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Thomas Gordon - Gordon Training International | ETIA

“When people are accepted, when they are free to express themselves and can participate in making decisions that affect them, they enjoy greater self-esteem, are more self-confident, and lose a sense of powerlessness that’s always present in autocratic families.” – Dr Thomas Gordon

Effectiveness Training Institute of Australia (ETIA) Ltd

The Effectiveness Training Institute of Australia (ETIA) Ltd is a not-for-profit, community based organisation that is dedicated to making courses in communication and conflict resolution skills available and accessible to all people in Australia.

ETIA’s mission is to provide individuals with effective communication and conflict resolution skills to build connected, harmonious relationships.

The values that guide ETIA are:

  • Empowering
  • Transformative
  • Inclusive
  • Authentic

Our inspiration and programs come from the late Dr Thomas Gordon who is the author and founder of Parent Effectiveness Training (P.E.T.) program and Gordon Training International (GTI).

P.E.T. was created and founded by Dr. Thomas Gordon in 1962.

Author of the Best-Selling “Parent Effectiveness Training” Book and Program.

Nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997, 1998, 1999 and winner of the 1999 American Psychology Institute Award for Peace Studies in 2000.


Dr Thomas Gordon revolutionized training for parents, leaders, teachers and youth. He introduced Active Listening to the world, created I-Messages, the Behavior Window, Shifting Gears, The 12 Communication Roadblocks and Method III.

The Effectiveness Training Institute of Australia (ETIA Ltd) is proudly affiliated with Gordon Training International (GTI). For additional information: visit http://www.gordontraining.com/.


ETIA National Management Team (NMT)

L to R: Brain Allen, Clare Christie, Kathryn Tonges, Melissa Strader

CEO: Clare Christie

President: Kathryn Tonges

Vice President: Regina Sawyer

Treasurer: Melissa Strader

NMT Members: Clare Christie, Kathryn Tonges, Melissa Strader, Brian Allen, Regina Sawyer, Anne-Marije Bussink, Sophie Nie.

Fulfillment Agent

Sophie Nie


ETIA Instructor Trainers

Instructor trainers may operate Australia-wide teaching core Effectiveness Training skills, assessing competencies and accrediting Instructors in line with the expectations of Gordon Training International. Kathryn and Judith are each Master Trainers.

Kathryn Tonges

Judith Richardson

Sophie Nie – (ETIA Instructor Trainer for Chinese Community of Australia)

Effectiveness Training Institute of Australia's mission is to provide individuals with effective communication and conflict resolution skills to build connected, harmonious relationships.

Empowering   ∙   Transformative   ∙   Inclusive   ∙   Authentic

From the ETIA Blog

Written by instructors, the ETIA blog provides a wealth of information and practical advice.

P.E.T. & School Readiness Funding

P.E.T. & School Readiness Funding

Written by ETIA Admin

Parent Effectiveness Training (P.E.T.) is now listed as one of the evidence-informed programs and supports on the School Readiness Funding Menu. This funding is being offered by the Victorian Department of Education & Training to provide additional support for kindergartens to help children get the most out of their early learning.

Loving Family | About ETIA

About ETIA

The Effectiveness Training Institute of Australia (ETIA) Ltd is a not-for-profit, community based organisation that is dedicated to making courses in communication and conflict resolution skills available and accessible to all people in Australia.

ETIA’s mission is to provide individuals with effective communication and conflict resolution skills to build connected, harmonious relationships.

Our inspiration and programs come from the late Dr Thomas Gordon who is the author and founder of Parent Effectiveness Training (P.E.T.) program and Gordon Training International (GTI).

Learn More