Booking options
£150
£150
Delivered Online
Each week on Zoom, you will meet with others who are dating and share the same desire to date in a healthy, informed way. Rachel will give a short talk, lead you in some reflective activities to improve your dating life, and answer your burning questions about dating. As you get to know each other, you'll learn from and support each other too. The course aims to enable you to enjoy healthier, intentional and more empowered dating experiences.
The six week dating programme involves various activities, exercises and assessments, should be fun as well as challenging, and is supported by Rachel’s Dating Workbook (which you will need to buy) and various handouts.
Outline
Session 1: Celebrating yourself
Aims:
To think about why you are dating and what you want from it
To feel good about yourself and give off the right vibe
To identify your strengths, values, goals
To understand your relationship with yourself
To apply this to your dating profile, online messaging and real-life conversations
To answer the questions "What do you like about yourself?" and "Tell me about yourself" on a date
Session 2: What are your relationship needs?
Aims:
To explore different models of dating and relationships
To be selective and have high expectations
To believe you deserve to be treated well
To explore and articulate your relationship needs
To distinguish between essentials and desirables
To learn about red and green flags
Session 3: The psychology of online dating
Aims:
To learn about the costs and benefits of online dating
To compare the efficiency and processes of online and real-life/organic dating
To gain some insight into the psychological processes underlying people’s behaviour when online dating
To understand and challenge the effects of prejudice and discrimination in online dating
To become informed about the statistics of who is dating in the UK
To explore the best dating apps for you
Session 4: Dating profiles and messaging
Aims:
Get support from each other about your current dating situation
Get feedback on your dating profile
Discuss messaging scenarios
Learn about what research shows works best in messaging
Get feedback on your messages
Discuss various hypothetical messaging situations
To be discerning about fake profiles and scammers
To move from messages to dates with the right people
Session 5: Forming a connection on a date
Aims:
To enjoy your dates more and reduce date anxiety
To use the date effectively to find out key information
To build a connection and create warmth and chemistry
To get down to a deeper level
To create a personalised bank of questions and topics of conversation for dates
Session 6: Dating etiquette and communicating your needs
Aims:
To use and interpret non-verbal communication on dates
To get second dates with the right people
How to decide if you want another date
To make sense of dates that don’t work out
To communicate about intimacy, sexual health, hygiene, COVID safety
To discuss how the first ten dates should look:
How and when do I suggest a second date?
How often should we message in between dates?
How often should we see each other?
How do I cope with insecurity and uncertainty?
When should we discuss exclusivity?
When should I stay the night?
How long should the dates last?
How do I end things?
When does dating turn into a relationship?
When do I use the L word?
Special offers:If you sign up for the course, you will get a discount of 20% off your first one to one consultation, if you would like to explore any of the issues raised in more detail. Many of Rachel's clients find it beneficial to go into more detail about their childhood or past relationships, for example, in a therapeutic coaching session.What previous participant said about the course:"For me, coaching with Rachel has been literally life-changing. When I first contacted Rachel I only expected to find out if dating was viable for someone as socially anxious as me and maybe a little help with my dating profile. What ended up happening transformed not just my beliefs about romantic relationships but about myself, emotions and all my other relationships. And throughout I have found her to be unceasingly gentle, patient and kind.
If a past version of myself read the above it would probably put him off. I would tell him: Rachel will not judge those parts of you that you might be a bit embarrassed about, and not only is she a lovely, friendly person, she is also as evidence-based as a dating coach can get. The worst thing that could happen is you lose a bit of time and money. But the best thing could be that she helps you find someone to spend the rest of your life with. So, if you’re thinking about contacting Rachel, stop procrastinating and go for it!” (Nick, 29)
"I really enjoyed the course. There were plenty of questions and purposeful advice that helped me to reflect on how I approached dates." (Simon, 35)
"I've really enjoyed attending this workshop. Every session has been thought provoking and I have really enjoyed the discussions and the many different perspectives and experiences discussed. The environment felt warm and inviting which allowed me to be vulnerable. Rachel's warm personality was a great help especially in the beginning stages of getting to know everyone. Rachel was very insightful. If you don't know where to begin in the dating world, this workshop is for you." (Lisa, 37)
"I've learned a lot from Rachel's workshop and it's been great to have a safe and supportive space to talk about some of my challenges in dating. Rachel's a very empathetic and open dating coach. I'd recommend this workshop for anyone looking for a top level introduction to improving their dating habits and prospects." (Isioma, 41)
"Having already had a few 1:1 dating coaching sessions with Rachel, I was keen to take part in the group course in order to have more interaction with others who have also been struggling on this journey and learning from their experiences. I realised that the group sessions would also have a slightly different approach to the 1:1s and thought this could be beneficial to me. I really enjoyed the group course! Rachel's extensive knowledge, from her coaching and research, is evident in the sessions. They were carefully planned and developed but also she managed to personalise them and respond to slightly more individual needs or questions within the group once the sessions were under way. Rachel provided good materials to download as part of the course, in addition to the use of her 'Dating Workbook' as part of the tools for the sessions. I have found these very helpful and the Dating Workbook is great for both guided and independent use. The topics covered in both the group sessions and the Workbook are helpful and it has been good to remind myself about 'who I am', in order to be able to put that forward to potential dates - especially as I feel I am quite a different person now that I am almost 20 years older than when I last dated! Equally useful for me has been working out my 'deal-breakers' and 'deal-makers' to help me be more focussed and intentional with my dates. I look forward to putting these tools and experiences into practice, as well as the sessions from Part 2 of the course, on my next dates and using the Workbook to reflect on how I am progressing towards finding my next relationship. Thank you, Rachel, for all your guidance and support!" (Zosia, 46)
"I have been attending Rachel’s seminars since 2017. Healthy Dating though was my first course. I like that Rachel blends academic knowledge and practical skills in her teaching, whilst also drawing upon learners’ own experiences. There are a number of resources shared and (optional) homework. Even though I consider myself to be quite well versed when it comes to contemporary dating and relationship skills, I still enjoyed the course and learnt some new things." (Richard, 47)
"I thoroughly enjoyed the healthy dating sessions. Initially I was slightly apprehensive as I am quite shy and introverted, however the sessions were very relaxed. Each session offered the opportunity to ask questions and discuss topics with other course members, although there is no pressure to do so. After each session homework was set to help reflect on what we had learnt. As a result I feel more empowered and confident as I start dating again." (Joe, 47)
"It’s been good to challenge myself to do a course that involves opening up a bit about things I’d tend to keep hidden and not discuss. Definitely ‘outside my comfort zone’ discussing feelings and experiences of dating. But it’s been good to share experiences with others in a supportive atmosphere. The course contents is comprehensive and well-structured and there's no pressure to contribute any more than you feel comfortable." (Pete, 58)
"This kind of group was a real find. I found the mini-course very helpful by giving me space to think about important dating questions. The guys in the group were great. They were willing to share their experiences and wisdom and hearing from such nice open people in the same boat as me was very therapeutic and helpful. Rachel is a very organized, informative, involved, and gentle mediator and a very wise, informed, empathic guide. Many thanks, Rachel!" (Sarah, 67)
Message Rachel if you are interested but can't make the scheduled times.