Qualified couples specialist

An article in the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, Jan 2012, Vol.38(1), p.147. by Jay Lebow, Anthony Chambers, and Susan Johnson notes an interesting correlation. 70% of psychotherapists treat couples (Orlinsky & Ronnestad, 2005) yet most training programs have little or no couples training! Couples therapy is very effective in studies (Shadish & Baldwin, 2003, 2005; Snyder, Castellani, & Whisman, 2006), but clients overall are least satisfied (Seligman, 1995). Why? It would appear they visited untrained couple therapists!  The moral is: before booking with a relationship counsellor be sure to ask what training they have with couples!   
Founding Member of MCEFT: The Melbourne Community for Emotionally Focused Therapy.  MCEFT is a group of mental health professionals who practice Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples, a highly effective, evidence-based model for helping people develop stronger, healthier relationships. We are committed to providing regular forums for ongoing education, support and professional development for practitioners, as well as relevant information, resources and access to services for the wider community.
Fouhder and Coordinator of the National Australian Peer Development Network, in collaboration with the Australian Centre for Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). www.aceft.com.au/peer-development-groups/
 Mapping Out a Sky Couple Counselling
      It is not easy to find a couple counselor with specialized training in couple counseling, they are few and far between . All too often, counselors who are trained in individual counseling--with perhaps a workshop or two on couples, venture into the realm of couples without enough background, education, experience, or understanding of the complicated dynamics involved. In contrast, couples are my passion, and the sole focus of my private practice.
​     I have specialized training in working with couples and that is all I do.  I stay current with the literature and evidence base, and share information freely. I regularly pass on readings for those who are curious to learn more about the ever-evolving science of love and bonding.
My educational degrees include:
  • Masters Degree in Social Science (Couple Counselling) – Swinburne University, Melbourne, Australia
  • Bachelor of Arts from the prestigious Brown University in Providence, RI, USA
  • Post-Baccalaureate Certificate– The School of the Art Institute of Chicago

​Credentials

In addition to these degrees, I have completed many years of psychology and art therapy coursework, training, and professional development, with a primary emphasis on relationships, communication, and non-violence. I have 25 years of experience in the development and facilitation of programs for children, adolescents, and adults including:
  • I have facilitated workshops assisting individuals to use conflict resolution skills with the Alternatives to Violence Project.
  • I have worked as an expressive arts therapist for a broad range of clients including several arts therapy groups.
  • I have taught mindfulness through art in schools and community settings.
  • I helped develop an intensive, individualized treatment program for troubled adolescents as a House Parent in the innovative, relationship-based Community Treatment Homes Program in Chicago. 
  • I was part of the organising group for the Melbourne Community for Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples. (MCEFT.com)
  • I am currently the Peer Group Training Coordinator for Melbourne Community for Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples. ​.  Please visit: MCEFT.com for more information.

​​Lifetime member:  International  Center for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy.
Member: Australian College of Relationship Counsellors (ACRC) 
Member: ​ Psychotherapy & Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA)  [Karen Kain, PACFA Reg. Provisional 25760]

Drafting Table For Two  Couple Counselling   Mornington Peninsula

Marriage Counselling 

Karen Kain             Couple Counsellor       Online telehealth sessions Broome, WA