• ​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?

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A cordial invitation to you and your partner/spouse to attend the first ever 7 Principles For Making Relationships/Marriage Work one day retreat for LGBTQIA couples/relationships.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 7 Principles For Making Marriage Work workshop is based on the New York Times best selling by book by the same name written by clinical psychologist and relationship expert John Gottman, PhD and Nan Silver.  Dr. Gottman has conducted extensive research on over 3000 couples including LGBT couples and has worked with over 8000 couples in his career.  Dr. Gottman and his wife Julie Schwartz Gottman, PhD are the co-founders of the Gottman Institute which is located in Seattle,WA.

 

WHAT TO EXPECT

• A “safe space” atmosphere for those in LGBTQIA relationships.  This workshop will be held in the Mission District of San Francisco, CA.  The workshop will be held in its own reserved space with break out space as needed.

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• Relationship skills, tools and knowledge that are based on 40 years of research on over 3000 couples including same sex couples. The skills and knowledge in 7 Principles For Making Relationships/Marriage workshop have been developed and refined by the Gottman Institute Master Trainer and clinical psychologist Dave Penner, PhD in collaboration with world renowned relationship experts, clinical psychologists and co-founders of the Gottman Institute Drs. John and Julie Gottman who are affirming of LGBT relationships.

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• A day filled with engaging presentations and experiential activities designed to strengthen your friendship, tools to successfully manage conflict, create shared meaning and more. This is an experiential and psycho-educational workshop where you learn basic skills and approaches to help you take your relationship towards its highest potential.  The presenter provides informative and entertaining examples of how to implement the skills and approaches and demonstrations on 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 a 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 how to develop rituals of connection and maintain gains.

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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 one 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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• 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.

 

EACH COUPLE WILL RECEIVE

 A retreat packet, which contains:

• The Seven Principles For Making Marriage Work - one copy

• The Seven Principles For Making Marriage Work Couples Guide Workbook - two copies.