Description:
OPD Points: 10
Presence Oriented Relationship Therapy (PORT) is an integrated approach to couples therapy designed specifically for therapists starting to work with couples for the first time and more experienced therapists looking to integrate other models.
Watch a PORT Demonstration on YouTube
Participants receive lifetime access to the recording of PORT Level 1 Training and includes the cost for examination for PORT Level 1.
This training is PORT Level 1 and is focused upon the history of couples therapy and the 3 foundational theories of PORT: the Relational Brain Model, the Presence Bridge Model, and the 5 Step Therapy Progress Model.
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PORT is an integrated eclectic approach developed over the last 8 years by the Relate NZ team. Initially developed in the context of the weekly team training sessions it was honed over the next 6 years of the intern programme to help distill the core insights of successful couples and relationship therapy to clinicians who had not been specifically trained to work with couples.
PORT is an intensely practical course that coalesce around the challenge of finding the successful common features of therapy models as diverse as PACT, EFT, Imago, Gottman and the Developmental Model. What became clear is that each of these models offered significant strengths but often lacked essential features or flexibilities present in other model. In addition insights from other modalities including Narrative, ACT, NLP, Psychodrama, Gestalt, Relational Neurobiology were incorporated.
PORT’s focus was simple and driven by the clear imperative of research that indicated that untrained therapist’s working with couples were highly unsucessful and the therapy process itself was highly stressful for the couple and the therapist.
The challenge of course is that everyone needs to start somewhere and our focus was to support our interns to be successful as soon as possible.
While Steven was cross-training in Imago, Gottman and EFT he noticed a recurring pattern underlying their seemingly different methods. Steven adapted the Relational bridge model for interns to use and tested this among the team. The developmental brain model was the next innovation that made relational neuroscience accessible to clinicians and clients and therapy progress model among other innovations.
The feedback from PORT trained therapists is that they quickly felt confident to hold a relational space for the couple that felt safe for deep intimate connecting work and that they had strategies to help them contain and manage conflict. Additionally clinicians could maintain and develop their own unique authentic style and presence and incorporate other training and experience more seamlessly and effectively.
The online offering is designed to provide a resource and reference point for clinicians that can be assimilated at the therapists own pace and is designed to prepare therapists for PORT Level 2 which is 4 live sessions of group skills training with Steven which will give you provide opportunities for interaction and implementation.
You are suggested to subscribe to the Professional Edition of the School of Love to access psychoeducation materials which will make PORT easier to understand (specifically the 5 Secrets of Relationship Champions).Where: Zoom
When: April 9, 16, 23, 30; May 7, 14, 21, & 28 at 11 AM – 1:30 NZST.
Key Learning Objectives / Outcomes:
PORT 1 Learning Objectives
Module 1
- Identify the 5 key principles of couples therapy
- Explain the research that underpins couples therapy practice
- Synthesize the Pursuer/Avoider Dynamic with Attachment Research
Module 2
- Identify how a couple’s behavior indicates their phase of the cycle of relationship
- Describe the Pursuer/Avoider Dynamic and how it impacts a relationship
- Employ interventions to engage both the pursuer and the avoider in therapy
Module 3
- Apply the Presence Bridge Model to a couples’ ability to connect with each other
- Utilize scaffolding techniques to help couples improve their connection
- Initiate interventions to help a couple deepen a dialogue to identify needs, values, and longings
Module 4
- Describe the Relational Brain Model
- Assess the couple’s brain state in real time
- Facilitate the couple’s behavior to engage effectively in different brain states and ultimately move into flow
Module 5
- Describe the 5 Step Therapy Progress Model
- Identify the goals and interventions of each stage
- Devise formulations for a couple’s presenting concern
Module 6
- Structure a couple’s therapy assessment
- Administer strategies to create alliance and ultimately improve therapy outcomes
- Identify how to utilize formulations as part of an assessment
Module 7
- Demonstrate the multi-level impacts of betrayal
- Apply target interventions to address betrayal in real time
- Distinguish appropriate interventions for addressing shame and personal reactivity
Module 8
- Formulate interventions to strengthen the couple’s alliance and connection
- Appraise the couples readiness for interventions based upon relationship history, brain state and present interactions
- Prioritize interventions based upon the couple’s goals and progress
Assessment:
Presenter / Provider:
Steven Dromgool
Presenter Qualifications:
Specialist Training in Working with Couples L1 Relational Life Therapy (2023) Coaching L1 and L2 (PACT) (2023) L3 Psychobiological Approach to Relationship Therapy (PACT) (2021/22) L2 Psychobiological Approach to Relationship Therapy (PACT) (2019) L1 Developmental Approach to Couples Therapy (2020) L2 Emotionally Focussed Therapy (Couples) (2014) L3 Gottman Method Relationship Therapist (2014) Certified Advanced Imago Relationship Therapist (2010) Professional Development Training PESI
- PORT Betrayal Series (Currently in Progress October-November 2024)
- PORT Level 1 Training in Integrated Couples Therapy (Feb-April 2024) Relate Professional Training Series Â
- Working with Infidelity and Betrayal – 8 Week Course
- Mapping the Sexual and Developmental Blueprint 2.5 hour seminar
- Betrayal 1st Aid 2.5 Hour Training
- Ongoing monthly trainings for NZAC and NZCCA members Â
- Media Experience Mediums
- Radio – Fortnightly slot on Newstalk ZB with Jack Tame – since 2019
- TV – Intermittent appearances on Breakfast, Paul Henry.
- Print – Multiple Magazine and Newspaper articles Â
- Online relationship training series for NZ Defense Force  Conference Presentations Recent Conferences
- Presentation, Workshop and Panel at the 3rd World Conference of Existential Therapy Athens, Greece: May 2023
- Co-Presented Compassionate Inquiry Conference: Budapest, Hungary (May, 2022) Â Counselling and Family Therapy Experience RELATE Counselling Ltd, Auckland, Australia (Jan 2013 – Present) Â
- Director and Clinical Trainer for Relate NZ
- Developed largest specialist Relationship Counselling team in NZ
- Led development of Presence Oriented Relationship Therapy (PORT)
- Clinical Trainer for Relate Team and throughout NZ
- Contributing developer for Humanistic Existential Approach to Relationship Therapy (HEART) with Dr Mansilla
- International Clinical Trainer for Relational Path Institute
- Clinical Trainer in HEART in Qatar, Dubai, NZ
- Clinical Leader of Relate Internship Programme (2015 – Present)
- Developing Relationship Education series for NZDF (2021) REST Counselling Ltd, Hamilton, Auckland (Jan 2001- 2013)
- Private practice supporting couples and individuals in relationships
- Run Imago Therapy Groups for Couples and Individuals
- ACC sexual abuse counselor (Nov 2005 – 2013)
- Family Court Relationship Counsellor (August 2002 – 2014)
- Individual, Family and Group Therapist working with adolescent sexual offenders with the SAFE Network (Feb 2001 – Sept 2003)
- ACC case manager contract supervisor (Mar 2004 – Dec 2005)
- EAP contract counsellor for Instep Ltd (Feb 2004 – 2010)
- EAP contract counsellor for EAP Services (Sept 2003 – 2012)
- Part-time temporary counselor for males at Fairfield College (June – November 2001)
- Contract recreational therapist with youth with mental health issues with Progressive Freedom (Dec 2000 – July 2001)
- EAP Counsellor for Hamilton Therapy Centre (June 2002 – Sept 2003)  Educational Background Masters of Counselling, Massey University (1999-2002)  Referee Dr Luke Sniewski +642041030657
Start / End Date
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Registration Instructions:
When you select the ‘register now’ button, you will go to Relate.online. Simply select ‘add to cart,’ enter your contact information and an email will be sent to you. Zoom details will be sent a few days before the event. Please Note: The times displayed are in New Zealand Standard Time
