Ok ... so I need to put my hand up and admit at the beginning of the pandemic I was sceptical about online training and the quality of the experience for both the participants and trainers. I thought that it would be very difficult and sub optimal to teach relationship therapy when people are not actually in the room with you. I wondered what would happen to the connection, interaction and engagement that is so important and required to ensure an excellent learning environment. I had so many questions about the possible impact on the quality of our training program when converting to an online platform. Nevertheless, the pandemic required all of us to adapt, pivot and change—so we did . We moved our training from face to face to an online platform.
Relationship Instiutute Australasia has delivered over 20 online training programs encompassing 45 days of live online training to over 600 participants, and we have developed and enhanced training techniques and strategies to overcome any draw backs that participants may perceive or experience in online training.
To my great relief, any initial concerns quickly dissipated as our live online training evolved.
Let me tell you why….
- As it is live online training, Trish and myself as Master Trainers and Consultants are able to provide the practice insights and case examples relevant to the group ‘ in the room’ that bring the Gottman research, theory and practice alive. Through the sharing of our practice successes and challenges participants report a high level of training interest and satisfaction with the training is very much grounded in practice.
- The level of interaction across participants and trainers actually increases in online training through conscious strategies used in each session to promote questions, interactions and connections. We are active in the use of break out rooms and chat box facilities and large group Q&A.
- Live online training provides far greater access to our colleagues in regional, rural and remote Australia. In person training predominately remains metrocentric, decreasing access and increasing costs for non-metropolitan practitioners.
- Because Relationship Institute Austrlaisa does not need to incur travel, accommodation, venue and catering costs we were able to pass those savings on to the participants — live online training is far more affordable than in person training - (plus Trish and I get to be at home with our families so much more)
- Live online training provides so much more depth, detailed interaction and exploration than off the shelf self-paced online training - there is no comparison in the training experience between the two types
So, what I am saying is we have all had to adjust and change and whilst with some changes we may initially experience discomfort or resistance (as I certainly did), with reflection and persistence change can be fantastic—so come along and join us in the range of excellent relationship therapy trainings we offer.
Here is what a few past participants have said about our training.
“Excellent skills-based training that allowed me to apply to working with couples immediately. The course gave me a lot of confidence for working with the different issues that couples bring. John and Trish are engaging, enthusiastic presenters. Highly recommend.”
Karen - Psychotherapist
“I cannot sing the praises loud enough for the Relationship institute Australasia, my experience through them either face to faced or online thoroughly rewarding and have always learnt so much. They really do make you feel both comfortable and beneficial”
Catherine - Clarity Counselling