A Two-Phase Group Program for Counselling Students & Recent Graduates
Relational Practices in Counselling
If you’re finishing a Master’s program or newly graduated, you’ve probably spent a lot of time learning theory. What’s harder to learn from a textbook is how to actually be with a client. How to listen in a way that goes beyond technique. How to use yourself as an instrument in the room.
This two-phase group program is built around that gap. It’s not more theory. It’s experiential work designed to help you develop the relational skills that make person-centered counselling actually work: empathic understanding, congruence, and the ability to move fluidly between your own inner experience and your client’s.
Both phases are facilitated by Carolynn Turner (MA, RCC-ACS, CCS, CT, CGP) and held in person at our dedicated group space in Langley.
Offered through Lavender Counselling since 2012.
Building the foundation.
Phase 1 is about understanding the value and purpose of empathy as an intervention, not just a soft skill that helps build rapport. Most counselling programs touch on empathy, but few give you the space to actually practice it in a way that lands in your body.
This group combines psychoeducation with experiential exercises designed to help you develop a felt sense of empathic understanding. You’ll work alongside fellow students and recent graduates, debriefing together in a way that reduces the isolation that can come with early clinical work.
No prior clinical experience is required. This is where you start.
Join the waitlist →
Going deeper.
Phase 2 is about learning to move from inside yourself to your client in a more seamless and timely way. If you’ve ever found yourself so cognitively in your head during a session that you missed what was actually happening in the room, this is where you work on that.
This is a full-day intensive that deepens the empathic skills from Phase 1, with more complex experiential exercises and longer practice sequences. You’ll leave with a stronger ability to stay present with your client without losing yourself in the process.
Join the waitlist →“Calm, kind, patient, empathy, comfort, genuine, non-judgemental connection.”Anonymous
“They were able to help me feel seen and understood, while also connecting me to the group experience.”Anonymous
“I really appreciated how warm, welcoming, and empathetic all of the facilitators were. It felt very safe from the start, I felt included, appreciated, and welcome.”Arella
“I appreciated the value system that seems to be promoted. I will recommend it and intend to apply for internship.”Anonymous
“I would come to other Lavender events and I would refer others because I think it is a valuable endeavour for students. It is a great example of community care for self-care, which is vital for my program.”Anonymous
“It seemed that all the facilitators were showing up authentically and with deep empathy. They were perceptive and attentive to group members and worked well together. I would definitely go to another group facilitated by any of them again.”Arella
Who is this for?
Current Master’s students in a counselling or psychotherapeutic discipline, and recent graduates who are in the early stages of their clinical careers. You don’t need to be seeing clients yet to benefit from Phase 1.
What to expect.
These are in-person, experiential groups. You’ll be doing exercises, not just listening. Come prepared to participate, to be a bit uncomfortable at times, and to learn things about yourself that a textbook can’t teach you.
How to register.
Email us and let us know which phase you’re interested in. If a group is currently scheduled, we’ll send you the registration link. If not, we’ll add you to the waitlist and be in touch when the next round is confirmed.
Refund policy.
No refunds are provided for either phase. This is strictly enforced. We ask that you only register when you’re confident you can attend.
Interested in Joining?
Reach out and let us know which phase you’re interested in. We’ll get back to you with next steps.
Ask About Upcoming Dates📧 reception@lavendercounselling.com Location #211 – 20238 Fraser Hwy, Langley, BC