Conference theme is: Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy for the 21st Century: Flexibility, Adaptation, and Innovation.
We are running two workshops and a Relaxation Club on the 3rd December, 2025. In early 2026 there will also be a post-conference workshop.
IMPORTANT: AREBT Members can obtain their free ticket on Eventbrite by using the ‘AREBT Members – WORKSHOP 2 (Wed 3rd Dec)‘ selection. (Members can make a donation by scrolling further down the selection options if they so wish.)
Workshop 1. 10.00 to 11.00 GMT. 3rd December, 2025: Introduction to relaxation based counselling and coaching
Trainers: Prof Stephen Palmer & Dr Siobhain O’Riordan
This short workshop will introduce the Relaxation Response. It will cover relevant research and focus on a number of relaxation techniques. Attendees can return after the 11.00 BST break and join the Relaxation Club session. (See below)
Objectives
- To define Relaxation Based Coaching and Relaxation Based Counselling
- To understand the Relaxation Response
- To increase knowledge in the application of relatively ‘simple’ relaxation skills within Relaxation Based Counselling and Coaching in face-to-face work and over virtual platforms
- To have practised a couple of relaxation techniques within group exercises
- To reflect on how relaxation techniques can be integrated within your own practice
- To monitor physiological and psychological measures of your Relaxation Response
Articles
Is there a growing need for Relaxation Based Coaching?
Multimodal Relaxation Method applied to counselling, psychotherapy and coaching
Guidelines and Contra-indications for Teaching Relaxation as a Stress Management Technique
Brief Introduction to the Rational Emotive Multimodal Relaxation Method
Cost: AREBT Members Free (or voluntary contribution). Non-Members: £10.
Click HERE to book your place.
Relaxation Club. 11.30 to 12.30 GMT. 3rd December, 2025: The Relaxation Club is led by Prof Stephen Palmer & Dr Siobhain O’Riordan
Join our Relaxation Club which will be facilitated by Prof Stephen Palmer and Dr Siobhain O’Riordan. The Rational Emotive Multimodal Relaxation Method developed by Stephen will be discussed and then attendees can try out the technique in the session.
If you are new to using relaxation techniques, then the Rational Emotive Multimodal Relaxation Method introduces the ‘Relaxer’ to a range of different relaxation techniques providing the opportunity to try out Passive Progressive Muscle Relaxation, Diaphragmatic breathing, and imagery. It also includes Rational self-talk statement(s) which target any presenting issue the client, trainee or coachee wishes to address. (If you are interested to learn more about the Multimodal Relaxation Method, click on the relevant article links in Workshop 3 above or the REMRM article link below.)
Brief Introduction to the Rational Emotive Multimodal Relaxation Method
Cost: AREBT Members Free (or voluntary contribution). Non-Members: Free.
Click HERE to book your place.
Workshop 2 14.00 to 16.00 GMT. 3rd December, 2025: Introduction to health coaching and Rational Emotive Occupational Health Coaching approach.
Trainers: Prof Stephen Palmer & Dr Siobhain O’Riordan
In the last century, health psychologists published articles about health counselling. Since the early 2000s the focus has shifted to the theory, research and practice of health coaching. Health coaching has become well-established health intervention in many countries including the UK, USA and Australia. Research has demonstrated that health coaching is effective for addressing a wide range of health-related issues. This skills based workshop will consider health coaching and the more recent development of Rational Emotive Occupational Health Coaching.
NB. Professor Palmer’s keynote on Day 1 of the conference focused on health coaching and Rational Emotive Occupational Health Coaching research.
Cost: AREBT Members Free (or voluntary contribution). Non-Members: £20.
Click HERE to book your place.
POST-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP, 2026
Date & Time: 14.00 to 16.30 GMT 22nd January, 2026.
Workshop: Flexibility, Adaptation and Innovation; Working safely and competently with risk as an REBT practitioner (within new NHS guidelines 2025)
Trainers: Denise Christy & Edelweiss Collings
NHS England have published updated guidance on ‘staying safe from suicide’. (4th April 2025) – last updated 11th June 2025. In the light of this important guidance this interactive workshop will include working collaboratively and flexibly in adapting risk assessments. There will also be a brief review of recent research. Group exercises will include REBT cognitive and behavioural approaches in both safety planning and building hope for the future.
Booking
Cost: AREBT Members Free (or voluntary contribution). Non-Members: £20.
Booking: Eventbrite