAT within their couples work and practice.
Karen currently holds the post of Deputy Chair of the BACP Private Practice Division. She was recently invited to be a guest panel speaker at the BACP Student Conference.
Karen is a qualified trainer having completed a Certificate in Education and has extensive experience designing and providing training. She has delivered bespoke training within a range of organisations, including presenting her work at the Intersectionality of Grief: Bereavement Conference, 2023.
Recent Publication: Spencer, K. (2024). ‘Supporting refugees with a shattered assumptive world’, Reformulation, Winter 2024.
https://www.kspencerpsychotherapy.com
Jak Smith is an ACAT Accredited CAT Therapist, Supervisor and Trainer on the Newcastle CAT Practitioner Programme. He has worked across NHS Specialist Services for 12 years as a Counsellor and Psychotherapist, including Addiction Services, Neurorehabilitation and for the past 5-6 years the Specialist CAT Service within The Centre for Specialist Psychological Therapies (tertiary psychotherapy department).
Alongside his NHS work, Jak continues to have an established private practice as an associate of Clarity Psychology, in which he sees couples (and individuals) who have suffered neurological injuries/ conditions, often because of traumatic injury. Here Jak often draws upon the CAT model and EMDR to support individuals and couples to achieve their desired goals.
Jak is passionate about developing CAT across Neurorehabilitation and increasing accessibility through adaptions.
He is currently co-editing a book which is expected to be published with Routledge in 2025 (Title: ‘CAT and Neurorehabilitation; a clinicians guide to relational practice’).
Publication:
‘CAT and Neurorehabilitation: developing a model through team consultation’ (Reformulation 2021)
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2025 Conference Workshops