The focus here is to provide a deep understanding of how humans approach change. We will address fundamental psychology theory and principles around decision-making and make sense of why change is often difficult for patients in healthcare. This provides the foundation for understanding why some patients may adhere and others do not in current practice. From here we will address core psychological principles around intrinsic motivation as a powerful catalyst for change, which we address via asking ‘why’ based questions. From here we will go onto address how we must incorporate a bio-psychosocial model approach to aid patient change and from here how we can then go on to set goals with our patients/clients. Key theory and research addressing goal setting will be critiqued and students will be encouraged to look at key changes they can make in their own practice as a result. Further key teaching around the concepts of communication as vital to help patients engage and adhere will be taught and also practiced by students. Further to which Motivational Interviewing will be taught as a key tool that can be used to help elicit intrinsic motivation in the patient. Students will practice this in pairs and receive help from me to enhance these skills before the end of session debrief which allows for important embedding of material

• 9:00 – 10:30:
  • Understanding how we think: Why change is so difficult for humans/psychology of decision making.
  • Eliciting the patient WHY – why patients/clients must find intrinsic reasons for engagement in your process.
  • Break
• 10:30 -12:00:
  • Creating a vision for change – Addressing how we help our patients/clients to fit our work into their lives and why this is important
  • Lunch Break
• 13:00 – 14:30:
  • Goal setting & Definitions – how you really set goals with your patients.
  • Communication is key –  addressing how we speak to our patients/clients and why the language we choose is vital for change to take place.
  • Break
• 14:30 – 16:30/17:00:
  • Motivational Interviewing techniques – how we can use this as a key tool to elicit change.
  • End of day debrief/feedback

Day 2 will begin with a short recap and answering of questions from Day 1. This is important so to encourage embedding of material. The session will begin by covering important aspects of patient belief systems which impact how well people may not only adhere, but respond to treatments. This will include a critical view of medical placebo. Following on from this, important tools related to addressing self-regulation which help us to understand how people are able to regulate and behave accordingly towards agaol will be given. This will include Nudging as a tool to again, aid in patient decision-making. Following on from this we will cover important up-to-date theory and developing practitioner understanding regarding neuroplasticity. This will form the basis of psychology and theory regarding how we help our patents develop good habits; these will serve as the scaffolding to long-term behaviour change. The session will close with time taken to understand boundaries in practice, which are vital to ensure that ethical standards are maintained/scope of practice as well being a key facilitator of enhancing intrinsic motivation in our patients/clients. Key aspects of psychological theory and reflection pertaining to Leadership will allow students to end this full 2-day workshop with time to reflect on the type of leader they wish to be in their own work; thus providing the best care for the people they are working with.

• 9:00 – 10:30:
  • Recap of previous day and Q&A
  • Belief – how we can adapt our work to elicit change and the power of medical placebo.
  • Break
• 10:30  – 12:00:
  • Self-regulation & nudging – application of small powerful strategies that help to elicit immediate change in your patients/clients.
  • Lunch break
• 13:00 – 14:30:
  • Neuroplasticity & Habits – A look at how our brains adapt and grow and how we can utilise this in our work to help elicit basic behavioural changes in our work
  • Break
• 14:30 – 16:30:
  • Boundaries & Leadership in our practice – Here we focus on you the practitioner and look at what you bring to the interaction. We consider things you may be able to incorporate to help to aide change in our patients. We also importantly look at how you can feel happier and more confident in having difficult conversations and how you yourself, feel a leader in your field.
• 16:30 – 17:00:
  • Debrief/reflection and Q&A

Kwaliteitshuis Fysiotherapie: Requested

KRF: Requested

Keurmerk: Requested

ProQ-Kiné: Requested

Serena Simmons

Serena Simmons is a Chartered member of the British Psychological Society and has over 30 years of experience working in the field of psychology, including as founder of The Psychology School, Senior Lecturer at Nottingham Trent University and Lead Psychologist for Joint Approach Rehab.

Interested in more learning resources from Serena Simmons? Check them out below:

• • Masterclass on Behavioural Psychology
  • Podcast: From Resistance to Commitment – Achieving Behaviour Change in Therapy

A top course deserves a top location!

Our new home base, the Physiotutors Headquarters in Velserbroek, provides the ideal setting for high-quality education. The location is easily accessible by public transport and offers ample free parking right at the door.

In our modern and spacious course room, we create the perfect learning environment, equipped with air conditioning for optimal comfort. For the practical sessions, we collaborate with FysioMove, located in the same building. Catering is provided by Het Steygerhuis, a charming waterside venue—perfect for a relaxing break.

📸 Photos coming soon!