Workshop

7 Principles of Making Marriage Work

The Seven Principles of Making Marriage Work is an 8-week, 90 minute workshop based on 50 years of research and practice by Drs. John and Julie Gottman. Learn what happens behind closed doors in successful relationships and skills you can start using immediately.

**What is the Seven Principles of Making Marriage Work?**

This program is based upon the New York Times best seller The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by Dr. John Gottman, Ph.D.
Dr. John Gottman has researched what makes successful relationships since the 1970s. This research was structured into a methodology for couples therapy in collaboration with his wife, Dr. Julie Gottman, in the 1990s. The Gottmans created a pragmatic way to teach couples what behaviors create successful relationships, as well as which behaviors are the most damaging. They continue to research, providing additional precision to couples therapists and workshop facilitators on how to help couples build healthy, lifelong relationships.
It’s extremely difficult to learn how to do something without seeing it repeatedly modeled. This class outlines and demonstrates the behaviors of healthy relationships before giving couples the opportunities to practice these strategies in the moment. The skills include methods to increase daily positive connections, managing long term goals, and mastering conflict. If your relationship is already strong, this class will provide you with insights and tools to make it even better.
Increase feelings of closeness and fun while making your relationship more immune to the small and big stressors we all face by attending The Seven Principles of Making Marriage Work.

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What actually happens in this workshop

Throughout this workshop, you’ll be provided with research-based information about what makes relationships successful as well as pragmatic skills that can dramatically improve the intimacy and friendship in your relationship and help you resolve conflict productively.

Each session is structured to include a verbal presentation of information accompanied with visual aids, a demonstration of the relevant skill, and one-on-one breakout sessions for you and your partner to practice the skills and ask for help if needed. Although we encourage questions and comments, there is absolutely no need to share personal information about your relationship at any time.

Who is this workshop for?

The Gottman Seven Principles Program is designed for all couples in a committed relationship, including:

Long-term relationships without plans to marry.
Couples considering marriage.
Engaged couples
Couples in every phase of their marriage, from newlyweds to seniors.
Those in poly relationships, although the exercises will need to be adapted for more than two people.
Those who wish to enhance an already “good” relationship.
Those needing better conflict management tools.
Those considering couples therapy but who are not "ready" for formal therapy yet.
Those of all ages, incomes, races, nationalities, professions, religions, abilities, and orientations.

This workshop is NOT for you if:

You are dealing with emotional abuse, domestic violence, unwanted touch, or active substance abuse. You should instead seek individual or couples therapy.

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What about…

No. The class does not include sharing publicly. Couples exercises are done privately.
No. Since the class involves couples doing exercises together, all partners must participate.
Yes, absolutely. The assumption of this workshop is that people have no familiarity with the book before attending. The book’s content will be provided throughout the process of the workshop verbally and in written formats. Some couples may find that reading the book prior to attending deepened their understanding of the principles, but all of the information from the book will be presented in the workshop.
The workshop involves doing exercises from the book–doing them at home beforehand will duplicate some of them. We won’t be completing all the exercises in the book, so you are welcome to complete the remainder of the exercises afterward or to repeat exercises we practiced to deepen your skills.
No, this is a psycho-educational class and is not a replacement for couples’ therapy and is not covered by insurance. You will learn skills but will not be talking about private moments in your life with the wider group.

Pricing & Details

Pricing

$350 for early registration, which ends 3 weeks before the start of the workshop. After that, the registration fee is $400. Because of the nature of this course taking place on zoom, it is possible to register up to 2 days before the start date.
Time & Place

At this time all workshops take place via Zoom. Each session will last 90 minutes. Workshops will be hosted on an ongoing basis. If you’re interested in attending a workshop and the information for the next workshop is not yet posted, feel free to reach out and I can provide you with more information. The next workshop will take place on Mondays, August 8-September 26th from 7-8:30pm, ET.
ADA Accommodations

Do you require accommodations of some kind? It’s important to me to be accessible to all, so please let me know at the time of registration. I can ensure appropriate accommodations only with enough notice. ADA accommodations will be made in accordance with the law.

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FAQs

On the first day of the course, you will receive a digital copy of The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work Couples Guide, and two digital card decks for Love Maps and Open Ended Questions. We will be working through these materials together.
Once you have completed the registration form and provided your contact info, you will be emailed with final logistical details.
To receive a full refund minus a $50 processing fee, you must cancel three full weeks before the first class day. For cancellations thereafter, you will receive credit good for one full year that you can use to attend a later class. No shows will forfeit their fee. Please email to cancel.
Of course! As long as the time works for your schedules, you are welcome to attend from a different time zone.