Upcoming Dates:
July 5-6, 2025 Comox, B.C.
Pre-eminent researcher Dr. John Gottman has revolutionized the study of relationships and marriage. Straightforward in its approach, yet profound in its effect, the principles outlined in this workshop relay Gottman’s beneficial strategies for making relationships work. Over 40 years of research and 3000 real life couples’ experiences have been compiled to create a program for couples who are wanting to strengthen their relationship and learn real-life skills for creating a lasting relationship.
Dr. Gottman has scientifically analyzed the habits of married couples and established a method for correcting the behavior that puts thousands of marriages on the rocks. He helps couples focus on each other, on paying attention to the small day-to-day moments that, strung together, make up the wellspring of any relationship. Formulated with practical information and exercises whose effectiveness has been proven in Dr. Gottman’s work, this is the definitive workshop for anyone who wants their relationship to attain its highest potential. Importantly, this workshop does not require participants to share or divulge details to the group. It is distinguished as psychoeducation and is not considered group therapy.
The Seven Principles:
- Share Love Maps: All the information learned about our partners gets stored as “love maps”. A simple example of information gathered and stored are the things that they like and things that they dislike.
- Nurture Your Fondness & Admiration: This is showing that you care about the other person and focusing on as well as acknowledging the positives. The basis for this starts in friendship.
- Turn Towards Each Other Instead of Away: Doing things together and showing the other person that they are valued is considered “turning towards”. It is taking the time to listen and not telling them you don’t have time.
- Let Your Partner Influence You: This is sharing the decision making and being willing to both make decisions and respect your partner’s decisions.
- Solve Your Solvable Problems: Did you know that even successful relationships have unsolvable problems? Learn how to detect which problems can be solved and how to solve them using skills for managing conflict. These include: using a softened startup, repair and de-escalation, physiological self-soothing, accepting what you cannot change, accepting influence, and compromise.
- Overcome Gridlock: part of this principle focuses on figuring out what is causing a block in your life and asks you to take steps to overcome it. It does not necessarily mean fixing problems but taking steps to overcome them.
- Create Shared Meaning: This final step of creating a life that is shared and meaningful for both of you essentially lifts you the pinnacle of your relationship. “Marriage isn’t just about raising kids, splitting chores, and making love. It can also have a spiritual dimension that has to do with creating an inner life together–a culture rich with symbols and rituals, and an appreciation for your roles and goals that link you, that lead you to understand what it means to be part of the family you have become.”
This workshop is suitable for:
Couples in a committed relationship
Engaged couples
Everyone from newlyweds to seniors
Those who wish to enhance a good marriage
Those needing better conflict management skills
Those who want an emotionally intelligent marriage
This workshop is not suitable for couples experiencing:
Severe relational distress
Emotional abuse
Domestic violence
Active addictions
Serious mental health problems
What to expect:
You will be greeted and welcomed into the space where a class learning format is arranged. Couples will be seated at their own tables where you will have ample room to review materials, jot notes, receive information and spread out comfortably. There will be a combination of lecture style instruction, leader performed exercise demonstrations and time spent one-on-one with your partner to do simple exercises that bring your relationship to a new and closer level. There are breakout areas available on a beautiful expansive deck to gather quietly during breaks and exercise activities. Gretal will share the research and some powerful anecdotes, then empower you to learn together. She’ll always be nearby if you have questions or need help.
There will be a morning refreshment break, an hour for lunch and an afternoon refreshment break each day. This is a concentrated weekend to benefit from skill building and knowledge retention in a focused, yet succinct way.
Many people are hesitant to attend marriage workshops because they are concerned about self-disclosure or embarrassment in a group. This will not be the format of this workshop. You will have time to enjoy each other while developing skills to strengthen friendship, increase intimacy, and prepare for a great future together.
Workshop Location, Hours & Fees
With so much of our time spent online, supporting an in-person workshop versus yet another Zoom style meeting is a much more powerful choice for couples looking to make lasting progress. The private 2000 sq.ft pavilion in Comox, B.C. is located just steps away from a stunning 2km sand beach and the Air Force Beach campground (with cabins, RV spots and campsites available). The newly constructed space is a calm and inspirational setting, supported by private areas for couples to do the work and opportunities to take breaks in nature. Washroom facilities, kitchen, sink & fridge are all available for your use. Should you opt not to bring your own picnic lunch, there is a small cafe on-site and a full restaurant/pub 3 min away by car. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided for the workshop.
Workshop hours: 9 am – 4 pm with lunch from 12-1 pm.
FEE: $795 per couple
Gottman 7P Couples Workshop
$795.00 CAD
- Check your benefits for possible coverage, as this workshop is provided by a Registered Clinical Counsellor! A receipt for reimbursement will be given.
- Payment is accepted via Paypal or e-transfer.
- Includes all materials and 12 hours of instruction over 2 days.
- A minimum of 5 couples are required for the workshop. A full refund will be issued before the workshop commences if this criteria is not met.
FAQ’s:
Will you share personal information with others? No. You will not be asked to share any information with the leader or other group members.
Do you need to read the Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work book? No. Information in the NY Times bestselling book will be covered in the workshop. You may read the book after the workshop for supplementary material.
Will there be parking provided? Yes, parking is covered for this workshop. You will not require a pass. Proceed through the entrance gates that indicate “passholders only”, following the tree lined road – turning right at the T section. Go past the office and park on the upper level. You will see the upper pavilion overlooking the beach.
How many people will attend? The number of attendees will vary from five couples to 20 couples. The space is designed to hold all quite comfortably.
Can I bring my children? While children are such important benefactors of this work, in the interest of promoting a focused learning environment for all, the workshop is designated for adults only.
About your Workshop Leader:
Gretal Montgomery has been a professional counsellor for nearly two decades. She extensively studied the Gottman research methods during her Master’s degree and has since received further accreditation as a Gottman 7P workshop leader. She has been committed to applying assistance and guidance to individuals and couples ever since.
Gretal resides in the beautiful Comox Valley with her spouse of 15 years along with their two children and furry family members. She too applies the 7 principles for making marriage work (indeed no relationship is perfect!) attesting to its strength and importance. It is her firm belief that an investment in the health of sacred partnership is one of the most valuable decisions a couple can make. These methods, when applied with purpose and intention can yield life changing and lasting results.
