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What is P.E.T.?

• Purpose & Philosophy
  Developed by Dr. Thomas Gordon in 1962, Parent Effectiveness Training (P.E.T.) uses the Gordon Model of communication to help parents build democratic, respectful relationships with their children—without resorting to power struggles, punishments, or permissive leniency. It’s about helping both parent and child meet their needs in a no‑lose way that builds mutual respect and a lifelong relationship.
  
• Key Skills Taught
  1. Active Listening – Reflecting back what your child shares (both content and feelings) to truly understand and validate them
  2. I‑Messages – Expressing how your child’s behavior affects you, without blaming them. This encourages cooperation while preserving their self‑esteem
  3. Behavior Window – A tool to determine “who owns the problem” (parent, child, both, or neither) to guide your choice of response
  4. No‑Lose Conflict Resolution (Method III) – A structured, multi‑step problem-solving method to achieve solutions that respect both parties’ needs
  5. Avoiding Communication Roadblocks – Common pitfalls (e.g., ordering, lecturing, blaming) that prevent effective listening and resolution
• Expected Outcomes
  After completing P.E.T., parents learn to:
  • Distinguish between acceptable vs. unacceptable behavior,
  • Use silence, acknowledgment, and door‑openers to foster communication,
  • Identify and avoid communication roadblocks,
  • Recognize when a child needs help vs. when they (the parent) own the problem

For a complete course overview, click here.

Training Logistics & Registration

• Next Online Class (Fall 2025)
  • Dates: Saturdays, Sept 20 – Nov 1, 2025, 9  a.m.– 12  p.m. MST
  • Size: Limited to 6–10 participants
  • Registration Deadline: September 15, 2025
• Pricing & Payment Options
  • Full Fee: $340 per person, which includes a $45 materials fee (textbook + workbook)
  • Deposit Option: Try the first class for a $45 materials-only deposit (full fee due after the first class)
  • Payment Process: Via Stripe, online
• Instructor
  Whitney Allen
  

"I first took a P.E.T. class in 2013, when I was about to become a stepmom to two awesome kids. P.E.T. radically changed my personal and professional life, and I'm happy to be a Certified Instructor of the course so that I can share these skills with others."

Why It Matters

• For Parents: It transforms reactive, struggle‑based communication into respectful, empathetic dialogue where both parties feel heard.
• For Families: Promotes lasting relationships and consistent, peaceful problem-solving.
• For Participants: Provides both theory and practical skills in a small, interactive group led by an experienced instructor.

To register for the full class, please click here.

To register with the deposit option, please click here.