A Beyond the Game Course
Check and Balance
Symbolic Therapy Using Chess Pieces
This is a unique course designed for therapists who would like to incorporate innovative techniques into their client sessions.
Discover the therapeutic potential of chess pieces as tools for exploration of the shadow self, relationships and characteristics, by teaching you how to use chess pieces to help clients identify self-concept and future goals.
Course Objectives
Explore Symbolism: Understand the symbolic meaning of each chess piece and how they can represent various aspects of a client's life, relationships, and internal conflicts.
Facilitate Expression: Learn techniques to use chess pieces as a medium for clients to articulate complex thoughts and feelings that may be difficult to express verbally.
Enhance Self-Awareness: Discover how chess pieces can help clients visualise and strategise solutions to their challenges, looking at cognitive flexibility and resilience.
Build Rapport: Utilise chess pieces to create a collaborative and engaging therapeutic experience that strengthens the therapist-client relationship.
Who is the course for?
This course is ideal for all kinds of therapists, counsellors, mental health professionals and coaches who want to expand their toolkit with creative, resource-efficient techniques. Whether you work in private practice, community settings, or educational environments, this course will equip you with the skills to make a significant impact with minimal resources.
No prior knowledge of chess is required.
Course Format: Interactive Workshop on-line: Participate in hands-on activities and role-playing scenarios to practice using chess pieces in therapy sessions.
Case Studies: Examine real-life examples of how therapists have successfully integrated chess pieces into their work with clients.
Peer Discussions: Engage with fellow professionals to share experiences and insights, fostering a community of learning and support.
Practical Applications: Develop personalized strategies for incorporating chess pieces into your specific therapeutic approach, whether working with individuals, couples, or groups.
Learning Outcomes: By the end of this course, you will have the skills and confidence to:
Use chess pieces as a versatile tool in therapy to facilitate expression and exploration.
Help clients gain insights into their personal dynamics and relationships.
Encourage creative problem-solving and strategic thinking in a therapeutic setting.
Enrich your therapeutic practice with a novel and engaging approach.
Join us and discover how using these characters can transform your therapy sessions. Expand your professional toolkit and inspire positive change in your clients' lives.
Date: Friday 12th September 2025
Time: 10.00 - 13.00 BST
Price: £60 (£50 if booked with ‘The Hidden Hand’ course)
What to bring with you: Chess set (optional)
We Plant a Tree for Every Course Booked: Learn more
All of our courses are designed to be experiential. For you to get the best experience, please expect to have your cameras on and contribute as much as you feel comfortable with. Confidentiality is guaranteed and all questions are valid.