Every process in this course helps me in my marriage, my life, and my work.
- Daniel Scrafford
Join a growing global community of couple therapists who have experienced the power of PACT.
In PACT Level 1 Online Training, you will learn the fundamentals of the PACT methodology and how to lead even your most challenging couples toward secure-functioning relationships.
Based on a unique integration of the latest research in neuroscience, attachment theory, and the biology of human arousal, you’ll discover PACT’s dynamic, practical, and effective mind-body approach to couple therapy.
There’s no need to feel overwhelmed working with couples! You can enjoy your work with couples knowing the PACT methodology is solidly grounded in science and research and also allows you the flexibility to get creative in the therapy room. Gain confidence knowing how and when to work more deeply with difficult couples.
High-Level Training
PACT Level 1 is the foundational course in the PACT training program. It teaches you the underlying principles and solid skills that PACT is known for. In this training, you’ll learn the critical building blocks for advanced study and becoming a successful PACT therapist.
While a foundational course, PACT Level 1 is still a rigorous training program. You will have a number of reading assignments and videos to watch even before the first meeting, and you will have assignments between course modules. These required assignments allow you to clarify your understanding of PACT principles and participate more meaningfully while in the live training with instructors and colleagues.
High-Level Participation
PACT is an experiential model of therapy. As a PACT therapist, you must bring your whole self into the therapy room — face, mind, body, voice. When learning PACT, you must do the same in class — as an engaged, active participant.
PACT Level 1 is a highly participatory training. Students get the most out of the training when they engage with their peers and colleagues. The focus and value of the live training is in the practice of new skills and receipt of constructive, respectful feedback.
PACT training encompasses demonstrations, small group processing, large group processing, and role playing, in which you will play the role of therapist as well as member of a couple. Participation in these exercises is required, and video cameras must be on throughout the training.
We understand everyone is different. However, only those who are willing to be active learners and participate in the exercises should register for the training. For example, if you recognize that you are someone who is generally reticent to participate and prefers to sit back and watch activities rather than participate in them, this program will not be a good fit. Your active practice and participation are requirements to pass this course of study.
Our Inclusive Student Culture at the PACT Institute
Everything we do as PACT faculty and staff, we strive to do with kindness, empathy, and respect for all.
We continue our commitment to serve systemically marginalized communities in the field of mental health. We’re truly honored to teach PACT to therapists with different backgrounds, lived experience, and perspectives.
While PACT is a highly rigorous and experiential training, our instructors and staff strive to create safe and supportive learning environments. We expect PACT students to join us in wholehearted learning and in their support of a positive and inclusive student culture for all colleagues.
Rich Training Resources
PACT Level 1 training includes a comprehensive training manual and an extensive library of videos that accompany each module. Take advantage of these resources before, during, and after training.
When you register, you gain access to course materials so you can watch the videos in advance and fully prepare for the live training. This will help you remain focused and on-topic so you are ready to engage with the material — and your colleagues in class — and remember what you learn. Watching the videos at your own pace also helps cut down on screen fatigue.
As a student, you’ll have access to PACT Training Assistants and opportunities in between modules to ask questions and get answers to real-life issues. You’ll also have access to the PACT video library for an entire year. That way you can go back and watch any video even after the training, especially if you want to review a specific concept or see an intervention in action again.
Experienced Teachers
Each PACT instructor brings years of experience teaching PACT principles and skills, along with a passion for supporting clinicians and helping couples thrive. PACT Level 1 training is taught by:
Here’s the value you receive with PACT Level 1 Online Training:
Smaller Class Sizes This Year
PACT training encompasses demonstrations, small group processing, large group processing, and role playing.This year we are capping the class size. Smaller classes allow for more individual attention and more time to practice new skills. Smaller classes also mean seats are limited, so sign up early to ensure your spot!
More Time for Students
We are also adding one half hour to each of the clinical training sessions. This new structure will allow longer breaks for students in an effort to support learning and retention of information.
PACT Level 1 training is intended for licensed and pre-licensed marriage and family therapists, professional counselors, social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists.
To qualify for attendance in the PACT training, a pre-licensed clinician must (a) be in the final year of graduate school, (b) actively see clients as a supervisee and/or intern, and (c) have a supervisor’s approval to attend the training.
COACHES WITHOUT A CLINICAL LICENSE ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR TRAINING.
Level 1 training is offered in English and Spanish. Find more information on training in Spanish.
Weekend 1:
April 13 - April 16, 2023
7am - 1pm (Pacific)
Weekend 2:
June 30 - July 3, 2023
7am - 1pm (Pacific)
Convert to your time zone here
Ideal for students in the US, Europe, and Turkey
January 28-29 | February 25-26 | March 25-26 | April 22-23
All times are 7am - 12:30pm (Pacific)
Ideal for students in the US and Australia.
February 4-5 | March 4-5 | April 1-2 | April 29-30
All times are 2pm - 7:3pm (Pacific)
The PACT Institute offers a 20% discount for those who repeat Level 1. Please email us at [email protected] for details.
Train with your colleagues! We are offering a 15% discount for groups of 5 or more. Email [email protected] for details
When you successfully complete Level 1 training, you can identify yourself as a PACT Level 1 clinician/therapist, indicating a strong foundation in PACT skills and principles.
To receive a status of PACT Level 1, along with a certificate of completion, and be eligible to move on to the next level of PACT training, students must attend training with their camera on and fully participate in all live training sessions and breakout room practices. Students must also complete all coursework in their student portal, including training videos and module quizzes.
To receive CE credit for PACT Level 1 training, students must attend all modules with their camera on and fully participate in all live training sessions and breakout room practices. Students must also complete all module quizzes in their student portal.
You may apply for CE credits for the full training only. As per accreditation board requirements, PACT is unable to offer partial CE credits for partial completion of the training.
"This remains the most impactful training I’ve had in my career. I had worried that the course would not translate well to online learning but it was exceptionally effective."
"I don’t think the [online] format handicapped us at all. The training weekend was much less expensive than traveling… and much less disruptive for both work and family time. I’d gladly sign onto this format again without any worry of loss of educational content or collegial experience. Many thanks to all! "
"This was such a powerful and useful training. I honestly feel like I am a better therapist because of it; with couples, sure, but also with individuals. "
"Simply wonderful. Although we were in Zoom meetings, I experienced no sense of disconnection from Stan, Tracey or the other participants. The breakouts were fertile and novel learning experiences also. I was thoroughly impressed with the use of the technology, its efficiency and effectiveness."
In this free 90-minute webinar, you’ll learn:
CE Information
Level 1 training is sponsored by the PACT Institute (ACEP #6641, PCE #5551, and SW CPE #0104) for 40 continuing education hours.
New York Social Workers: PACT Institute SW CPE is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #0104.
New York Social Workers & Mental Health Practitioners: PACT Institute, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0114.
Psychologists: The PACT Institute is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists.The PACT Institute maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Marriage and Family Therapists, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors, Licensed Educational Psychologists, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, and Certified Counselors:
Module 1
Module 2
Module 3
Module 4