Integrated Couples Therapy: PORT Levels 1 & 2

The Most Comprehensive, Experiential Couples Therapy Training — Now Available in One Integrated 2-Month Program Starting March 3, 2026

For the first time ever, both PORT Level 1 and Level 2 are being offered together in a single, integrated training experience. Over two months, you’ll complete forty hours of immersive learning that will change how you see and practice couples therapy forever.

This program has been designed specifically for counselors, social workers, psychologists, and LMFTs across the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. It combines self-paced online study with live, experiential group practice — offering you a pathway that completes most of the requirements toward PORT Certification.

Presence-Oriented Relationship Therapy (PORT) brings together the best of the Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Imago, PACT, and the Developmental Model. It then weaves them into one coherent and powerful framework through PORT’s original innovations — the Relational Brain Model, the Presence Bridge Model, and the Five-Step Therapy Progress Model. Together, these models make the complex challenge of learning couples therapy clear, structured, and manageable.

A New Way to See and Practice Couples Therapy

PORT was created to solve one of the biggest frustrations in the field — that traditional training leaves many therapists feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, and fragmented in their approach. Developed over eight years by the Relate NZ clinical team, PORT emerged from real supervision and clinical practice, refined through hundreds of hours of training and feedback. It integrates neuroscience, attachment theory, and relational psychology in a way that allows therapists to work authentically while still grounded in evidence and structure.

Therapists who have completed PORT describe it as the missing piece — the approach that finally connects the dots between models, bringing together science, empathy, and presence in a deeply human way.

“Steven has cherry-picked the best of six leading therapies and created a totally new way of working with couples. PORT challenged and transformed my practice.” — Rhonda Jurd, Couples Therapist

PORT Level 1: The Map

PORT Level 1 is a 20-hour self-paced online course that builds the foundation of effective couples therapy. Through engaging lectures, demonstrations, and downloadable tools, you’ll gain a deep understanding of the architecture of relationships and the patterns that sustain or destroy them.

You’ll explore the Relational Brain Model, which helps you understand emotional reactivity and regulation through the Baby, Child, Adult, and Observer Brains. You’ll discover how the Presence Bridge Model cultivates empathy, validation, and mindful attunement. You’ll learn the Five-Step Therapy Progress Model, a clear framework that guides couples from conflict toward peace — moving through the phases of Alliance, Truth, Justice, Mercy, and Peace.

Along the way, you’ll connect theories from PACT, EFT, Gottman, Imago, and the Developmental Model into one unified approach. The result is a practical and flexible method that helps you feel confident and grounded in session, no matter how complex the dynamic.

“PORT Level 1 was rich, integrative, and workable — a must-do for anyone serious about couples therapy.” — William Vorobioff, Psychologist

PORT Level 2: The Practice

PORT Level 2 brings the concepts of Level 1 to life through real-time learning and practice. This 20-hour live training runs for nine weeks via Zoom, with 2.5-hour weekly sessions and a break on week five. Half of each session focuses on live practice and role-play, while the other half blends didactic teaching, discussion, and Q&A.

You’ll learn to stop fights before they spiral, re-engage avoidant partners, and soothe pursuers with skill and compassion. You’ll see how to apply the Relational Brain Model to create safety, connection, and flow in the therapy room. You’ll experience the transformation that comes from regulating emotion in real time and guiding couples from insight into genuine behavioral change using the Five-Step Therapy Progress Model.

Working within a small cohort of no more than ten participants, you’ll receive personal feedback, supervision, and community connection that deepens your confidence and clinical precision.

“PORT 2 is a must if you want to truly embody this work. Practicing live brought everything to life.” — Rhonda Jurd, PORT Graduate

Your Pathway to PORT Certification

The PORT Certification process was designed to build your skills progressively, from knowledge to mastery. Completing Level 1 establishes your theoretical base and includes an open-book exam requiring a 90% pass rate. Level 2 focuses on practice and integration, requiring full attendance, participation, and openness to feedback.

After completing both levels, you’ll have fulfilled the majority of the requirements for certification. Level 3, offers mentorship and supervision over six to twelve months through targeted case consultations, live video review, and co-facilitation opportunities. Together, these three levels prepare you to become a certified PORT clinician — capable, confident, and deeply attuned.

Continuing Education and International Recognition

Graduates receive twenty continuing education hours recognized by NASW, NBCC, and the American Psychological Association through EngagedMinds, and ten OPD credits through the Australian Counselling Association. The training is internationally recognized for professional development by the PORT Institute and Relate NZ.

A Special Invitation — Limited Enrollment

Because this is the first time Level 1 and Level 2 are being offered together, you can join this inaugural cohort at a special launch rate. The combined program, valued at over two thousand dollars, is available for just $1295 USD. (Very Early Discount of $995) This includes lifetime access to Level 1, the exam fee, live instruction, practice supervision, and certification eligibility.

Enrollment is limited to preserve the integrity and intimacy of the live training experience. Spots will fill quickly — and once full, the next intake will not open until 2026.

Who This Program Is For

This training is ideal for therapists who want to begin or deepen their work with couples, for clinicians who have studied multiple modalities but want an integrated framework, and for professionals who crave confidence, structure, and a supportive learning community.

PORT helps you move beyond the theory into embodied practice — so that your sessions feel alive, grounded, and transformative.

What Graduates Are Saying

“Transformative. PORT gave me a complete toolkit — and the confidence to use it.” — Cath Baker, Counselor, New Zealand

“PORT bridges the gap between theory and real-world practice. I left feeling grounded, confident, and authentic.” — Relate NZ Graduate

Enroll Now and Begin Your Journey Toward Mastery

Join an intimate international community of therapists who are redefining what’s possible in couples therapy. Begin with the self-paced foundation of PORT Level 1, then move seamlessly into the experiential mastery of Level 2. Learn the models that integrate the best of the field — and experience the presence that transforms relationships from the inside out.

Enrollment is open now. Reserve your spot today and step into the next evolution of your professional growth.