• ​Are you LGBTQIA and wish to improve the quality of your relationship? 

• Do you want skills to enhance and strengthen your relationship that are based on research that includes research on same sex couples?

• Do you wish for a safe space in which to attend a relationship workshop?

 

Angela and I would like to personally invite you to attend the first ever Art and Science of Love Workshop for LGBTQIA couples/relationships.

 

 

- OUR GOAL -
THE BEGINNING

OF A JOURNEY

TO IMPROVE AND STRENGTHEN 

THE QUALITY OF

YOUR RELATIONSHIP 
 

 

 

 

The Art and Science of Love Workshop was created by clinical psychologists and world renowned relationship experts John Gottman, PhD and Julie Schwartz Gottman, PhD over 10 years ago.  The workshop is based on their research and clinical experience with thousands of couples including research on same sex couples.  The Gottmans are the founders of the Gottman Institute www.gottman.com that studies relationships and is where John and Angela received their training.

 

WHAT TO EXPECT

• A “safe space” atmosphere for those in LGBTQIA relationships.  This workshop will be held at the beautiful Washington Marriott Wardman Park location in Washington, DC.  The workshop will be held in its own reserved room with reserved break out rooms as needed.  The Marriott has scored a perfect 100% by the Human Rights Campaign's 2016 Corporate Equality Index.

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• Relationship skills and knowledge that are based on 40 years of research on over 3000 couples including same sex couples. The skills and knowledge in the Art and Science workshop have been developed and refined by John and Julie Gottman world renowned relationship experts and clinical psychologists and who are affirming of LGBT relationships.

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• Two days filled with engaging presentations and experiential activities designed to confirm, strengthen, or restore your love. This is an experiential and psycho-educational workshop where you learn basic skills and approaches to improve your relationship.  The presenters provide informative and entertaining examples of how to implement the skills and approaches.  We will also demonstrate how NOT to implement the skills and approaches.

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• Dramatically improve the intimacy and friendship in your relationship.  Learn specific skills on how to become better friends and increase your positive feelings for each other.   Feeling positive toward each other increases intimacy.  A strong friendship is crucial element to a strong relationship.

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• Learn to manage conflict in a healthy positive way while keeping calm.  Have an introduction to the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.  Understand that all negative things are not created equal and why the Four Horsemen are predictors of relationship demise with over 90% accuracy.

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• Information grounded on what actually works in relationships.  There is a lot of information out there on what makes relationships work and why relationships fail.  This workshop provides research based information on what makes relationships happy and stable.

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• Build and share a deeper connection with each other through respect, affection and closeness.  Learn the Gottman Theory For Making Relationships Work. It is called The Sound Relationship House. There are a total of 9 parts including trust and commitment.

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• Learn about how to manage conflict.  Discover the difference between perpetual problems, gridlocked problems and solvable problems. Learn to use a very structured process to talk about past hurts or regrettable incidents.

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• We have a strong relationship.  Great. This workshop will provide you with insights and tools to foster further closeness, friendship, and trust.  Learn how to keep it going and avoid future pitfalls.

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• Our relationship is distressed.  This two-day workshop will provide you with a greater understanding of your relationship and a road map for repair.  Understand why "small things matter."

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• We are a private couple.  No public discussion or disclosure is involved.  This is not group therapy.  All work is done as a couple.  There will be enough space and room to give you audio privacy.  Additionally, Certified Gottman Couples Therapists will be available to support you if you become stuck during an exercise.

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• Exit surveys indicate: Positive results for 86% of those who attend.  Although honestly most these were non Queer couples.  However, the queer couples gave thumbs up as well.

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• Non LGBTQIA or non Queer folks are also invited to attend the workshop. You may also attend the workshop with a friend or relative where you both can have the opportunity to enhance your relationship skills.  Note: Workshop registration is per couple and ALL exercises require a partner therefore individual registration is not permitted.

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• Poly relationships you are also welcome to attend.  However, please note that the research for this workshop is based on couples.  It is hoped that those in poly relationships will find value in the workshop.

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ADDITIONAL WORKSHOP TOPICS

• Identify your relationship’s specific strengths and how to build on them.

• Learn about the effects of physiological flooding and how it may affect conflict resolution.

• Use the Fondness and Admiration System to renew respect and care for one another.

• Create an Emotional Bank Account that you can draw upon in times of stress.

• Develop your problem-solving skills, including the 6 skills for effective conflict resolution.

• Find out how you can make your dreams and aspirations come true for you, your partner, and your relationship.

 

EACH COUPLE WILL RECEIVE

A Box Set, which contains:

• The Art and Science of Love DVD Home Study

• 7 Card Decks

1. Love Map

2. Opportunity

3. Open-Ended Questions

4. Rituals of Connection

5. Salsa [3 Packs - Mild | Medium | Hot]

• 2 Couples Workbooks

• Repair Checklist

• Aftermath of a Fight Booklet

• Sound Relationship House Magnet