Education & Training

2021, The Gottman Institute

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

Practicum Training

2021, The Gottman Institute

Certificate, Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work Leader Training

2020, Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors (AIPC)

Diploma of Counselling

2020, Counselling Tutor

Certificate, Online and Telephone Counselling Course (80 CE)

2020, The Gottman Institute

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

Assessment, Intervention, and Co-Morbidities

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

2002, Manukau Institute of Technology, Auckland