{"id":71155,"date":"2023-04-11T12:01:59","date_gmt":"2023-04-11T12:01:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/totara.com\/?post_type=customer-story&#038;p=71155"},"modified":"2026-07-17T14:08:32","modified_gmt":"2026-07-17T14:08:32","slug":"ourrelationship-breaking-barriers-to-relationship-support-with-totara","status":"publish","type":"customer-story","link":"https:\/\/totara.com\/us\/customer-stories\/ourrelationship-breaking-barriers-to-relationship-support-with-totara\/","title":{"rendered":"University of Miami transforms relationship support with Totara and AI | OurRelationship Customer Story"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class='inline-text-container autoMobileAlignment autoDesktopAlignment'>\n  <div class='richText'><p class=\"large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-79685 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/totara.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Badge_2026_best-use-of-AI-with-Totara_gold-e1784297299828-272x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"272\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/totara.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Badge_2026_best-use-of-AI-with-Totara_gold-e1784297299828-272x300.png 272w, https:\/\/totara.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Badge_2026_best-use-of-AI-with-Totara_gold-e1784297299828.png 427w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 272px) 100vw, 272px\" \/>University of Miami\u2019s \u2018OurRelationship: when the learner is a couple\u2019 program redefines digital relationship support with AI-powered, personalized learning at scale<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">The OurRelationship program, led by Dr. Brian Doss, University of Miami, helps couples strengthen relationships through flexible digital support. Over 10,000 couples have completed the program, which combines research-backed content with innovative technology to improve communication, intimacy, and trust.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">Powered by Totara, OurRelationship has been led by Mindtools Kineo since 2012 &#8211; one of our longest client relationships, with a roadmap evolving to meet the needs of couples and individuals.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"When the learner is a couple: Building OurRelationship on Totara\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/RJa6dA2Cu8s?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>The Challenge<\/h2>\n<p class=\"p1\">Many couples experience relationship challenges that significantly impact their mental and physical wellbeing, yet the majority never seek professional support.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">The University of Miami set out to remove these barriers by creating a highly accessible, scalable digital intervention that could replicate the effectiveness of in-person therapy while reaching a far broader audience. This program is run as a part of grant-funded services funded by the United States\u2019 Administration for Children and Families and is also sold direct to businesses and consumers under a licensed model.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">To achieve this, the platform needed to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Seamlessly support two individual user journeys (one per partner) while combining insights into a shared couple experience.<\/li>\n<li>Deliver deeply personalized content based on relationship dynamics, user context, and participation type (individual vs. couple-led).<\/li>\n<li>Provide coaches with real-time visibility into progress, responses, and intervention points.<\/li>\n<li>Scale efficiently while maintaining a high-quality, tailored user experience.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p4\">Crucially, the solution also needed to evolve over time, supporting new innovations in digital engagement and behavioral support without requiring fundamental redesign. The OurRelationship platform began with Kineo on a Moodle instance. We migrated it to Totara circa 2014 and have continued to customize, update, and upgrade it every year.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-71008\" src=\"https:\/\/totara.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/tmp21_Dr.-Brian_-Doss_OR-2.png\" alt=\"OurRelationship LMS dashboard\" width=\"1897\" height=\"917\" srcset=\"https:\/\/totara.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/tmp21_Dr.-Brian_-Doss_OR-2.png 1897w, https:\/\/totara.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/tmp21_Dr.-Brian_-Doss_OR-2-300x145.png 300w, https:\/\/totara.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/tmp21_Dr.-Brian_-Doss_OR-2-1024x495.png 1024w, https:\/\/totara.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/tmp21_Dr.-Brian_-Doss_OR-2-768x371.png 768w, https:\/\/totara.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/tmp21_Dr.-Brian_-Doss_OR-2-1536x742.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1897px) 100vw, 1897px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>The Solution<\/h2>\n<p class=\"p1\">Totara\u2019s flexibility enabled OurRelationship to build a highly personalized, research-driven platform delivering 8\u201310 hours of tailored content designed to improve communication and relationship outcomes. Accessible across mobile, tablet, and desktop, the platform supports both self-guided and coach-supported journeys, ensuring flexibility for diverse user needs, while aiming to be a consumer-grade experience.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-large wp-image-77628\" src=\"https:\/\/totara.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Wendy_Sayer_our-relationship_Observe-771x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"771\" height=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/totara.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Wendy_Sayer_our-relationship_Observe-771x1024.jpg 771w, https:\/\/totara.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Wendy_Sayer_our-relationship_Observe-226x300.jpg 226w, https:\/\/totara.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Wendy_Sayer_our-relationship_Observe-768x1020.jpg 768w, https:\/\/totara.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Wendy_Sayer_our-relationship_Observe-1156x1536.jpg 1156w, https:\/\/totara.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Wendy_Sayer_our-relationship_Observe.jpg 1378w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 771px) 100vw, 771px\" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">A key strength of the solution is its ability to dynamically tailor each user\u2019s experience. Through structured assessments, conditional logic, and personalized feedback, couples receive guidance that reflects their unique circumstances. Coaches benefit from a comprehensive dashboard, offering visibility into participant progress, key insights, and recommended next steps.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">Learning content, built in the Adapt Framework, passes data back and forth to Totara, providing a truly tailored experience that recognizes where the learner is in the experience as well as their partner. Couples who chose to work with a coach can use the custom scheduler to schedule meeting times directly with their personal human coach.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-71012 \" src=\"https:\/\/totara.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/tmp3D_Dr.-Brian_-Doss_OR-image-3.png\" alt=\"OurRelationship mobile app for learnings\" width=\"626\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/totara.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/tmp3D_Dr.-Brian_-Doss_OR-image-3.png 1343w, https:\/\/totara.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/tmp3D_Dr.-Brian_-Doss_OR-image-3-282x300.png 282w, https:\/\/totara.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/tmp3D_Dr.-Brian_-Doss_OR-image-3-961x1024.png 961w, https:\/\/totara.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/tmp3D_Dr.-Brian_-Doss_OR-image-3-768x818.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 626px) 100vw, 626px\" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\">Building on this strong foundation, OurRelationship is introducing an AI Tutor &#8211; a significant innovation in how support is delivered. Acting as a responsive, always-available guide, the AI Tutor enhances the learning experience by:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Providing real-time, conversational support to help users reflect on and apply key concepts.<\/li>\n<li>Reinforcing learning between sessions, increasing engagement and completion.<\/li>\n<li>Offering a safe, private space for individuals to explore sensitive topics at their own pace.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\">In this context, the AI Tutor is being used in a particularly innovative way, facilitating elements of a relationship coach\u2019s role within a digital environment. This extends the reach of traditional coaching, allowing users to access meaningful support whenever they need it, not just during scheduled sessions.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-large wp-image-77636\" src=\"https:\/\/totara.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Wendy_Sayer_our-relationship_understand-855x1024.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"855\" height=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/totara.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Wendy_Sayer_our-relationship_understand-855x1024.png 855w, https:\/\/totara.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Wendy_Sayer_our-relationship_understand-250x300.png 250w, https:\/\/totara.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Wendy_Sayer_our-relationship_understand-768x920.png 768w, https:\/\/totara.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Wendy_Sayer_our-relationship_understand-1282x1536.png 1282w, https:\/\/totara.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Wendy_Sayer_our-relationship_understand.png 1380w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 855px) 100vw, 855px\" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"p4\">Totara\u2019s adaptability has made it possible to integrate this new layer of intelligent AI support without disrupting the existing user experience. Combined with robust reporting, automation, and scalability, the platform continues to evolve alongside the program\u2019s ambitions, delivering increasingly personalized, impactful support at scale.<\/p>\n<h2>Results<\/h2>\n<p class=\"p1\">OurRelationship continues to deliver exceptional outcomes, combining strong engagement with measurable improvements in relationship and mental health.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"s1\"><b>94% of couples<\/b><\/span> report high satisfaction.<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"s1\"><b>97%<\/b><\/span> would recommend the program.<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"s1\"><b>63\u201386% completion rates<\/b><\/span>, significantly higher than typical digital interventions.<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"s1\"><b>Over 10,000 couples<\/b><\/span> have completed the program, with reach extending to <span class=\"s1\"><b>3+ million couples<\/b><\/span>.<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"s1\"><b>Randomized controlled trials involving more than 5,000 couples<\/b><\/span> have demonstrated statistically significant improvements in relationship satisfaction, alongside reductions in depression and anxiety and improved workplace functioning.<\/li>\n<li>The platform has enabled a <span class=\"s1\"><b>100%+ increase in partners<\/b><\/span> while supporting continued programme growth.<\/li>\n<li>The platform has successfully supported the delivery of a <span class=\"s1\"><b>federally funded programme helping approximately 2,500 low-income couples annually at no cost<\/b><\/span>.<\/li>\n<li>The introduction of the AI Tutor is further enhancing accessibility and engagement between structured sessions, helping users stay on track, deepen reflection, and apply learning more consistently &#8211; key drivers of long-term behavior change.<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"s1\"><b>52% of couples<\/b><\/span> report they no longer require traditional couples therapy after completing the program, highlighting the real-world impact of this innovative digital approach.<\/li>\n<li>Totara has been instrumental in enabling this success, providing the flexibility, scalability, and extensibility required to continuously evolve the platform, including the seamless integration of AI-driven support.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p3\">The platform also continues to support diverse populations, including low-income couples, same-gender couples, military couples, and couples with cancer through tailored learning journeys.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5039\" data-end=\"5340\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-71004\" src=\"https:\/\/totara.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/tmp0E_Dr.-Brian_-Doss_OR-4.png\" alt=\"OurRelationship LMS course finder\" width=\"1277\" height=\"949\" srcset=\"https:\/\/totara.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/tmp0E_Dr.-Brian_-Doss_OR-4.png 1277w, https:\/\/totara.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/tmp0E_Dr.-Brian_-Doss_OR-4-300x223.png 300w, https:\/\/totara.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/tmp0E_Dr.-Brian_-Doss_OR-4-1024x761.png 1024w, https:\/\/totara.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/tmp0E_Dr.-Brian_-Doss_OR-4-768x571.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1277px) 100vw, 1277px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"s1\"><b>User Feedback<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"p2\"><i>\u201cWe liked that it wasn\u2019t done in a traditional sense of going into an office and talking one-on-one with someone we didn\u2019t know. We are both very busy between our work and five kids. This program was absolute perfection for our busy schedules.\u201d<\/i><\/p>\n<p class=\"p3\"><i>\u201cThis is a revolutionary new program that allows couples to work in tandem with each other and their respective schedules and provides the flexibility and accessibility to the resources of a clinical workshop that does not require a specific date and time to be in attendance every week. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in learning more about how to communicate and resolve conflicts with their partner.\u201d<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<div class='inline-quote-container themeGreen'>\n      <blockquote><p class=\"p1\">\u201cUsing Totara as the foundation of the OurRelationship program has allowed us to continuously upgrade our services and make a difference in the lives of thousands of couples. Totara\u2019s flexibility has allowed us to tailor our services to the specific needs of low-income couples, same-gender couples, military couples, and couples with cancer \u2013 with more adaptations on the way!<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n        <figure>\n            <figcaption>\n        <strong>Dr Brian Doss,<\/strong>\n        <br \/>\n        Co-founder &#038; President of OurRelationship; Professor of Psychology, University of Miami      <\/figcaption>\n    <\/figure>\n  <\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"template":"","tax\/tags":[805,712,684,719,710],"tax\/countries":[752],"tax\/sectors":[788],"org-size":[777],"tax\/solutions":[778],"tax\/topics":[],"tax\/industries":[],"class_list":["post-71155","customer-story","type-customer-story","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/totara.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/customer-stories\/71155","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/totara.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/customer-stories"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/totara.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/customer-story"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/totara.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=71155"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/totara.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tax\/tags?post=71155"},{"taxonomy":"country","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/totara.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tax\/countries?post=71155"},{"taxonomy":"sector","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/totara.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tax\/sectors?post=71155"},{"taxonomy":"org-size","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/totara.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/org-size?post=71155"},{"taxonomy":"solution","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/totara.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tax\/solutions?post=71155"},{"taxonomy":"topic","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/totara.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tax\/topics?post=71155"},{"taxonomy":"industry-tax","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/totara.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tax\/industries?post=71155"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}