Core Skills and Theory of the Developmental Model

Presented by: Paula Dennan

and Nic Beets

Location: Online, Auckland

Price: $1,650.00 early bird (prices include GST)

Start Date: 12 February 2026

End Date: 12 May 2026

This five-day training course will introduce you to the Developmental Model and give a whole new perspective on why people have relationship difficulties as well as a raft of tools to help them.
In this training you will learn:
How to diagnose a couple’s developmental stage and what interventions are appropriate for what stage
How to use the different lenses of Attachment, Developmental Stage (Differentiation) and Neuroscience to broaden your assessment and intervention options.
How to balance communication skills with self-soothing techniques to manage reactivity
Specific interventions to help people manage conflict, delay gratification, increase differentiation and build effective empathy
How to identify and weaken entrenched blame and withdrawal patterns.
Ways to identify and categorise the tough relationship issues
How to stop rapid escalation and shift to productive exchanges
Ways to make strong confrontations whilst retaining rapport
Techniques for engaging self-absorbed and withdrawn partners

Early bird price of $1,650.00 to 15 December 2025.

About Paula Dennan

Paula is a Clinical Psychologist with over 30 years of experience. She began her career in Child, Adolescent and Family services and continued her focus on relationships in her private practice with individuals and couples across settings (ACC, Fm Court, work and sporting contexts). She is a Trainer and Co-Director of Sex Therapy NZ and at Relationship Therapy Inc teaching the Developmental Model.

About Nic Beets

Nic is a Clinical Psychologist with over 30 years experience. He has always worked as a systemic therapist, initially with families but for the last 20 years he has specialized solely in working with relationship issues as a Director of RelationshipWork. He runs the Sex Therapy Interest Group, a peer support network. In recent years he has offered training and supervision in relationship therapy.

Course Enquiry

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