✨ Love That Lasts: A World-Renowned Couples Workshop Comes to Sydney

Philipa Thornton certification badge as Imago Workshop Presenter

Most relationships don’t end because of a lack of love.

They drift apart because they lose the language of connection.

After 1.5 years of advanced training and mentorship (and yes, more than a few late nights and chocolate fixes along the way), I am honoured to share that I am now a certified Imago workshop presenter, accredited to deliver the internationally acclaimed Getting the Love You Want couple’s workshop.

The first in-person Sydney event will be held on 7–8 March 2026. For couples who can’t travel or are balancing parenting and busy lives, we’ll also be offering an online evening option — like a live class you can join from your sofa once the kids are in bed.

💙 Why Couples Choose This Experience

This isn’t ordinary couples counselling, and it’s not relationship therapy. It’s an immersive, experiential weekend that helps partners:

  • Break the cycle of conflict and rediscover safety
  • Reignite intimacy not just sex, but affection, laughter and joy
  • Feel seen and understood in a way that softens defences and opens hearts
  • Move from autopilot to intentional connection, learning a new language of love

And it’s not just for couples in crisis. 

Many attend because things are good, but they want to go even deeper. 

Think of it as relationship coaching at its highest level: a chance to take a good relationship to extraordinary depth.

We live in an age where love is tested by work demands, endless screens, and family pressures. Couples often find themselves “fine” but not fulfilled. Others slip into what I call the silent divorce, living side by side, yet emotionally worlds apart.

This workshop offers an antidote.

It’s where couples pause, breathe, and rediscover the spark that first drew them together.

It’s about love that not only endures but stays passionately alive.

Chris often jokes that when we met through dancing, we weren’t just learning steps we were learning how to lean in, listen and move together. That’s exactly the spirit of this workshop: finding your rhythm again.

Philipa Thornton certification badge as Imago advanced Clinical Therapist in Sydney and on line
  • Proven worldwide – delivered in over 30 countries for more than 40 years
  • Grounded in science – built on neuroscience, attachment theory, and empathy-based tools
  • Safe and private – all core work happens between you and your partner
  • Transformational – many couples describe it as “months of therapy in two days”

And it’s delivered by a partnership, too. Alongside me will be my husband, Chris Paulin, consultant psychologist, co-founder of the Australian Resource Therapy Institute, and co-director of Marriage Works.

Chris has been my steady support throughout this journey (he likes to say he’s my “number one fan and loudest cheer squad”, and he’s right). Together, we bring decades of clinical experience and a shared passion for helping couples heal and thrive.

Do we share personal issues in public?

No. All core work is private with your partner. Demonstrations are sometimes offered so couples can see how the dialogue unfolds. Some choose to volunteer because it helps everyone learn — but it is always optional.

Can I join if I can’t attend in person?

Yes. For those balancing parenting, long work hours, or who live outside Sydney, we offer an online evening format. The same tools and practices are delivered live across several evenings, designed to fit into everyday life.

When is the next workshop?

The first in-person Sydney workshop will be held on 7–8 March 2026. Online evening options will also be available. Early-bird pricing and dates will be released first to the waitlist.

Whether you’re seeking repair after disconnection or wanting to elevate a strong relationship to the next level, this is your invitation to invest in love that lasts.

👉 Join the Sydney launch waitlist now for priority access to the 7–8 March 2026 workshop and early registration for the online evening program. Join the Waitlist Here

This certification is more than a credential; it is a mission. I believe every couple deserves the chance not just to survive together. But to thrive, to experience love that is safe, vibrant, and alive with possibility.

I am deeply grateful to Chris, my husband, co-founder, and constant support, for walking this path with me. Together at Marriage Works and the Australia Resource Therapy Institute, we are committed to helping couples and therapists globally.

Love is the greatest investment you can make.

And in March 2026 in Sydney, we look forward to welcoming couples ready to begin that journey.

My 50th Student Trained in Resource Therapy !

Learn how Resource Therapy helps you on the path to wellness

Wow I am blown away. I have had the honour to have trained over 50 people in Resource Therapy!

What an honour. And the kicker is nearly half have gone on to complete the Clinical training. Feeling stoked!

Feeling stoked having trained over 50 people in Resource Therapy! And now a Master Trainer offering the Advanced Clinical and Train the Trainer. Yay
Feeling stoked having trained over 50 people in Resource Therapy! And now a Master Trainer offering the Advanced Clinical and Train the Trainer. Yay

After speaking to the gorgeous Anna Emmerson today, she suggested I may have the numbers to be given the certification of Master Trainer in Resource Therapy. As of last year I have completed the requirement.

Gordon and Anna Emmerson of Resource Therapy International have made the criteria of having taught four Clinical Resource Therapy Programs with over four participants. Super pleased to say I have facilitated five Clinical training groups and soon to be a sixth!

Details here https://resourcetherapy.com.au/resource-therapy-clinical-qualification-training-trauma-informed-strength-based-parts-model/

My heart is full, I love, love Resource therapy training programs. What an honour to show others.

What this means for you, is I can now offer the top tier workshop of Resource Therapy. This is the Advanced Clinical and Train the Trainer.

In this five day program you can update and consolidate your learning’s after completing the Clinical workshop of eight days. Once completed with supervision and support you can go on to provide training for others. So watch this space, 2020 dates coming soon.

So exciting!

I am very thankful to the participants of our past workshops at the Resource Therapy Institute Australia.
I am very thankful to the participants of our past workshops at the Resource Therapy Institute Australia. Blessed to be offering another Clinical soon in September.

By the way Anna is doing some yummy training in Bali next year.

Feel like a winter escape, to a tropical paradise and with a tax benefit?

Look no further. Love to have you and join us in the fun. Anna has invited me to help out. See you there hopefully.

Magical Ubud Bali full of Spa and lovely sunshine perfect after a days learning of Resource Therapy.

Vaded in Rejection Series Video 3 now up on YouTube

Vaded States live in a prison of low self worth, anxiety and shame. Resource Therapy heals and promotes internal value.

Here is the next installment for our Vaded Series. States Vaded in Rejection are one of the most common issues I deal with in my therapy office. I’ll bet you have seen many clients too. I love how inspiring and restorative this psychological and emotional work is.

States Vaded in Rejection are a huge part of trauma and anxiety.
These States often have caregiver Introject who was conditionally loving

You can spot a state Vaded in Rejection a mile off, as you hear “I am never good enough, no matter what I do I still feel like a fraud.”

Sometimes it’s a terribly deep sense of feeling unlovable and it’s a burden carried for years, leaving person emotionally crippled in their lives. Often they are experiencing problematic relationships in love, at work and in their lives,

Attachment disorder works in parallel with States Vaded in Rejection. Healing these usually younger Resource State is truly rewarding and empowering to our clients who consult us.

Happy adults are free from value judgements and shame from the past.


Click the link below to access the Resource Therapy Institute’s Channel:

https://youtu.be/MsOTsRqrTCU

Thanks for reading and watching. Love to hear about your work with States Vaded in Rejection – drop a comment below. Philipa

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