Frequently Asked Questions About Our Gottman Couples Retreat

 
 

Who Can Benefit?

  • Couples who want to take their relationship from good to GREAT

  • Pre-engaged couples all the way to senior couples

  • Couples needing help with conflict management

Appropriate couples are:

  • Pre-engaged

  • Premarital

  • Everyone from newlyweds to seniors

  • Those who wish to enhance a good marriage

  • Those needing better conflict management tools


Inappropriate couples are those experiencing:

  • Severe relationship distres

  • Emotional abus

  • Domestic violenc

  • Active addictions (alcohol, drug, sexual, gambling, etc.)

  • Serious mental health problems in one or both partners


What if We Don’t Have Time for a Two-Day Retreat?

We know that you are juggling a multitude of commitments; kids, work, etc. But consider this, an investment in a two-day retreat designed to help you build and maintain a healthy and fulfilling marriage could save you hundreds of hours of conflict with your partner.

In addition, attending our Gottman retreat is like packing weeks of traditional couples counseling into just a few hours. Unlike traditional therapy, Gottman retreat provides an intensive immersion experience, which can accelerate the learning process and facilitate deeper insights and breakthroughs.

Couples receive comprehensive guidance on all aspects of building a healthy marriage within a relatively short period of time. The Gottman retreat doesn't delve into past issues, it’s more focused on education and skill-building. Participants learn specific strategies and techniques for strengthening their relationship that can be applied immediately.

One attendee told us “I learned more about my relationship in one weekend than I learned in 6 months of couples counseling.”

What if We Don’t Feel Comfortable in a Group Setting?

The Gottman couples retreat is NOT group therapy. Our retreat is not about delving into uncomfortable or confrontational territory. Attendees are NOT sharing personal problems publicly with the group. All couples exercises are done privately during breakout sessions. During the group discussions, you are asked to provide comments on the lessons and exercises. There is a question and answer time following all lectures. You will gain insights hearing the comments and questions of other couples, without having to share anything you’re not comfortable sharing.

Signing up for a class on marriage and relationships also eliminates some of the uncertainty and hesitation some couples have about working on their relationship on their own, or about seeking therapy because there are often no clearly defined goals, expectations, structure, or duration. In contrast, a class format does have clearly articulated goals, expectations, and time frame.

 
 

Not Sure? Take Our Free Intro Class

Sign up for our FREE 2-Hour virtual informational session and get a sneak peek into the key principles that form the foundation of the workshop, from facilitator Rich Dempsey, LPCC, and understand how each principle can be applied to your unique relationship for positive change.

  • Discover the science-backed secrets behind lasting marriages.

  • Gain insight into the research-based principles from the bestselling Seven Principles book.

  • Find hope in understanding how divorce predictions can ignite positive change.

  • Unlock the keys to an emotionally intelligent marriage.

  • Explore why saving your marriage is worth the effort.

  • Learn how friendship forms the foundation of happy marriages.

  • Reignite the flame of romance through friendship.

  • Build a strong relationship house built on trust and commitment.

  • Master conflict management basics.

  • Participate in engaging exercises to enhance your relationship.

 
 

Schedule and Cost

This 12-hour Weekend Intensive Workshop includes lectures, demonstrations, videos and private couples exercises, based on the internationally acclaimed relationship research of Dr. John Gottman. In addition to the training, participants receive the Seven Principles Workbook Kit.

Each Weekend Intensive Workshop is a two-day commitment, starting Friday 4pm to 7pm, and Saturday 8am to 5pm.

Light refreshments will be provided on Friday evening, and Saturday morning. Lunch will be provided Saturday afternoon.

These workshops will be held at our Medina location, Avenues of Counseling and Mediation, LLC. The address is 230 S Court Street, Medina 44256.

 
 

The total cost per couple is $550, which must be paid in full to secure a spot. We do not issue refunds in the event of a cancelation, but we are happy to assist you in rescheduling for a future workshop.