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Why take the Hold Me Tight Couples
Workshop? by Dr. Diana Weiss-Wisdom "My experience as a psychologist and therapist is that couples can make only so much progress in hourly sessions of couples counseling. Certainly, couples grow, heal, and deepen their connection through private therapy. But there is something that happens when you take two days to learn about the neuroscience of love in a setting that is safe and nurturing, that helps people open up, reach and share more deeply, with a structure in place that helps you not spin off into old negative patterns. Couples who do some private therapy sessions before the workshop and then some follow up sessions after the workshop seem to have the best results. Some couples who are already doing well before the workshop feel closer and enriched; other couples whose relationships are not doing well often can emerge from the weekend in a whole different, better place. With the support that we have via multiple therapists, and lots of time to have these skill building and meaningful conversations, you have the opportunity to change and reorient your relationship into one that is much better for both of you." *Therapy is not a prerequisite for attending and benefiting from Hold Me Tight© Workshops. (Please scroll down for video and written testimonials from some participants. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Hold Me Tight® Workshop for Couples in San Diego is a Relationship Enrichment Program The Next Hold Me Tight© Workshops in San Diego: July 20-21, 2019 November 2-3, 2019 February 15-16, 2020 Saturday and Sunday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Join us for this positive, research-based program for all couples that want to strengthen and deepen their relationship. Imagine being able to understand each other better and build an even more loving relationship, that just gets stronger over a lifetime. In our workshop, you will learn what is at the root of most conflicts between you and your partner, and how to change those moments through a proven method that all couples can do. Our Hold Me Tight® Workshop for Couples is based on Attachment Theory, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, and the international best-selling book "Hold Me Tight: 7 Conversations for a Lifetime of Love" by Dr. Sue Johnson. Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy has been shown through research to be the most effective approach to helping couples:
This is an educational and experiential program for couples given in an intimate, warm, indoor/outdoor setting; the format and schedule include: Educational talks, video presentations, and couple's exercises (in private, not in front of the group), with a catered lunch brought in each day (dietary preferences of attendees are always taken into consideration). Hold Me Tight© Workshops are given all over the world. Since 2010, Dr. Diana Weiss-Wisdom has been facilitating these transformative weekend retreats for couples at her charming Cottage Clinic in Rancho Santa Fe, California. She offers 3-4 weekend retreats a year. The weekend takes place in a nature retreat on private property in Rancho Santa Fe, California (North Coastal San Diego, California). It is a relaxing and peaceful setting that promotes relaxation and enjoying quality time with your partner in nature. Early Bird Price of $765 per couple ends June 1st. After that, the price is $795 per couple. Price is all inclusive: includes Workbook, Lunch, beverages, and snacks on both days but does not include lodging.
Below are some testimonial videos and written testimonials and you can see more on yelp by clicking the yelp icon at the bottom of the page. |
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From 2019 February 15-16 Weekend:
“It was truly a pleasure meeting you and your whole staff of professionals.
I would like to thank you for all of your help, and input on our relationship dynamic. I realize that my wife and I have a dynamic that is not special, and probably typical in its dysfunction. The thing that really hit home for me is after seeing no less that four different marriage therapists over the past 23 years, your approach and methods were so different. You would think that all therapists would have it all figured out by now. I can assure you, that is not the case. Very thankful for you!
Wishing you and yours all the best in the years to come.”
With love and appreciation,
Armand
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July 2018
"Dear Diana,
By now you probably know that words don’t come easy to me and to write this was quite an arduous task. But, because of the profound effect this experience had on me, I think it’s important to let you know how I feel.
First, the location was perfect! I appreciated the shady trees, soft grass, beautiful flowers, birds and butterflies, soft chimes, swing, and cozy locations provided for the couples exercises. The relaxed atmosphere affected me in a positive and calming way so that I can let my guard down and more effectively communicate with Sharon. It somehow also eased the pain I had managed to suppress all these years.
Second, the food was great! Both days I enjoyed the flavorful variety of vegetarian options. The coffee and deserts were tasty too. I think I single handedly finished a package of chocolates and cookies. Sorry.
Third, the presentation was very well thought out and presented clearly to the audience. It must have taken you a long time to research, select, and organize the content of this workshop. I must admit I had my doubts, as usual, before coming to the retreat. I’m now a believer in counseling. I appreciate the work you do and the help you provide! The fact that you had assistants help us talk through some of the more difficult points also helped. After all, you can’t be in 10 places at once. I did appreciate tremendously your presence during the most difficult exercise of forgiveness. The fact that you knew of our situation and knew what our deep-rooted pain was all about made a difference in sharing our thoughts and emotions. Your heartfelt empathy took me by surprise, but I felt it and appreciated it! It must be difficult and exhausting for you to be there on such deep emotional level for your clients.
Lastly, the video clip about forgiveness between Arwen and Blair was the pivotal moment for me. I don’t know if you intentionally included it in the workshop for us, but it worked. The similarities of their situation and problems was astonishing. At that time, I actually and finally understood what Sharon went through when I rejected her feelings 15 years ago. That video clip struck so hard and so far deep in my mind that I couldn’t hold back the emotions. How sad that we wasted so much time being apart because we misunderstood one another. I am confident now, however, that the tools we received from this workshop and with future help from you, we can be happy and together again. And, not only can we be happy, but our children can benefit from our loving and nurturing relationship.
THANK YOU!
With lifelong and loving gratitude,"
Jenny
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February 15-16, 2019
"Thank you to you and to all of the therapists for the workshop weekend. It was so very beneficial for us. The safety nest you have created and the yummy food you provided (especially your homemade soup and cookies!) gave us the space and nourishment to get the most out of the program.
We were a little surprised, but even more, so impressed with the ages and stages of all the participants. I guess we half expected a bunch of couples at our stage in life. It gives us great hope for future generations of emotionally healthy couples.
I also want to extend an extra special thank you for sending us on our way with sandwiches, soup, cookies, fruit, and tea!! It was snowing as we drove up the mountain and we had to put on chains. Thank goodness we were prepared, and we didn't have to stop for food.
Thank you for your generosity...also in spirit. Cheers!"
~Amy and Armand
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More on the research about the Hold Me Tight Workshop
Dr. Johnson’s most recent study, published late 2013, Soothing the Threatened Brain is a brain scan study showing that social relationships are tightly linked to health and well-being. Results suggest that EFT altered the brain's representation of threat cues in the presence of a romantic partner. These findings provide a critical window into the regulatory mechanisms of close relationships in general and EFT in particular.
"Hold Me Tight®" was created by Dr. Sue Johnson and is a registered trademark to Dr. Johnson.