FAQs
Q: I have been reading and listening to relationship advice for years and it has not helped. How is this program different?
A: This is a life changing program and avoids the trap of offering advice and tips! and is based on researched and tested psychological principles.
The real difference is you not only learn real and practical skills to apply to any relationship challenge, you get to practise them in class on real life scenarios. This results in significant positive changes in self esteem and confidence and improved relationships.
Q: How do I find a course?
A: Click here for our timetable of upcoming Courses and Instructor Training.
Q: What is available to help me after I have done the program?
A: This is a great question. The Workbook and Text that accompanies this training are both great resources. Most instructors offer ongoing coaching and or counselling. Some people like to come to the program a second time as a refresher as a way of furthering their skill level and personal understanding. Some undertake the Instructor Training 6 Day intensive as a way to increase their competencies. Click here
Q: There are no courses that I can attend – what do I do?
A: We offer parenting programs across Melbourne and some regional centres in Victoria. You could organise a group of friends or parents from your child’s school/ kinder/ playgroup etc. and an instructor can come to you. Most instructors will be happy to accommodate your group’s needs.
There are also distance learning options via Zoom, Skype and phone as well instructors who offer individual training and support. Click here
Q: How do I become a Personal Effectiveness Training Instructor?
A: Becoming an Accredited Instructor is a 3-step process:
- Step 1 – Have first hand knowledge or experience of either the P.E.T. or Personal Effectiveness Training Program.
- Step 2 – Successfully complete a Instructor Training (delivered as both a workshop or 1:1 training).
- Step 3 – Teach a qualifying program to become Accredited.
Then you will be able to deliver two of the World’s most powerful & proven communications skills programs; Instructor Training
Q: Is this another permissive approach?
A: Definitely not.
The Gordon Model, by virtue of its effective communication skills, does away with the need to be controlling or authoritarian and because of this it can easily be confused as a permissive approach. The secret of the Gordon Model is that it’s a method for resolving conflicts in a way that both parties get their needs met at all times.
Q: What is the Gordon model?
A: The Gordon Model consists of understanding and using all the following interpersonal skills in conjunction with each other — Active Listening, I-Messages, Shifting Gears, Method III Problem Solving and No-Lose Conflict Resolution. The course also looks at Anger and Acceptance. Originally developed by Dr. Thomas Gordon in response to the needs of his clients who were parents struggling with their children’s behaviour. We teach this model, using what we refer to as “The Behaviour Window” which acts as a guide as to how to communicate if varying and difficult situations.
Q: Is the Gordon Model difficult to learn?
A: No. The concepts of the program are simple and common sense. The listening skills (Active Listening) and the confronting skills (I-Messages) take practice, but once you have an experience of how powerful they are in helping you get your needs met and for becoming an influencer and an effective listener, you’ll be motivated to keep practising.
Q: How can I tell if the program will work for me?
A: The Gordon Model has been used with great success by people of varying ages, education levels, income levels and cultures. That tells us that there really aren’t any reasons why it won’t work with just about anyone. There are two key ingredients that determine whether the program will be successful:
1) that you are willing to try it, and
2) a commitment to learn the skills and implement them.
When trying out Active Listening for the first time, most people are surprised by its simplicity and effectiveness. That in turn motivates them to continue learning the rest of the program.
Click here for timetable of upcoming courses.