The International LTC Trainer Training Culminated in a Final Seminar in September
Over the course of seven training sessions, 14 participants from Poland, Romania, Estonia, and Portugal deepened their expertise and prepared to embed the method within their national service systems.
During the training, participants not only learned about the LTC method—they also stepped into the role of trainers themselves. Each participant carried out a practice training in their home country, training a group of LTC practitioners either individually or in pairs. This practical phase reinforced their learning and laid the groundwork for national dissemination of the method.
The training group represented a wide range of professional backgrounds:
”Among the participants were school counsellors, psychotherapists, psychologists, a professor, university lecturer, mental health and psychiatric nurses, therapists, and a social worker. This diversity enriched the discussions and highlighted the method’s adaptability across different contexts”, tell LTC trainers Emmi Riihiranta-Laine and Miia Äänismaa.
Throughout the training, participants deepened their understanding of the LTC method, its principles, and its practical application. They shared experiences from different cultures and professional perspectives, which strengthened their grasp of the method’s versatility. Case process descriptions of LTC discussions provided valuable insights for the trainers into how the method functions in various countries and professional settings – yet always with a shared foundation: respectful engagement with families and the collaborative planning of concrete actions to support smoothens of child’s daily life.
The training also addressed how the method can be embedded into national service systems. Participants shared information about LTC within their own organizations and discussed its use, documentation, data collection, and communication within their work communities. Sustainability plans are currently being developed in the project countries, with the hope that they will include goals for structured implementation of the method and guidance for organizations on how to adopt it. Some countries already have guidelines in place for when and how the method should be used.
Commitment, enthusiasm, and shared learning
For the trainers Emmi and Miia, working with an international group was both inspiring and educational. What stood out most was the participants’ eagerness to learn, their appreciation for the method and the trainers, and their gratitude for the opportunity to take part in such a unique training experience.
The trainers were especially moved by the participants’ strong commitment, client-centered approach, and enthusiasm for the LTC method. Everyone expressed how valuable they found the method in their own work—and above all, how meaningful it is in supporting families’ everyday lives and fostering shared understanding. All participants plan to continue using the method and have already integrated it into their regular professional practice, which brings great joy to the trainers.
The trainers themselves also embraced the role of learners:
“Miia and I learned an incredible amount—from different countries’ service systems, approaches to supporting families, and the application of the method in diverse contexts. We gained new tools and confidence in our ability to lead such a multifaceted group”, says trainer Emmi Riihiranta-Laine.
The international trainers training concluded on a joyful note.
Top left LTC trainers Miia Äänismaa and Emmi Riihiranta-Laine.