This is the first lecture in the autumn 2026 series.

Cultivating the Conditions for Safeness – an exploration of Compassion Focused Group Psychotherapy for people at the edge of therapeutic opportunity.

1 October 2026, 7 – 8.30pm

This lecture will be recorded.

Lecturer: Dr Kate Lucre

This lecture provides an opportunity to explore the critical importance of cultivating and sustaining psychological safeness as a foundation for effective exploratory group psychotherapy. The focus will be on the unique needs of individuals who have experienced trauma and tragedy in early attachment relationships and who may meet criteria for a diagnosis of personality disorder.

We will introduce a phased-based, attachment-focused psychodynamic model that integrates group analytic principles, delivered through embodied movement and psychodrama. This model offers practical frameworks for establishing and facilitating groups, with particular attention to the healing potential of play-based techniques in engaging participants and creating meaningful therapeutic opportunities.

The plenary will also address the challenges of delivering long-term exploratory psychotherapy within statutory mental health services, offering pragmatic strategies to navigate systemic and institutional barriers.

The model discussed has undergone rigorous evaluation, including a seven-year follow-up study. Key findings from these studies will be shared, with links provided to the published research.

The session will conclude with video recorded reflections from group members about their lived experience of the programme. In addition, digital resources will be made available to attendees, including demonstrations of core techniques, to support the application of these ideas in practice and promote compassionate care for this often marginalised and excluded group.

This lecture will take place on:

*To enable access to the widest possible audience these lectures are planned to be delivered live, but remotely, as webinars. Where we are able, a recording will be made available to all booked delegates although we encourage live attendance wherever possible. Please see the details above to see if this lecture will be recorded and available after the live event.

These lectures will be delivered remotely using Zoom. You will need a device with a suitably fast internet connection. Although mobile devices and tablets can be used, we recommend the use of laptop or desktop PC for the best experience. Some devices provided by employers may have restrictions in place. Please use this test link (https://zoom.us/test) to check your set up before booking.

You will be sent the necessary login link about a week before the course start date. Should you have any concerns about the accessibility of remote delivery please contact us at CPDEvents@tavi-port.ac.uk to discuss how we can best help you.