“Nurturing your own development isn’t selfish.
It’s actually a great gift to other people.” 
                - Dr. Rick Hanson, Author of : Buddha's Brain:
                         The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love, and Wisdom
​
In my private practice, I see people with a variety of issues; my specialties include:
  • Marriage and Couples Counseling based on Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, (EFT and AEDP) 
  • Step and Blended Families, Step-parenting
  • ​Trauma using AEDP, EMDR, and AIT (Advanced Integrative Therapy)
  • Personality Testing and Assessment
  • Cardiac Psychology
  • ​Intensive Couples Retreats or Sessions. Anywhere from 3 hours to one week. Please email me for more information.

Over the past twenty-seven years, I've developed a solid tool kit and methodology which can be tailored to your specific needs and situation.

Depending on the situation, I use a combination of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), and Energy psychology, EMDR, Advanced Integrative Psychotherapy (AIT), Cardiac Psychology and Psychological Assessment tools.
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Three to four times a year , I also offer a Hold Me Tight© Workshop for Couples.

Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT) has the highest success rate of any form of couple therapy. With extensive research showing its positive effects on relationship satisfaction, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, eating disorders and PTSD to name a few, EFT is recognized by the American Psychological Association (APA) as an “evidence-based” therapy for couples distress. Learn more about Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy

"Hold Me Tight®" is a registered trademark to Sue Johnson.
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Click here to Purchase: Wisdom of Stepparenting




Hold Me Tight® Workshop
for Couples in San Diego: A Relationship Enrichment Program
held at The Cottage Clinic
A peaceful, private, nature retreat in Coastal North County of San Diego)

December 11-12, 2021 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. PST
                        (December workshop just SOLD OUT, please feel free 
                                      email me if you want to be on cancellation list.
February 19-20, 2022 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. PST

​Based on Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy
Space is very limited

What to Expect during the Program: 
Throughout the two days, the format will involve presentations made by Dr. Diana Weiss-Wisdom on attachment theory and the neuroscience of love.  There will be a slide presentation intermingled with video demonstrations, short and longer that help drive home the point that the program is making.  

Couples will have the opportunity to do seven structured exercises throughout the Hold Me Tight® Workshop. Therapists will be available to assist you with the exercises if needed.

The exercises (conversations with your partner) all build on one another; essentially, they are the building blocks of the Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy Love Map, that has been shown through research to help reduce marital distress and increase satisfaction in many couples over the long term.  

It's not just a dry program; some of the videos are fun as they demonstrate what we are teaching. We have some group discussion but no one is "called on" and group participation is completely voluntary.

Workbook Materials
Every attendee will receive their own workbook that has the exercise conversations in it.  

This is a 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:
  • Change the negative cycle of repetitive arguments and distancing that can cause alienation, frustration, and pain;
  • Understand emotions and needs in romantic relationships and how to tend to each other in a way that creates positive, bonding moments;
  • Begin to repair old relationship injuries and how to build more trust moving forward;
  • Learn and practice a new way of communicating with each other that promotes a closer connection, more effective problem solving skills, and can help you have more fun and freedom together in your life.​
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This is an educational and experiential program; the format and schedule include: Educational talks, video presentations, and couple's exercises (in private, not in front of the group). This program can be helpful to couples that are doing well and wanting relationship enrichment, couples who are struggling to understand and change negative patterns, as well as professionals who want to learn more about the new science of love based on about 40 years of research.

12 CE's are available for mental health professionals
through this link: 
www.academeca.com/CEUReg/SeminarInfo.aspx?seminarId=4465
​Learning Objectives:
  • List two major tenants of attachment theory.
  • Explain how neuroscience and attachment theory effect romantic relationships. 
  • Demonstrate the negative cycle of repetitive arguments and distancing that can cause alienation, frustration, and pain and explain how to change it.
  • List two major factors in positive, safe, adult romantic relationships.  
  • Demonstrate the research-based method for repairing relationship injuries and how to build a more trusting bond moving forward. 
  • Practice a new way of communicating that promotes a closer connection, more effective problem-solving skills, more interpersonal freedom, and independence.
Agenda:
 
Saturday:
 
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Overview of the theory of attachment and latest research and neuroscience related to adult love relationships
 
11:00 a.m. -11:15 a.m. Break
 
11:15 a.m. – 12:30 pm. 
Understanding the neuroscience and behavioral patterns destructive cycles that undermine marriages and adult romantic relationships.
Mapping out these dynamics through experiential exercises with one’s partner.
 
 
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Lunch Break
 
1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
Learning to identify the raw spots, the vulnerable feelings behind acting out behaviors; and how to change negative, emotionally destructive, interpersonal dynamics. Applying this via experiential exercises between partners.
 
3:30 p.m. Break
 
3:45 p.m. -5:00 p.m.
Research studies on forgiveness - how to create forgiveness and heal emotional, interpersonal injuries in intimate relationships. 
Practicing these strategies through experiential exercises between partners.
 

Sunday:
 
9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
Overview of previous day and debriefing how participants are absorbing and experiencing the course so far.
Completing the experiential forgiveness exercise.
 
Introduction to the Hold Me Tight® Conversation which research indicates is the pivotal skill set for keeping relationships healthy and thriving.  When couples can communicate in this way, they can repair destructive cycles, and prevent them from happening.
 
11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Break
 
11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
 
Applying the Hold Me Tight Skills to participants own relationships in an experiential exercise where they practice applying what they have learning in the earlier part of the morning.
Followed by group discussion.
12:30 p.m. to 1:30 pm. Lunch Break
 
1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. 
Research on sexuality and how to keep love alive over time is reviewed, followed by group discussion and some group, in class exercises, and then private experiential exercises for couples.
 
3:30 p.m. Break
 
3:45 p.m. -5:00 pm
 
Final segment which focuses on summarizing and integrating what has been covered over the two days.  In class exercises completed privately, focus on guiding couples to plan how they are going to apply what they have learned to their lives after attending this program. 


To Register: you'll need to pay, send proof of vaccination, and fill out and return forms.

1). Pay the fee via check, venmo, or zelle.
2) Send an email with your information (name, email, phone number, and proof of vaccination ) to drdiana@cottageclinic.net
3). Receive, flll out, and return forms filled out.

When the workshop is full, I will post on this website that it is sold out.  If that is the case, please email me your interest and I will put you on the waiting list.


Mailing address for check is: 
Diana Weiss-Wisdom, PO Box 3101, 
Rancho Santa Fe, Ca. 92067

 Zelle. www.zellepay.com 
​Zelle handle: drdiana@cottageclinic.net or (619) 405-4845
Venmo: Diana Weiss-Wisdom@Diana-Weiss-Wisdom

The fee for the weekend workshop is $925 per couple. 

This includes a workbook for each person, beverages and snacks during the weekend. It does not include lunch.
​
(Attendees will be able to order their own lunch to be delivered to the workshop site directly or you can bring your own picnic lunch).

Again: Registration fees can be paid via Zelle or check. Mailing address for check is: Diana Weiss-Wisdom, PO Box 3101, Rancho Santa Fe, Ca. 92067
​
Zelle handle is: drdiana@cottageclinic.net or (619) 405-4845

Testimonials and a link to more on Yelp at the bottom of this page.


To Learn more about EFT watch this video:
More about this Relationship Enhancement Program and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy
Read what the world's leading experts on marriage say about
Hold Me Tight© Workshops

To Learn even more about this workshop watch this video:
Dr. Sue Johnson on Hold Me Tight® Workshops

Hold Me Tight® Workshops are offered at The Cottage Clinic about four times a year.
Can't make our dates...here is a list of Hold Me Tight® Workshops, listed around the world.
List of Hold Me Tight®Workshops being offered around the world

​Cancellation Policy
Your registration fee is non-refundable, but transferable if you are able to notify me of your inability to come at least two weeks before the workshop. If you need to cancel and you give at least two weeks notice before the workshop, your registration fee is transferable to another one of my Hold Me Tight® Workshops for Couples within 12 months of the registration date. More than two weeks notice is required so if you know you need to cancel, please do so as soon as possible.

If you end up canceling with less than two week's notice, and you want to transfer your registration to one of my Hold Me Tight © Workshops within the next 12 months, a $350 transfer fee will be applied. If you cancel less than a week before the workshop, there are no refunds or transfers of fee to a future workshop. My facility has limited space and we require adequate notice (at least two weeks) to let people on the waitlist know that there is availability. Thank you for your understanding.
To Register:
1). Pay the fee via check, venmo, or zelle.
2) Send an email with your information (name, email, phone number, and proof of vaccination ) to drdiana@cottageclinic.net

When the workshop is full, I will post on this website that it is sold out.  
If that is the case, please email me your interest and I will put you on the waiting list.

The fee for the weekend workshop is $925 per couple.  

This includes a workbook for each person, beverages and snacks during the weekend. It does not include lunch (Attendees will be able to order their own lunch to be delivered to the workshop site directly or you can bring your own picnic lunch).

Fee can be paid via check, venmo or zelle.
     Mailing address for check is: 
                 Diana Weiss-Wisdom, PO Box 3101, 
                  Rancho Santa Fe, Ca. 92067
 Zelle. www.zellepay.com 
​Zelle handle: drdiana@cottageclinic.net or (619) 405-4845
Venmo: Diana Weiss-Wisdom@Diana-Weiss-Wisdom


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  • Do you want to feel closer and more connected to your partner?
  • Are you in a good marriage but want a tune up?
  • Are you tired of arguing? Do you want to start enjoying your relationship again?
  • Would you like to stop feeling lonely and start feeling safe, secure and loved?
  • Are you looking for a research based, fun, and interesting pre-marital education program?​


To hear directly from couples who attended the workshop, watch and read the testimonials below and more by clicking the yelp icon below and by reading reviews on my HMT Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/www.HoldMeTightCouplesWorkshop/
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​ Learn More about Hold Me Tight Workshops 

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 developed by Dr. Sue Johnson and is a registered trademark to Sue Johnson.