The Oxford Diploma in: Couples Therapy and Counselling (Udemy.com)
ACCREDITED : Become a Couples Therapist - learn practical Counselling skills (includes 80 Case Studies)
Created by: Chris Sivewright
Last updated September 2026
What you will learn
- Foundations of Couple Counselling
- The importance of communicating - via the Q/A
- Through case studies, how to compare approaches
- Exercises and activities for couple
- Specific Counselling Techniques
- Summaries (in cartoon form)
- Relationship Management
- Relationship Counselling
- Conflict resolution
- EMDR
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
- Narrative Therapy
- Cognitive Restructuring
How it compares
Against the other 1,107 rated Udemy courses in Personal Development on CourseDuck:
- Rating4.2 out of 5higher than 5% of them
- Reviews270#573 of 1,108 by number of reviews
- Length37.3 hourslonger than 98% of them
- Last updatedSeptember 2026more recently than 97% of them
Course Description
It's really just one question - the answer to which that shows how this is course is different to all others in this section on Udemy.
Do you want to enrol in a course where lectures are constantly added to, students' work is discussed in the Q/A, participation is encouraged and there is a high level of Instructor involvement?
If so - then enrol.
AI summary of 56 reviews:
"The reviews consistently highlight the course's unique and clear instructional methods, including practical approaches like mind mapping and engaging activities that deepen understanding and encourage self-expression. Learners appreciate the comprehensive guidance, encouragement to ask new questions, and thoughtful presentation of concepts, which significantly boost their engagement and motivation."
First and foremost, completion of this course will give you the Oxford Diploma of Achievement.
To achieve the standard you will have:
1. Participated fully in the Q/A
2. Worked through the many case studies (including the extended study section) and given your assessment
3. Fully understood Couples Therapy
4. Have worked through (either on your own or with others) the many exercises and activities for couples
5. Become familiar with - and proficient in - the Mind Map approach
Even if you're not interested in going for the Diploma, this course has a wealth of activities, activities for experiencing and discussing!
The key to all Counselling is communication, which involves discussion, active and reflective listening and a desire to move forward.
To aid this there are a number of unique features of this course such as:
1. 15 cartoon summaries of the key points. This have been especially drawn for this course
2. 52 case studies - short films - where students are asked to give advice. this advice is then commented on by a very active and involved Instructor
3. Many exercises and activities to try out and report back on
4. A heavy emphasis on discussion; experimentation and feedback
5. Nine mini-case studies where students are asked to give advice
6. An active Q/A
7. FIFTY more Case Studies have been added in July 2023
Right from the very beginning you will be asked to actively listen but also to pause and reflect and then give your comments and analysis in the Q/A. These comments will then be discussed and learning will take place.
This course also includes the 'C.A.R.M.E.L.A.' approach to counselling which was developed in Israel and is also now used in Oxford UK.
Extension Topics added in January 2025:
Narrative Therapy
Digital and Technology-Assisted Therapy
Person-Centred Therapy
Cognitive Restructuring
Motivational Interviewing
Active Listening
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
January 2026 - topics added : Psychotherapy : SEVEN Modules
February 2025
50 counselling skills applied
Summary of key topics : Reflective Listening, EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy), Narrative Therapy, The Gottman Method, Imago Relationship Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Domestic Abuse and Coercive Control, Sexless Relationships, Addiction and Its Impact, Grief, Miscarriage, and Infertility, Suicidal Thoughts, High-Conflict Couples, Personality Disorder Traits, Existential Therapy, and Psychotherapy and LGBTQIA+.
Instructor Details
- 4.2 Rating
270 Reviews
Chris Sivewright
About Me
Hi, I’m Chris Sivewright! With over 40 years of teaching experience, I’m passionate about helping students achieve their goals, whether it’s mastering Economics, Business, or exploring creative subjects like Psychology or Literature. My background is incredibly diverse—I’ve been a teacher, examiner, business leader, writer, actor, and volunteer.
Education
I’ve studied at some of the most prestigious institutions:
University of Oxford – Philosophy and Economics
Oxford Brookes University – Teacher training
University of Glamorgan – Business and Economics
Qualifications
Professional qualifications at Masters level
Degree in Business and Economics
Examiner for four major exam boards (O and A Level)
Holder of three teaching diplomas and CELTA certification
Qualified fitness trainer
Key Roles in Education
I’ve had the privilege of holding leadership positions in various institutions:
Principal – Oxford School of Learning
Director of Studies – St. Joseph’s Hall, Oxford
Head of Economics – Cherwell Tutors
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Reviews
By Olufunmilayo Olajoyegbe on 2/22/2026
SO far so good. I found the TikTok video very revealing. I am basically very optimistic and usually expect the best from people. It has happened several times that situations where someone is sticking to the rules in a matter,... I would perceive as them just doing their job, whereas the person beside me would perceive their actions as racist or wickedness. Sometimes it made me wonder if perhaps I missed something. I have generally found that for the most part expecting the best from others causes them to want to measure up to that. (Of course there are exceptions to this rule)
By Udemy User on 4/15/2025
I really value Chris Sivewright’s relatability he strikes an outstanding balance between professionalism and personability. His approach feels grounded and human, which makes the learning experience more engaging and accessible without losing depth or credibility. Which I think really translates well to the therapeutic environment, which makes it easier to see how the skills and case studies apply to real-life situations. The emphasis on individual style and way of working makes it much easier to relate the course material to my own way of working, which in turn makes it easier to motivate myself to continue working through the course.
By Shwetal Bhange on 4/9/2025
The course was just awesome . I appreciate the efforts put into the course. Chris is a very good instructor . Best part of course was detailed explanations on each and every concept of counselling. The case studies planned on every segment was a great chance to practice all the concepts learned in the section .I loved the exercises and activities section ,these concepts like gaze , vision board , Deep topics Are so nicely explained they will be very useful in couple therapy .. Art therapy section was also impressive.
By Abhishek Sharma on 3/5/2025
I recently completed the couple therapy and counselling course on Udemy, and I must say it has been one of the most enriching learning experiences I've had on any platform. The course was well-structured, and I made a conscious effort to engage deeply with every question and case study, following the guidelines set by Master Chris. I also enjoyed interacting with fellow students, sharing my perspectives, and learning from theirs. Chris's teaching style is clear, accessible, and supportive, and I appreciate how he took the time to address my personal queries. My only observation is that the Q&A section could have benefited from more active participation among students, but this is not a reflection on the course or Chris's exceptional instruction. Overall, the course provided me with extensive practical knowledge and hands-on experience through over a hundred detailed case studies, leaving me feeling confident and well-prepared in this field.
By Damitha Kuruba on 1/12/2025
It was a good, rather interesting course. I especially like the counselling techniques section - the resources and case studies provided were apt and engaging. I thought that the idea of mind maps was great! But a pen-paper approach was a bit putting off. A powerpoint presentation with colours could be more lively and engaging. The talks in the nature - Chris could be stationary, standing and talking (rather than walking and looking away from the camera) All in all, it was a wonderful course, thanks for it :)
By Joyce Low Wai Ching on 7/19/2024
1. For those who prefer a more structured approach (and beginning with the end in mind eg. Solution Focused Approach) it would have been helpful for the course requirements that need to be satisfied for issuance of the diploma to be clearly stated upfront in the Overview. This would then give us a sense of the level of commitment and necessary resource allocation. 2. While it is much appreciated that the materials were updated at different points, this presented a lot of confusion and difficulties in tracing the relevant comment threads in the Q&A as the numbering of the sections/ lectures would necessarily have changed.
By Simone Stacey Smith on 11/21/2023
This course is just what I needed even for myself,I applied the methods thought in this course it worked for me ,it took me some time to finally complete the course due to a very busy life and kids but at one time I thought aww I need some therapy and Chris’s counseling session is just what I needed for my marriage to improve Christ thank you for a quality course that is impacted with resources all way around I’m blessed to encounter this course and this lectures,I greatly appreciate your time with us Chris thank you.
By Azgari@liv180.com on 7/13/2023
Very poorly don’t course. Hard to follow this instructior just writing on papa we and taking non stop .
By Giedre Dian on 5/24/2023
I took time to do the course and explore each individual resource available, Loved it once it also take on board our professional experience. For example, I had worked 3 years using CBT, but now working in an Integrative way, seems to be more effective to my clients and tome wise as well, assuring results to clients. I answer all Q/A and it helps me to have a full view and see the whole benefit of each exercise and case study. Chris, congratulations! Udemy, congratulations! I would have no problems recommending this course, really. Giedre Dian - WWW.AVENCATHERAPY.COM
By Symran Bhue on 5/17/2023
I am really enjoying this course. I would have never signed up for this course if I wasn't already on another one of Chris's courses. The lectures really leave an open ground for further exploration and it has been wonderful. Any of Chris's courses are not just about watching the lectures - they are about creating an immersive learning experience for oneself through participation and learning from the community of other students enrolled on the course. Update: One of things that I like the most about this course is the research from other areas than Psychology which are part of the lectures which helps us draw parallels in different contexts. Through participation in this course, I am becoming more aware of my relationship with my partner and this course has given a way to better our relationship. What's more is that the learnings from this course can be practised in any relationship and not just romantic.
Quality Score
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Overall Score : 84 / 100












