How Becoming a C-IRT Can Enhance Your Practice and Client Outcomes
An Integrative Relationship Therapy Professional certification (C-IRT) will equip you with a vast amount of knowledge and skills to confidently and effectively implement an integrative approach to couples therapy. Sex and relationship expert, author, and Evergreen advisor Dr. Tammy Nelson answers your questions about the ins-and-outs and benefits of earning your C-IRT certification.
What is Integrative Relationship Therapy?
Integrative Relationship Therapy (IRT) is a therapeutic approach designed to address relationship issues by combining elements from various therapeutic models. It aims to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding and improving the dynamics between individuals in a relationship, whether they are partners, family members, or colleagues.What are the core principles of IRT?
Integration of Therapeutic Models
- Eclectic Approach: IRT blends techniques and insights from different therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and systemic therapy. This integration allows therapists to address a broad range of issues and adapt strategies to the unique needs of the clients.
- Flexibility: The integrative nature of IRT means that therapists can draw on a variety of methods to tackle specific relational problems, making the therapy more adaptable and personalized.
Focus on Relational Dynamics
- Systemic Understanding: IRT emphasizes the importance of understanding relationships within the context of broader systems, such as family, social, and cultural influences. It recognizes that individual issues are often interconnected with relational dynamics.
- Patterns and Communication: The therapy often focuses on identifying and altering maladaptive patterns of interaction and improving communication skills between individuals.
Holistic Approach
- Individual and Relational Factors: IRT considers both individual psychological factors and the dynamics between individuals. It looks at how personal histories, attachment styles, and emotional responses influence relationship patterns.
- Emotional and Cognitive Aspects: The therapy integrates strategies for managing emotions and changing cognitive distortions that impact relationships.
Therapeutic Techniques
- Communication Skills Training: IRT includes techniques to enhance communication, such as active listening, assertiveness, and effective expression of feelings and needs.
- Conflict Resolution: Strategies for resolving conflicts constructively are central to IRT, focusing on understanding underlying issues and finding mutually acceptable solutions.
- Emotional Regulation: Techniques for managing and expressing emotions in a healthy way are employed to improve relational interactions.
Empowerment and Collaboration
- Client Involvement: IRT emphasizes a collaborative therapeutic relationship where clients are actively involved in the process of change. This empowerment helps clients take responsibility for their role in the relationship dynamics.
- Building a Therapeutic Alliance: A strong, trusting therapeutic relationship is essential for effective therapy. IRT focuses on fostering this alliance to facilitate open communication and progress.
Assessment and Adaptation
- Relational Assessment: The therapy involves assessing the dynamics and patterns within the relationship, including communication styles, conflict resolution strategies, and emotional responses.
- Tailoring Interventions: Based on the assessment, therapists adapt interventions to address the specific issues and needs of the clients.
Criteria for Becoming a Certified Integrated Relationship Therapy Professional (C-IRT)
To become an Evergreen Certified Integrated Relationship Therapy Professional, you must have earned a minimum of a master’s degree in their profession and hold a state or national license as listed here, with all training hours and supervision requirements completed to be licensed for independent practice in the state they are licensed.*Please note that to maintain C-IRT certification, a renewal is required after your initial 2-year certification.
Watch the video below to learn from Dr. Tammy Nelson on why you should get certified in Integrated Relationship Therapy, what professionals this certification is for, how completing these group consultation sessions can help enhance a clinician’s practice and more.
Tammy Nelson, PhD, is a licensed psychotherapist in private practice, a relationship and international speaker, an author, a faculty member and teacher with a Doctorate in Philosophy in Clinical Sexology. She is a board-certified sexologist, a diplomate of the American Board of Sexologists, a licensed professional counselor, an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, a registered art therapist, a licensed alcohol and drug counselor, a Certified Imago Relationship Therapist and an Advanced Imago Clinician as well as an ISTI Certified Sex and Couples Therapist.
Dr. Tammy is the author of six books, including Open Monogamy: A Guide to Co-Creating Your Ideal Relationship Agreement (2021), Integrative Sex & Couples Therapy: A Therapist’s Guide to New and Innovative Approaches (2020), When You’re the One Who Cheats: Ten Things You Need to Know (2019), The New Monogamy: Redefining Your Relationship After Infidelity (2013), Getting the Sex You Want: Shed Your Inhibitions and Reach New Heights of Passion Together (2008), and What’s Eating You? A Workbook for Anorexia and Bulimia (2004). She is also the creator of Date Night Card Deck (2023), a TEDx speaker, host of the podcast The Trouble with Sex, and founder and executive director of the Integrative Sex Therapy Institute.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Dr. Tammy Nelson maintains a private practice and is executive director and primary faculty at Integrated Sex Therapy Training Institute (ISTI) and has employment relationships with Daybreak University and the California Institute of Integral Studies. She receives a speaking honorarium and recording, and book royalties from PESI, Inc., and she additionally receives royalties from New Harbinger and Sounds True. She is a paid consultant for Evergreen Certifications. Dr. Nelson has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Dr. Tammy Nelson serves on the board of advisors for the World Association of Sex Coaches. She is a member of the American Art Therapy Association, American Association of Sex Educators, Sex Counselors, and Sex Therapists (AASECT), American Comprehensive Energy Psychology Association (ACEP), American Counseling Association, American Family Therapy Academy, American Family Therapy Association (AFTA), American Psychological Association (APA), Connecticut Counselors, Imago Relationships International Association of Professional and Certified Therapists, International Board of Sexologists, International Institute for Sexuality and Human Development, Nonfiction Authors Association, Society Scientific Study Sexuality (SSSS), and the Society for Sex Therapy and Research (SSTAR).
