Couples Workshop FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions about our Couples Workshops

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE SYLLABUS FOR THE WORKSHOP?

Class	Module	Date	Chapter(s)	Topic
1	A		1-3	The Research Foundation of the Seven Principles
2	B		4	Principle 1: Enhance Your Love Maps
3	C		5-6	Principle 2: Nurture Your Fondness and Admiration Principle 3: Turning Toward Each Other
4	D		7	Principle 4: Let Your Partner Influence You
5	E		8	Two Kinds of Marital Conflict: Solvable and Perpetual Problems
6	F		9	Principle 5: Solve Your Solvable Problems
7	G		10	Coping With Typical Solvable Problems
8	H		11	Principle 6: Overcome Gridlock
9	I		12	Principle 7: Create Shared Meaning Afterward: What Now?
10	–			Follow-Up Class (optional)

WILL WE HAVE TO SHARE OUR PERSONAL PROBLEMS AND ISSUES WITH THE CLASS?

No. The class does not include sharing problems and issues publicly. Couple’s exercises are done privately.

TELL ME MORE ABOUT THE GOTTMAN METHOD

This psycho-educational workshop, developed by the Gottman Institute, is based on the four decades of acclaimed research by Dr. John Gottman and Nan Silver, which was published in their New York Times Bestseller The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work. If you haven’t yet heard of him, Dr. John Gottman, is a world-renowned researcher and therapist in relationship stability.

Having been awarded many accolades for his research, including being recognised as “one of the top 10 Most Influential Therapists of the past quarter-century”, Dr. Gottman also lays claim to the ability to be able to detect with 91% accuracy, which couples will divorce and which will stay together. He describes himself as not being very popular at dinner parties!

MUST BOTH PARTNERS ATTEND, OR CAN I COME ALONE?

Since the class involves doing exercises together, both partners must participate.

MY PARTNER ISN’T A READER. CAN WE STILL COME TO THE CLASS IF HE/SHE WON’T READ THE BOOK?

Yes, still come to class. While the book provides valuable information, the class lectures will summarise the content of the book. Each person will need the companion workbook however, to do the couple’s exercises efficiently.

SHOULD WE DO THE EXERCISES IN THE BOOK AT HOME OR SAVE THEM FOR THE CLASS?

Either works! We will do some of the exercises from the book during the workshop and some additional adapted exercises that differ from the book. The Workshop Leader will also roleplay what to do and what not to do and there will be other exercises you and your partner will be encouraged to try for yourselves at home.

WHERE IS THE WORKSHOP HELD?

We are currently running the Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work workshop at the following locations:

Beyond The Matter Counseling and Consulting Services LLC - 3955 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville, FL, 32205 - June 22 - June 23, 2019

The Avanti International Resort - 8738 International Drive, Orlando, FL, 32819 - July 20 - Jul 21, 2019.