Integrated Couples Therapy: Presence Oriented Relationship Therapy (PORT) Level 1

Presence-Oriented Relationship Therapy (PORT) 

Integrated Framework for Modern Couples Work

20 Hours · Self-Paced Online Training · Lifetime Access · Certificate + Exam Included

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What Is PORT?

Presence Oriented Relationship Therapy (PORT) is an integrated, evidence-informed approach to couples therapy — designed specifically for:

Therapists beginning their journey with couples, and

Experienced clinicians who want to integrate diverse relationship models into a cohesive framework.

Developed over eight years by the Relate NZ clinical team, PORT emerged from weekly training and internship supervision designed to help new therapists succeed rapidly and effectively in couples work.

Through ongoing refinement, the team distilled the core common factors across leading relationship models — including PACT, EFT, Imago, Gottman, and the Developmental Model — while drawing on complementary insights from Narrative Therapy, ACT, NLP, Psychodrama, Gestalt, and Relational Neurobiology.

The result is an eclectic, flexible, and intensely practical approach that empowers therapists to feel grounded, confident, and authentic when working with couples — even early in their training.

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About PORT Level 1

PORT Level 1 provides the theoretical and conceptual foundation for becoming an effective couples therapist. It focuses on the history of couples therapy and introduces the three foundational theories of the PORT model:

The Relational Brain Model – Understanding emotional reactivity and regulation through the Baby, Child, Adult, and Observer Brains.

The Presence Bridge Model – Developing empathy, validation, and attuned communication through mindful presence.

The Five-Step Therapy Progress Model – A clear framework guiding couples from conflict toward peace: Alliance → Truth → Justice → Mercy → Peace.

You’ll also explore the evolution of couples therapy, the science of attachment and connection, and key interventions for assessment and formulation.

This course includes lifetime access to all materials and the examination fee for PORT Level 1 certification.

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Why Therapists Choose PORT

Research-Driven Focus: PORT was built in response to clear findings — that untrained therapists working with couples experience high stress and poor outcomes. PORT bridges that gap with structure and clarity.

Integrative and Flexible: Draws on strengths of multiple modalities while allowing therapists to maintain their own authentic presence and clinical voice.

Clinically Tested: Over six years of use in Relate NZ’s internship program produced consistently strong feedback: PORT therapists felt confident holding relational space and managing conflict effectively.

Neuroscience & Human Connection: Brings relational brain science to life in a way that’s accessible for both clinicians and clients.

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What You’ll Gain

After completing PORT Level 1, you will:

Understand the core architecture of couples therapy and where each model fits.

Recognize and regulate relational brain states in clients (and yourself).

Create emotional safety through presence, validation, and empathy.

Map couples’ attachment patterns and formulate effective treatment plans.

Feel confident facilitating early sessions with couples — and ready to practice deeper skills in PORT Level 2.

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Course Format

Duration: 20 hours

Delivery: 100 % online · self-paced

Includes: Video lectures · Case demonstrations · Downloadable infographics · Assessment & formulation tools

Access: Lifetime

Exam: PORT Level 1 certification exam (included in fee)

Support: Community access and instructor Q&A forum

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The PORT Training Pathway

Level 1 provides your knowledge base.

Level 2 brings those concepts to life through real-time skills training and supervised implementation.

Level 3 small group mentoring and supervision via targeted case consultations

See complete PORT Certification criteria

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Course Curriculum (Overview)

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Certification & CE Credits

Graduates receive a Certificate of Completion (20 hours) verifying completion of PORT Level 1 and eligibility for PORT Level 2 enrolment.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs / CPD):
Australia: 10 OPD Points  - Australia Counselling Association (Pending)

United States: 20 CE Hours - NASW, NBCC via EngagedMInds (Pending)

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Investment

Course Fee: $695

Includes: Lifetime access + PORT Level 1 exam fee

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Begin Your Journey Toward Mastery

PORT Level 1 equips you with the map of modern couples therapy — its history, theory, and neuroscience.

PORT Level 2 will teach you to walk the map, applying the models through practice, supervision, and live feedback.

Start here. Build your foundation.
Then step confidently into Level 2 to develop the art of real-time relational work.