Presence Oriented Relationship Therapy (PORT)

Created as a training model, PORT is a solution focused relationship therapy. PORT identifies specific relationship targets for a couple which were developed based upon the key insights over the last 40 years. These insights are based on research and practice of John and Julie Gottman, Imago Relationship Therapy, Emotionally Focussed Therapy, PACT, Heart and the Developmental Model. PORT recognizes that couples are in each other’s care and utilizing this relationship allows for powerful validation, motivation, support and effectiveness. 

Students can learn PORT in 3 steps.

  1. PORT Level 1, professionals can complete this via the PESI training or through Relate Unlimited with a post-assessment.
  2. PORT Level 2, after completing PORT Level 1, professionals are eligible to register. Professionals are taught to utilize PORT skills in vivo.
  3. PORT Group Supervision, after completing PORT Level 2, professionals are invited to participate in ongoing group supervision and case presentation.

Relate also offers specialised training in working with affairs, betrayals and trust problems.

Introduction to Presence Oriented Relationship Therapy

Free access

How to Break the Pursuer/Avoider Cycle

When faced with one partner seeking closeness and emotional connection, while the other partner feels overwhelmed and withdraws, it can create a self-perpetuating loop where communication breaks down. As a result, both partners end up feeling frustrated and resentful. In order to address this, it is important to tap into the unconscious feelings that drive both pursuers and distancers. By coaching each partner to effectively communicate their emotions and needs, trust and understanding can be built, fostering greater emotional intimacy and connection.

This is included as part of Relate Unlimited.

3 Day Free Trial

Blog posts

View all
the port institutePORT: Integrated Couples Therapy

PORT: Integrated Couples Therapy

Relate and PESI are offering a 16 hour course about integrating the most powerful interventions in couples therapy. This is the Level 1 PORT training. Go here to register. Dates: Weekly Feb 6 - Mar...

the port instituteRelate is Partnering with PESI: How to Break the Pursuer / Distancer Cycle

Relate is Partnering with PESI: How to Break the Pursuer / Distancer Cycle

Relate is proud to be partnering with PESI to offer a free resource to the professional community.  On January 31 5:30 AEDT Steven will present 'How to Break the Pursuer / Distancer Cycle.' To regi...

Video

01

PORT's Focus

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.

02

The Challenge

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.

03

Innovation

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.

04

Feedback

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.  

01

PORT's Focus

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.

02

The Challenge

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.

03

Innovation

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.

04

Feedback

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.  

Contact Us

Contact Relate for upcoming PORT training, Wait Lists, and Group Supervision