Continuous Professional Development (CPD) at Our Cafes
When we were designing the cafes/salons, we found that, actually, the facilitated sharing round includes numerous skills pertinent to our profession, such as empathic listening and practicing ‘relational depth’. The presentation aspect, of course, draws on our areas of expertise and hones our presentation- and feedback-skills.
So, we thought, why not make it so we can use this part for formal CPD?
Most of our professional CPD takes the same format: an expert talk followed by Q&A, and perhaps some interactive exercise. This is great, but, if consumed exclusively, can feel a bit passive. We thought: perhaps we can contribute a CPD alternative, practicing ‘relational depth’ – as, after training, we rarely have the chance to practice this with each other.
The presentation slot is an opportunity for colleagues to contribute their knowledge and practice their presentation skills, for conferences, investment pitches, or perhaps a classic ‘CPD talk’ they might want to offer in the future.
So, we set out to design a meeting structure, content-criteria and learning outcomes that would fulfill the CPD requirements of our accrediting bodies.
Each meeting fulfills the requirements of 1.5 hours of CPD acceptable to our main accrediting bodies (UKCP, BACP, HCPC etc). For CPD Evidence and the Certificate, here is a breakdown of structure and learning outcomes – this is one example of a format, but the Cafes will vary slightly depending on what members requirements.
What are Therapists Cafes?
Therapists Cafes are small-group, confidential gatherings designed to support professional development through genuine dialogue, relational presence, and collaborative learning.
Each session is structured to balance open exploration with practice-based development, offering space for therapists to both reflect and express themselves—considerately, creatively, and courageously.
Session Types
Some circles will be open-themed (e.g. psychodynamic therapists sharing current reflections); others will be topic-specific (e.g. exploring ‘trauma and the body’ or ‘female hormones and psychotherapy’).
You’re welcome to attend and contribute as you want to. No hierarchy, no experts—just peers learning and growing together.
The Format – One Example
Total duration: ~90 minutes – Split into two structured parts:
- Open Depth Dialogue (~60 mins)
A facilitated group conversation, open-themed, practicing ‘relational depth’. Participants can share anything that moves them, personally or professionally.
Here, participants:
- Practice relational depth and emotional presence
- Explore content and process—what’s said and how we relate while saying it
- Engage authentically without pressure to perform, argue, or advise
- Give everyone space to talk and be heard
- Format: Introduction round, free-flowing but gently facilitated discussion, followed by brief closing round with (optional) sharing of what was learned.
- Practice & Presentation Slot – Optional (~30 mins)
A (pre-booked) 15-minute slot where one participant can:
- Practice delivering a presentation or project pitch
- Share a developing idea, business concept, or clinical approach
- Ask for feedback, support, or input from peers
Followed by 15 minutes of structured Q&A and feedback, where the group practices:
- Reflective engagement
- Respectful challenge
Why This?
Many therapists are brilliant at what they do, but struggle with:
- Speaking confidently in groups (the weird group-process module during training surely didn’t help??)
- Sharing ideas or projects publicly
- Engaging in professional spaces without burnout or performance anxiety
Therapists Cafes are designed to change that.
These are spaces where every voice is valued, and relational safety is the foundation for professional growth.
We believe CPD should be participatory, relational, and nourishing—not performative, competitive, or draining.
🎓 CPD Outcomes
Participants will develop:
- Relational depth and presence in peer engagement
- Confidence in public speaking and presentation
- Self-reflexivity and emotional literacy
- Collaborative and interdisciplinary thinking
- Feedback and listening skills
- A deeper sense of professional identity and belonging