What if I told you that there was a workshop that you could attend that would help you and your partner deepen your bond with one another? 4 hours of your time to open the door to new conversations and meaningful connection. Needless to say, that would make a pretty awesome Christmas gift, huh? Well, you’re in luck! Northstar Counseling Center is partnering with other therapists in the community to offer Hold Me Tight® Workshops. Check out our registration page by clicking here. We’re excited and hope you will be too! Before you decide whether or not a HMT workshop is for you, please read below. We strongly believe that every couple can benefit from a HMT workshop. Yeah, I know…we are biased but in this case, I think we’re also right.
The Hold Me Tight® Workshop was created by Dr. Sue Johnson, the mastermind behind Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and author of the book Hold Me Tight®. Click here to see a short video of Dr. Johnson describing Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy. HMT Workshops are based on the seven conversations outlined in Dr. Johnson’s book and are rooted in the principles of EFT. The HMT Workshop is NOT therapy. Instead it’s a psychoeducational/experiential workshop that combines short lectures presented by the workshop leaders (in our case that’s Carol Ann Hamilton Isbell, LMFT, LCSW and Amanda Driggs, LMFT, LCSW), video demonstrations of other couples and private, time limited conversations with your partner. Check out the Frequently Asked Questions below for additional details.
HOW DO WE KNOW IF THIS WORKSHOP IS A GOOD FIT FOR US?
The HMT Workshop is a good fit for couples that want to feel a closer connection. It is appropriate for couples who want to create a more loving bond with one another. You might be a couple in high distress and considering separation or a recently married couple looking to enhance and better understand your relationship. We welcome all types of couples. Whether you’re a couple that has been dating for 5 months or one that has been married 50 years, a HMT Workshop can be beneficial to your relationship. Both opposite sex couples and same sex couples are warmly invited to attend.
ARE THERE ANY COUPLES THAT SHOULD NOT ATTEND THIS WORKSHOP?
There are a few situations that indicate that a HMT Workshop may not be a good fit. If there is partner violence in the relationship, untreated substance abuse for one or both partners, or if there has been a recently revealed affair, this workshop will not be a good fit for you and your partner. Please feel free to contact our office in order to explore other options for you and your partner
WHAT IF I AM A SHY PERSON AND DO NOT LIKE DISCUSSING MY RELATIONSHIP IN A GROUP ENVIRONMENT?
We understand that not everyone considers him/herself to be a “sharer.” We actually discourage disclosing too many personal details in front of the group. Whatever information you choose to share will be completely voluntary. When it comes time to talk to your partner, it will be done so one on one. We will have therapists in the room that will be available for assistance during private exercises if needed but this is completely you and your partner’s choice.
WHAT IF MY PARTNER IS RELUCTANT TO ATTEND THE WORKSHOP WITH ME?
Sometimes partners might be reluctant to attend a couple’s workshop. We know that it can sound intimidating so click here to check out a link that explores Seven Ways to Talk with Your Reluctant Partner about Hold Me Tight®.
HOW MANY COUPLES WILL BE AT THE WORKSHOP?
We expect to host 15-25 couples.
DO I NEED TO DO ANY THING TO PREPARE BEFORE THE WORKSHOP?
Some couples like to read the book Hold Me Tight® by Dr. Sue Johnson prior to the workshop. This is NOT required. At the workshop each couple will receive a copy of Hold Me Tight® to take home with them. Even if you have never laid eyes on the book before the workshop, you should be able to understand all of the various workshop components.
Tis the Season of giving so give the gift that counts! Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions. We hope to see you at a Hold Me Tight® Workshop very soon!