Pre-Conference Workshop

Department-Exclusive Masterclass
Pluralistic Practice with Prof. Mick Cooper
(Complimentary Access for HKSYU Coun & Psy Students, Alumni & Staff)

Pluralistic therapy: An Introduction

We are truly honored to welcome Prof. Mick Cooper, a globally renowned pioneer in pluralistic therapy and humanistic counselling, to conduct this exclusive pre-conference workshop in person. As one of the world’s most influential figures in contemporary psychotherapy, Prof. Cooper’s visit presents an extraordinary, rare opportunity for our counselling community. Participants will have the unique privilege of engaging in direct, face-to-face learning, live clinical demonstrations, and high-level dialogue with a master clinician—an invaluable experiential learning opportunity right here at the Hong Kong Shue Yan University.

This workshop introduces, and explores the practical implications of, a pluralistic approach to counselling, psychotherapy, and psychological practice. Developed alongside John McLeod in the 2000s, this collaborative, integrative framework is deeply rooted in humanistic and person-centred values, and has been widely adopted by practitioners and training institutes internationally.

The fundamental premise of pluralistic therapy is that every client is unique, requiring tailored therapeutic responses. On this basis, the framework enables practitioners to integrate a wide variety of theoretical understandings and clinical methods into their practice. A core element of this approach is shared decision-making—engaging in active, collaborative dialogue with clients regarding their therapeutic goals and the most effective pathways to achieve them.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

  • Describe the core principles and values of a pluralistic approach to counselling and psychotherapy.
  • Recognise empirical evidence and arguments both supporting and challenging a personalised approach to therapy.
  • Explain their individual clinical offerings and the specific methods used to facilitate therapeutic change.
  • Critically discuss the strengths and limitations of “metatherapeutic communication”—talking with clients about their preferences and needs.
  • Apply fundamental techniques of metatherapeutic communication in clinical settings.
  • Critically evaluate the integration of process and outcome measures within therapeutic practice.

Workshop Schedule

  • Session 1: Introduction to Pluralistic Therapy: Core Concepts and Clinical Rationale
  • Session 2: Reflexive Practice: Identifying Personal Offerings and Therapeutic Modalities
  • Session 3: Metatherapeutic Communication: Engaging Clients in Shared Decision-Making
  • Session 4: Practice Evaluation: Utilizing Measures to Enhance Pluralistic Outcomes

Format & Methodology

The one-day workshop combines self-development exercises, theoretical input, experiential practice, and interactive small/large group discussions designed for advanced trainees and experienced practitioners.

Video Preview: Introduction to Pluralism

Important Info.

  • Facilitator: Prof. Mick Cooper
  • Co-founder of the Pluralistic Practice Network,
  • Professor of Counselling Psychology at the University of Roehampton,
  • Acting Director of the School of Psychology’s Centre for Research in Psychological Wellbeing (CREW),
  • Chartered Psychologist, UKCP Registered Psychotherapist,
  • Fellow of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy,
  • Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences
  • Date: 5 November 2026 (Thu) | 09:00 – 16:30 (Includes a 1.5-hour lunch break)
  • Venue: Hong Kong Shue Yan University (Room details to be disclosed upon successful registration)
  • Language: English
  • Certificate of Attendance: Includes an official e-certificate of attendance (6 training hours), issued after the event strictly upon full attendance.

Exclusive Eligibility & Registration Notice

  • Eligibility: Strictly reserved for individuals associated with the Department of Counselling and Psychology, Hong Kong Shue Yan University, specifically:
  • Current undergraduate students (Year 3 and Year 4 only) and postgraduate students (Master’s and Doctoral degrees);
  • Current academic and departmental staff; and
  • Alumni of the Department’s programmes.
  • Fees: Free of charge for all eligible participants (Fully funded by the Department of Counselling and Psychology, HKSYU).
  • Registration & Quota: Registration access is provided exclusively via official university emails and internal departmental channels. Quotas for each eligibility category are strictly limited. While allocation is generally on a first-come, first-served basis, priority will be given to applicants who have already registered for the main Conference or the Post-Conference Workshop by 10 October 2026.
  • Confirmation: Please note that submitting a registration form does not guarantee a place. All registrations are subject to identity verification. Your participation is only secured upon receiving an official confirmation email.

Note: All times are in Hong Kong Time (HKT, UTC+8). The workshop details are subject to change. Further information will be updated on this page in due course.
Note for Students: Regarding class attendance or practicum arrangements on the day of the workshop, please consult your respective course instructors or field supervisors in advance.