What makes the IPA different?
The IPA is very different from other traditional approaches, such as DSM, which try to fit the individual into predetermined diagnostic categories, thereby stripping them of their unique qualities and resulting in a loss of potentially valuable information needed to help them. It was developed by Charl Vorster (Professor of clinical psychology at the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University and Professor Extraordinary at the North West University) who established that our mental well-being is directly related to the nature and quality of our relationships or interactions with others. This is the reason why after an enjoyable or satisfying interaction we tend to feel better about ourselves, whereas after an unpleasant or unsatisfying interaction the opposite.
The IPA has been validated by an extensive doctoral research study that established that optimally effective interpersonal relationships go hand in hand with high levels of mental well-being (Van Den Bergh, 2008; Vorster, Roos, & Beukes, 2013). It answers a range of everyday experiences:
Why do I keep feeling this way?
What is it about this relationship that leaves me feeling good?
What about this interaction results in me being annoyed, frustrated, or hurt?
Why am I misunderstood or not seen by others?
Why am I having the same relationship problems over time?
How can I meet my needs more effectively?
What can I do to be more effective in conflict?
The IPA identifies and utilises the client’s unique interpersonal communication and interactional style to change how they are relating or interacting which leads to the resolution their original difficulty. This process is deeply person-centred, empowering, and gives clear structure and direction to therapy.
Interactional Pattern Analysis (IPA) Workshops
Trainer
Dr Warwick Phipps, PhD, FNGH, BCH, CI
Who can register?
This comprehensive workshop is for psychologists, intern-psychologists, registered counsellors, psychiatrists, medical practitioners, occupational therapists, or social workers who have been trained to provide prescribed mental health care, treatment, and rehabilitation services.
Interactional Pattern Analysis (IPA)
LEVEL I
R
4 795
-
14 & 15 March 2025 (8:00 - 17:00)
6 & 7 June 2025 (8:00 - 17:00)
12 & 13 September 2025 (8:00 - 17:00) -
Therapy Works Centre 37 Albertyn str, Vorna Valley, Midrand
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CEU: 16 General
-
Lunch & Refreshments Included
Interactional Pattern Analysis (IPA) Level I Testimonials
A profoundly meaningful experience. Shifting my way of thinking, interacting and approaching a therapeutic relationship. Dr Phipps never fails to capture my attention. Through his workshops he is able to provide a space in which phenomenal, experiential learning takes place. I am genuinely excited about approaching a psychotherapeutic relationship with a new frame of reference.
I found this course to be both informative and meaningful in furthering my knowledge within the psychological sphere. The ease with which it was presented reflects the depth of knowledge and passion Dr. Phipps has for the IPA model, furthered by his congruent representation of principles while interacting with us as a group. Thank you for this wonderful course!
Shew! Where do I begin? Super informative, challenginf, inspriring, educational, thought provoking. Higher level of thinking.
Thank you Warwick.
Within the last few minutes Dr Phipps told us: ‘’It is difficult, but very beautiful’’, and that was my experience throughout the training too… At times I felt exhausted and thinking I will never get this, and when those moments of seeing things in context, and the patterns emerge, it is like noticing shapes in an optical illusion.
I realise that, that way of being with a client will also add to my personal mental wellness. I am also in a space of knowing how much I don’t know and that is motivating.
I appreciated the experiential nature of the workshop moving beyond the transfer of academic theory to the practical application of concepts learned - moreover, learning a skill in applying the theoretical constructs discussed. I understand the logical development of the theory and appreciate the evidence base of the work. This brings comfort in applying this to my work as a clinical psychologist ethically and with confidence.
I enjoyed the Interactional Pattern Analysis Workshop. The workshop was long and intense, but my attention never wavered. I found this powerful learning experience to be stimulating and exciting as it impacted me both personally as I gained new insights of self, and professionally in its use in psychotherapy.
The workshop was delivered in an interactive, dynamic and easy to understand manner. In Dr Phipps’ training, he embodies the core values of a person-centred approach as we experienced this personally and witnessed his unconditional positive regard, empathy and congruence to all. This was a rich and meaningful learning experience.
An enriching experience it was, on a professional and personal level. Rich in content, facilitator knowledgeable, excellently delivered content in a non-threatening and an empowering manner. He was well prepared and actively engaged us throughout the workshop.
The workshop is an eye opener in terms of how I work with clients in terms of the presenting problem, context, and connecting the variables in a meaningful way to inform diagnosis and intervention.
These two days felt profound. It is clearly a framework that has significant impact on how we can work with a client, which puts the relationship at the forefront in understanding the client’s engagement in their real life circumstances. The approach feels continuously non-judgemental which aligns well with my personal approach of engaging within the therapeutic and human domain. Warwick was a phenomenal trainer, very knowledgeable and very congruent in his way of being. A wonderful experience overall and I would definitely recommend the training.
Such a satisfying learning experience. I wish I did this training earlier on in my career – definitely helps focusing therapy with regards to identifying goals. As a psychologist who does psycho-legal assessment in the field of family law, this will be a useful diagnostic approach to identify patterns to better assist in making recommendations. Thank you for this experience.
The training on Interactional Patter Analysis (Level I) was a very meaningful experience. I was able to deepen and consolidate my knowledge and understanding of not only the IPA approach, but also other approaches valuable in the understanding and practice of psychotherapy. What stood out for me was the manner in which the presenter (Dr Phipps) delivered the training with so much skill, gentleness and expertise and how he created an environment so safe, non-judgemental, and conducive for all group members to learn and grow both personally and professionally.
The interactional Pattern Analysis Level I workshop was deeply meaningful to me personally and professionally. I thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated deepening my knowledge regarding this groundbreaking diagnostic procedure that provided necessary structure and awareness and a holistic understanding of how wellbeing is truly informed by the way individuals relate. I left the training feeling grateful, mobilised, and grounded. Dr Phipps continues to embody the core values of a person centred approach to teaching and continues to foster a safe space for experiential learning. I truly look forward to more training to come!
I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to train with Dr Warwick Phipps. His understanding of the IPA and his experiential style of teaching made the IPA come alive. I appreciate how congruently relationally he teaches this relational, interactional approach. I leave the training with a full heart and with a precious lens to view behaviour.
My experience of the course was enriching and empowering within my professional scope. The presenter indicated good knowledge of the concepts and field. Background theoretical information on the subject field was also exceptional.
I thoroughly enjoyed this workshop. I benefitted and will most definitely use the tool in my practice. The venue was ideal, and the small group made it more interactive and informal which enhanced learning I would love to do the other courses. I was accommodated excellently in terms of my dietary and religious requests. I appreciated this enormously – Thank you. A suggestion is some nots or a PowerPoint because my hands are aching!
My experience of the IPA level I training was memorable. It increased my love for learning because there was a balance in building foundational knowledge, filling in knowledge gaps and gentle learning and guidance through the challenging aspects of the content. Collaborative and group learning was encouraged, and fostered a sense of closeness as well as peer-learning which is valuable beyond the training itself. IPA as an approach to psychotherapy provides clarity, and clearly carves out the psychotherapist’s role, which increases effectiveness and instils confidence in one’s role. I would highly recommend this training for all psychotherapists.
Interactional Pattern Analysis (IPA)
LEVEL II
R
4 795
-
9 & 10 May 2025 (8:00 - 17:00)
29 & 30 August 2025 (8:00 - 17:00)
31 Oct & 1 Nov 2025 (8:00 - 17:00) -
Therapy Works Centre 37 Albertyn str, Vorna Valley, Midrand
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CEU: 16 General
-
Lunch & Refreshments Included
Interactional Pattern Analysis (IPA) Level II Testimonials
The workshop broadened my frame of reference regarding IPA. I now have a deeper understanding of variables; I have increased understanding of the importance of self-actualization and the impact it will have in assisting a client. I highly recommend this course.
Wow! This training exceeded my expectations, it is profound & remarkable. I have gained immense knowledge & skill with relevance to my professional development.
This is more than a CPD activity, it is career changing & gives incredible depth to human experience.
I loved every minute of the training. The way it was presented really improved my learning experience. I found the examples used in training very helpful and the context for the training was set beautifully. The training is so meaningful and greatly contributed to my skills as a clinical psychologist.
This training has been phenomenal. The way Dr Phipps slowly & gently builds a frame of reference in understanding the IPA is amazing. It opens possibilities in therapy & understanding human behavior on another level. This training not only helps me professionally, but also on a personal level. I am looking forward to attending the next IPA course.
This workshop broadened my frame of reference immensely.
Interactional Pattern Analysis (IPA)
LEVEL III
R
4 795
-
25 & 26 July 2025 (8:00 - 17:00)
28 & 29 November 2025 (8:00 - 17:00) -
Therapy Works Centre 37 Albertyn str, Vorna Valley, Midrand
-
CEU: 16 General
-
Lunch & Refreshments Included
Interactional Pattern Analysis (IPA) Level III Testimonials
While I participated in multiple other IPA trainings, this one stands out for me. I experienced learning the IPA in a profound and deeply meaningful manner as Dr Warwick Phipps facilitates, empathically holds, and transports you from wherever your starting point may be, to the place of feeling very inspired and mobilised, ready to integrate the IPA into your work and indeed, your life. I highly recommend this training if you feel the need to experience something phenomenal that will forever change the way you look at, understand and work with human beings!
The IPA Training was deep and meaningful experience and assisted me in consolidating my learning even further. Dr Phipps guided the group in a gentle manner and facilitated learning profoundly
If I knew then, what I know now...
Our present circumstances don’t determine where we go; they merely determine where we start.