We’re delighted to welcome back our free in-person Making Connections events.
These regular face to face conferences take place throughout the year and give you the chance to network with other members and our divisional executive members.
Programme
Click on the sessions to find out more.ÌýIf you are viewing this page on a mobile, rotate your screen to view the programme.
| 10.00am – 10.30am | Registration |
| 10.30am - 10.50am | Welcome from ÌÇÐĹÙÍø |
| 10.50am - 11.35am | Understanding coercive control in the context of domestic abuse and the key clinical implications for counsellors, presented by Jean Kennedy |
| 11.35am - 11.45am | Comfort break |
| 11.45am – 12.30pm |
Presentation tba |
| 12.30pm – 1.30pm | Light lunch |
| 1.30pm – 1.50 pm | Local member two-minute platforms |
| 1.50pm – 2.40pm | Connecting together The room will be divided into different areas of interest, for more focused and structured networking. You’ll be encouraged to move around the room and engage with colleagues, volunteers and ÌÇÐĹÙÍø staff to network, share ideas and meet new people with similar interests. You’ll be able to add a new area of interest if yours isn’t represented. |
| 2.40pm – 3.10pm | Refreshments |
| 3.10pm – 3.55pm | Presentation tba |
| 3.55pm - 4.00pm | Event close |
This programme is subject to change.
10.50am – 11.35am
This presentation aims to increase understanding of coercive control within the broader context of domestic abuse and violence against women and girls (VAWG). Domestic abuse remains a significant social issue, with approximately one in four women experiencing it during their lifetime. The session will explore coercive control as a pattern of behaviours used to dominate, isolate, and psychologically entrap a partner, often without visible physical violence.
The presentation will situate coercive control within a wider social and cultural context, including the influence of patriarchal structures, the growing prevalence of pornography, and the role of legislation in recognising and addressing this form of abuse. It will examine common tactics used by perpetrators, such as gaslighting, intimidation, isolation, and manipulation, and how these behaviours gradually undermine a survivor’s autonomy and sense of self.
Attention will also be given to the psychological impact on survivors, including trauma bonding, shame, confusion, and loss of identity, and why individuals may remain in abusive relationships. Finally, the presentation will consider key clinical implications for counsellors, including risk awareness, safeguarding responsibilities, and the importance of trauma-informed therapeutic practice when supporting survivors.
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Presentation tba
11.45am - 12.30pm
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Presentation tba
3.10pm - 3.55pm
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