Workshop Info.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT?

The workshop for couples is based in Imago Relationship Therapy, developed by Harville Hendrix, PhD of Imago Relationships International. Some of the basic elements of Imago Relationship Therapy have been described in a popularized version in two best-selling books--Getting the Love You Want and Keeping the Love You Find.

This two-day workshop helps couples begin to heal the history each brought into the relationship and the history they have created together, and to rediscover the joy of being together.

The workshop focuses on the relationship with one's partner. Except for a brief introduction, couples work either alone or with their partner and are not expected to share anything with the larger group unless they choose to do so during feedback times.

Rather than passively absorbing lecture materials, participants are asked to initiate the rediscovery of their relationship with all of its how's and whys. At times they write details about their needs and frustrations in the relationship and then are given a format which allows them to share that information with their partner in a way that encourages understanding rather than defensiveness and blame.

THE WORKSHOP FORMAT INCLUDES:

	Lectures about the purpose and dynamics of intimate relationships that shift the traditional conceptualization of marriage or committed partnerships
	Individual reflection and writing
	Definition of issues and problem-solving with one's partner
	Demonstrations of communication skills
	Practicing new behaviours and skills with one's partner
	Short guided imagery GOALS OF THE WORKSHOP:
	To provide a conceptual reframing and understanding of relationships and marriage
	To provide relationship skills training
	To shift couples from blame to cooperation
	To develop constructive ways to express anger and resolve conflict
	To facilitate the healing process
	To renew passion and pleasure in the relationship. WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
	Therapists (with their significant other) who want a sense of what the workshop is about for their own information or because they have clients who may benefit from the workshop
	Therapists who plan to attend Clinical Training in Imago Relationship Therapy (Prerequisite)
	Couples undecided about staying married (or together) or ending the relationship
	Couples who may be moving toward divorce or who are separated and want to know if it is worth putting any energy into saving the relationship
	Couples who may be in early stages of a relationship and are looking at the possibility of marriage or a deeper commitment in their relationship
	Couples preparing for marriage, or for persons who have been married before and don't want to make the same mistakes in their current relationship
	Couples who feel "stuck" or stagnant in their relationship and want to renew the intimacy with their partner
	Couples who want to make a "good" relationship even richer and more fulfilling HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?