You’ve already learned a language, so you can do it again.
Take it from the guy who failed French in school. You can learn to speak a foreign language later in life.
I know how disheartening it can feel when attempting to learn a new language…
You spend hours studying by yourself, playing on Duolingo or wasting time and money at evening classes. But all it seems to do is reconfirm that nagging thought that you’re not a ‘language person’.
The problem is, you most likely still have those psychological blocks that either make you fear making mistakes, or convince you that languages just aren’t for you.
Why can some people learn so effortlessly, while it’s such a struggle for you?
As a psychotherapist turned polyglot, I can assure you that the problem isn’t you. It all comes down to psychological blocks that make you fear making mistakes. The good news is we can train ourselves to overcome these blocks and speak.
The truth is, we are all language people
We’ve all learned at least one language before - our native one. The difference is, we learned it in a pressure-free, natural environment where grammar books didn’t exist. And that’s how it should be.
At Laid-back Languages, I recreate that safe, judgement-free environment, so you feel relaxed, whilst focussing on the right skills.
When learning with me, you do not have to try to remember words or phrases - they will simply get downloaded into your subconscious mind by using the power of harmonic repetition. Because by getting you into a flow state when learning, we make absorbing the language a breeze.
I’m here to show you language learning doesn’t have to be a painful struggle and the method I will teach you is NOTHING like school.
Learn a language
-
Spanish
I know the locals speak fast, almost like they are rapping! But once you master the listening skills I teach, you will be able to control and pace conversations. Connecting and communicating with them will have never been easier.
-
French
You may have bad memories from learning French at school, but it’s much more fun as an adult. Learn to pronounce words without feeling shy, figure out the grammar, and show off your skills on your next trip to Paris.
-
Italian
Italian verbs are only tricky if you apply the old-school methods when trying to learn them. Use them in context in a natural setting and they will slot right into your memory. No need to stress over verb tables with the Laid-back method.
-
Portuguese (Br)
Some of the sounds can seem completely alien at first and tough to reproduce. However, through the power of harmonious repetition used in sessions, you’ll master even the trickiest nasal sounds with ease.
Testimonials
-
![]()
I have been learning Spanish with Pat for seven months. He is a fantastic teacher. His teaching style is relaxed and supportive which is so empowering in helping me to become a Spanish speaker very quickly! It is lots of fun and something that I thought I would never (or couldn't!) achieve as my experiences of language learning at school are not positive. If you want to learn a language I can highly recommend Pat to help you with your journey!
Steve Anderson
-
![]()
I have studied French with Laid-back Languages. I’ve really enjoyed the experience learning!! Pat is a very enthusiastic teacher and provides endless levels of support either inside the lessons or even outside of them. Learning a language with him is so easy, he teaches very differently to any other course/teacher I’ve experienced before and it works! He focuses mainly on speaking/listening side at first and it gives you such a kick in the right direction! If you are one of those who thinks that they will never be able to learn another language then you can’t be further from the truth! Just about to start a second long course with him, so if that doesn’t convince you that he’s worth it then I don’t know what will!
Lewis Banyard
-
![]()
Just finished my first course with Laid-back Languages and I have thoroughly enjoyed it! I never thought I'd be able to learn another language but Pat has built my confidence up and through his fantastic teaching style I am confident that I will become fluent in Spanish! I'm just about to start my next course and I cannot wait to continue my language learning journey! Muchas Gracias Pat!!
Megan Alexander
-
![]()
We started learning to speak Italian with Pat during the pandemic and decided to take on the 9 month course to get the max out of our learning! We had an initial ‘taster session’ and were hooked! Pat adapts to your learning ability and has such a relaxed chatty style of teaching that you almost forget it’s a lesson and not just a catch up with a friend - clue’s in the name; Laidback! I was convinced that I was ‘rubbish at languages’ and would be the one unteachable student, but Pat was adamant otherwise and of course proved me wrong! It was hardly any time at all before my partner and I were conversing in fluent Italian and shocked ourselves at how much we could say and understand! Highly recommend Pat for guaranteed results! Iscriviti ora!
Kelly-Ann Hebert
-
![]()
A fantastic tutor. I've been learning Italian with him for almost a year now and have yet to feel like language learning is a chore! It's learning languages without feeling like you're stuck in a classroom trying to pass a test. I have recently visited Italy and am proud to report thanks to Pat, I managed to have a fairly high level conversation with a native Italian who didn't speak a word of english!! Devi imparare con lui!
James Bellchamber
-
![]()
Having loads of fun learning French with Pat! He’s a great tutor - really patient and supportive. Whether you’re a complete beginner or like me, wanting to build on some (rather distant!) school language lessons, I can thoroughly recommend getting involved with Laid-back Languages. The clue is in the name - laid back learning with loads of support and some interesting study aids!
Simone Murray
-
![]()
I have just had my 6th lesson and I can now hold short conversations and beginning to string together sentences in Spanish. Its been great fun so far and I intend to keep going. Also my vocabulary and reading has improved without trying. I highly recommend learning with Laid-back Languages.
Tony Brown
-
![]()
I have been learning Spanish with Patrick for around a year and could not recommend him highly enough. His teaching style is very different to my previous experiences of trying to learn a language, with a focus on speaking and listening. This has been great for me personally as it has given me confidence to try and communicate (even if I don't always get it quite right), and I feel like it is a more practical way to learn than reading through textbooks. Patrick is a really encouraging and enthusiastic teacher, and has been really patient when there have been things I've struggled with. Learning with Patrick has made me feel like I am learning the skills to help learn a language as well as the language itself.
Jon Watson
-
![]()
I would highly recommend Patrick's language lessons. Not only a lovely person but he has really cracked the way of how to teach people to learn a language. Couldn't recommend him enough. If you are serious about learning a language then he is the person for it.
Tom Sullivan
-
![]()
Awesomeeee lessons! I’ve come on so much with my Spanish since having lessons with Pat, I can see the progress myself and every session is fun at the same time as actually feeling like I’m learning something step by step. Couldn’t recommend enough!
Lauren Donnelly
-
![]()
Just had my second lesson with Pat and I already feel like I'm learning French fast with his laid-back fun approach.100% recommend
Georgia Marshall
-
![]()
Prior to Laidback Languages, I had been studying on duolingo for over 2 years for around 10 mins per day. My results were not great at all for the amount of time I’d been practising. I visit Spain every year and prior to laidback languages, I struggled to have any conversation with any locals. Since having lessons with Laidback Languages, my Spanish has improved drastically. Patrick has taught me several techniques of learning the language and the simple act of talking constantly in Spanish during a lesson, has been the best way for me to learn. He’s also provided constant videos, messages, voice notes, songs and exercises for me to look at on a daily basis. I have learned the more realistic vocabulary and techniques which would be useful for me in Spain. I can now have plenty of fluent conversations with the Spanish locals every time I visit and could get any point that I wanted across to a Spaniard and have a conversation about pretty much anything. I’ve realised the best way to learn is simply speak Spanish as much as possible and think in Spanish every day. However much, if I speak it every day I do feel a big improvement. I’ve even started to dream in Spanish and three times now my girlfriend has told me I’ve woke her up in the middle of the night because I’m talking in Spanish in my sleep! So the lessons are definitely working. Thanks to Pat again for all his help.
Sam Lavelle
Packages
3 month course
This 3-month course is the perfect place to start if you want to learn a new language but you’re unsure where to start. We’ll meet twice a week on Skype for 30-40 mins of conversation. I’ll speak to you just above your level, adding new words as we go, so you can increase your vocabulary naturally and effortlessly
3 month course
All coaching materials
All language materials
1-1 coaching sessions (24)
Sign on fee included
What you get:
$1997 or x3 $666
(VAT included)
6 month course
Got a trip abroad planned? This 6-month course gives you plenty of time to learn the important lingo before you go. Whether you want to order a beer, book excursions or venture off the beaten track, we’ll make sure you have the words, phrases and confidence to use them.
What you get:
6 month course
All coaching materials
All language materials
1-1 coaching sessions (48)
Sign on fee included
$2997 or x6 $500
(VAT included)
9 month course
For the ambitious adult who’ll settle for nothing less than getting fluent. Go from nervous novice to speaking with confidence and fluency with my signature 9-month course. Turn into a competent language learner, with in depth coaching sessions as well as out of session contact. Also, become part of the Laid-back Languages community with regular group coaching calls.
What you get:
9 month course
All coaching materials
All language materials
1-1 coaching sessions (72)
Sign on fee included
Exclusive out of session contact
$3997 or x9 $444
(VAT included)
How does it work?
Get my full attention
Over the duration of the course you won’t be in a class full of other students, you’ll be working privately with me, 1-1. This guarantees you the best results.
Sessions take place on Skype twice a week, are very dynamic and last 30-40 mins. I have found this to be the optimal amount of time for learners- my goal is to get you into a flow state, not to burn you out. You will get constant feedback and reassurance from me during sessions, to help you learn as fast as possible without feeling rushed.
Focus on listening and speaking
You will learn how to become an excellent active listener by mastering the 3 principles of listening; I also provide easy to follow guides so you know how to apply this knowledge both in and outside of sessions. As you’ll speak from day one, you won’t have that performance anxiety learners who delay speaking often have; for you, speaking your Target Language will just feel normal. This will give you the immediate advantage of feeling confident whilst speaking, happy to make mistakes and learn as you go.
Learn without feeling pressured
Using skills I have developed from extensive psychotherapy training, I focus on getting you relaxed and in a state to learn the language stress-free. Any previous mental blocks and limiting beliefs that previously stopped you from learning, will dissolve in the first week of working together. From then on, your brain will be in a serene state in sessions and therefore much more receptive to new ideas. Allow yourself to relax, be guided through the process, and you’ll learn your Target Language effortlessly.
FAQ’s
-
Yes. My courses are designed for beginners up to intermediate levels. I specialise in teaching people who have zero or very little language learning experience. Taking them from novices to language learning experts in a matter of months.
-
Absolutely not. In fact, the methods I use are the opposite of how we were ‘taught’ languages at school. The classes are 1-1 and take place in a comfortable, relaxed environment.
-
The standard course is 3 months long; where students learn to become effective language learners whilst gaining a strong grasp of the basics. The courses are simply set out and easy to follow.
-
The sessions are live video call lessons; during the course you will work 1-1 with me twice a week. I often provide students with extra recorded material to further aid them outside of sessions, but all live sessions with me are done via Skype.
-
Before purchasing a course, each student has a free 20 minute consultation to check that what I offer at Laid-back Languages is right for them.
-
After a 3 month course, the typical student will be speaking and understanding their target language with degrees of fluency. Results vary depending on how coachable the person is. Those who are able to accept new ideas and concepts learn the fastest.
-
Yes. You must have the time and desire to learn the language as well as being open-minded to new ways of learning. The methods taught are NOTHING like school!
-
You need to be able to dedicate at least 2 hours over the week to learning. Two 30-40 minute sessions per week plus 20 mins a day to listen outside of class.
-
Yes. All you need to attend lessons is to download Skype on your mobile device or computer. Please ask if you need help accessing Skype.
-
Yes! In fact most students do end up starting off with a 3 month course and after seeing the great results they get, extend it to a 6 month or 9 month course without paying extra. However, due to limited availability, we cannot always guarantee extensions.
-
Due to the nature of the courses, I do not offer refunds. If you aren’t sure whether or not the courses offered at Laid-back Languages are right for you, book a consultation call before purchasing.