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Education & Training

2021, The Gottman Institute

Certificate, Level 3 Clinical Training, Gottman Method Couples Therapy:

Practicum Training

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2021, The Gottman Institute

Certificate, Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work Leader Training

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2020, Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors (AIPC)

Diploma of Counselling

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2020, Counselling Tutor

Certificate, Online and Telephone Counselling Course (80 CE)

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2020, The Gottman Institute

Certificate, Level 2 Clinical Training, Gottman Method Couples Therapy:

Assessment, Intervention, and Co-Morbidities

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2019, The Gottman Institute

Certificate, Level 1 Clinical Training, Gottman Method Couples Therapy:

Bridging the Couple Chasm

 

2003 – 2006, Massey University, New Zealand

PhD (Psychology)

PhD thesis title: Attachment and Conflict in Close Relationships: The association of attachment with conflict resolution styles, conflict beliefs, communication accuracy and relationship satisfaction

  • This research focused on couples and incorporated observational questionnaire development and survey data (analysed in a qualitative and quantitative manner). In addition, an online survey confirmed key relationship variables from an individual perspective.

Received a full Massey University Doctoral Scholarship

Published two peer-reviewed manuscripts from my PhD:

  • Du Plessis, K., & Clarke, D. (2008). Couples’ helpful, unhelpful and ideal conflict resolution strategies: Secure and insecure attachment differences and similarities. Interpersona, 2(1), 65-88, https://dx.doi.org/10.5964/ijpr.v2i1.18

  • Du Plessis, K., Clarke, D., & Woolley, C.C. (2007). Secure attachment conceptualizations: The influence of general and specific relational models on conflict beliefs and conflict resolution styles. Interpersona, 1(1), 25-44, https://doi.org/10.5964/ijpr.v1i1.3

Graduation: April 2008

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2002, Manukau Institute of Technology, Auckland

  • Certificate in Addictive Processes and completed the "Working with Groups” course

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2000 – 2001, Massey University, New Zealand

MA (Psychology) 

  • Degree completed with first class honours

  • Thesis: Conflict resolution styles and relationship satisfaction in couples

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1996-1998, Potchefstroom University, South Africa (now North-West University)

BA (Psychology, English and Translation Studies)

  • Degree completed cum laude

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Dr Karin du Plessis

Dr Karin du Plessis

Couples Counsellor & Adjunct Associate Professor, Victoria University

PhD (Psychology) MA (Psychology)

BA (Psychology) DipCouns, MACA

Member of the College of Supervisors 

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