The Interactional Pattern Analysis (IPA) is a psychological diagnostic tool developed by Charl Vorster and described in detail in his 2011 book “Impact”. The IPA is designed as a framework for diagnosing the underlying mechanisms linked to presenting complaints of clients, to help clinicians accurately aim their therapeutic interventions to the nodal points maintaining the problems in living clients seek help for. The tool can be used within any therapeutic modality, paradigm or approach, it is a tool to fine tune the aims of intervention, and is not an intervention technique within itself.

The IPA is a game changer as it helps clinicians understand the underlying mechanisms of distress they observe in their clients, helping clinicians bring about second order change in their interventions, and help clients experience deep and long-term relief. It is broadly applicable and can be used with therapeutic techniques from all modalities as it is not an intervention in and of itself and the CPD training in IPA that we have provided has been positively received by psychologists and psychiatrists alike.

The Interactional Approach to couples therapy is a model of couples therapy based on the IPA. In this training, participants will be thoroughly trained in this model and be equipped to facilitate high level couples therapy based on the variables of the IPA that relate to:

• The foundation of emotional closeness
• Effective expression of needs and confirmation
• Effective interpersonal problem solving

It is a semi-structured program for couples based on the IPA and conducted from a person-centred and interactional approach that is systematic and empowers couples with effective communication tools. It is practical, tangible, and relatable and gives couples not only the opportunity to understand their communication patterns, but also how to effectively change them where necessary.

Participants are required to have completed IPA Level 1 Training (CPD accredited) through Impact or Satori in order to be eligible for this training.