No. The workshop is focused on education and learning skills. We start the workshop by sharing information from research from over the last 40 years about what makes a relationships work. Then you will have an activity to do with your partner, after finding a quiet place you complete the activity together in privacy.

Workshop sizes vary considerably depending on where they are held. Metropolitan areas will generally attract the 20-30 couples, regional areas 10-15 couples. Either way every couple has the same opportunity to learn new skills and have their questions answered over the 2 days.

The 2 days are split up into roughly 8 - 90 minute sessions. Each session begins by discussing different findings from the research of Dr John Gottman and then giving couples an activity to do to help them build the skills they need to put those findings into action. Over half of the 2 days is focused on you and your partner working together to build new skills, new understanding, new ideas and new plans into making your relationship happier, closer and more satisfying.

Attending an ASL Workshop is shown to have similar benefits to that of 6 months of relationship therapy, and 94% of participants who have attended, report positive results moving forward.

The workshop is designed for couples of all ages, professions, nationalities, religions, abilities and orientations, who are in a committed relationship with one another. If you are already enjoying a strong relationship, this workshop will provide you with tools and skills to further your friendship, intimacy and trust. If you are experiencing some challenges or distress, the two-day workshop can provide a road-map for repair and understanding between you and your partner.

Absolutely. This workshop is designed for all couples who are in a committed and long-term relationship. Whether you are dating, engaged, living together or married, we encourage EVERY couple to attend and learn skills that will last you a lifetime.

Yes. All couples and all genders are welcome. The Gottman Institute conducted a 12 year study on same-sex couples and concluded that all couples, irrespective of gender and orientation, were subject to many of the same challenges and trials as well as successes as heterosexual couples.

Good question. A good place to start is to share some of Dr John Gottman's research and videos with your partner. Another would be to read 'The 7 Principles for Making Marriage Work'. This ‘easy-to-read' book will introduce you both to the principles that are taught in the workshop as well as being an Amazon Best Seller with over one million copies sold.

At no time are you asked to interact with the group or with any of the other couples. All exercises are performed with your partner only and we always make sure there is enough space to ensure your privacy.

No. Your privacy is respected and you will not be required to share any personal information with other workshop participants.

Yes. You will only be identified by your first name and any other information is completely confidential.

Our workshops are not designed to accommodate individual therapy during the 2 days, however our presenters are Certified Gottman Therapists who are available to help couples to stay on track with the exercises and to provide guidance during the workshop. If you are still seeking individual therapy after the workshop, we can provide contact details for Gottman Trained Therapists.

The cost of the 2-day workshop includes therapist fees, all official materials, take home toolkit and morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea - on both days. All travel and accommodation is additional at your own expense and for you to organise - couples find it a great opportunity to enjoy a break 'away’ together.

Our presenters are John Flanagan and Breah Ind. John is a Certified Gottman Couples Therapist and Advanced Clinical Trainer and Consultant and has extensive experience in the Gottman 'Art and Science of Love' Couples Workshops. He is also a certified presenter in Level 1 and Level 2 Therapist Training Workshops. In addition John is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and holds a Masters in Gestalt Therapy and as experienced therapist has worked with community organisations providing services to youths, military veterans and first responders as well as having private practice experience specialising in couples therapy over the last 10 years. Breah (pronounced Bree) is a Certified Gottman Couples Therapist and a Registered Psychologist with extensive experience in the Gottman 'Art and Science of Love' Couples Workshops. Breah also works with couples in private practice on relationship and family issues, in addition she has experience working with individuals on a range of issues including Bi-polar Disorder, depression and anxiety and personal development and self esteem Issues, substance abuse and many more conditions and issues.

Every couple is unique, but if you're both open to learning and trying new things, there's a great chance you'll walk away feeling more connected and hopeful.

1. This workshop is based on science and has been developed from over 40 years of research. 2. Dr John Gottman has been recognised as one of the 10 most influential therapists of the past quarter century. 3. Thousands of participants have rated this workshop with a staggering 94% positive feedback rate and 86% report ongoing improvements in their couple satisfaction when surveyed 12 months and 3 year later.

We have set up a private Couples Support Facebook Page that you will be invited to join to get tips and ideas for continuing your development and growth as a couple. If you are seeking further therapy, we can assist you with finding a Gottman trained therapist.

'The Art and Science of Love' Workshop is focused on psychoeducation and skills development, and research does suggest that attending can be considered equivalent to 6 months of couples therapy. We do not advise choosing the workshop over therapy and if you require additional support, we can recommend a Gottman trained therapist.

Couples who attend our workshop tend to fall into two categories: enhancement and repair. As part of the registration process, one of our trained staff will schedule a brief call with each of you prior to attending. During this call, we can discuss any concerns you may have regarding your present situation. The preservation of your relationship is of paramount importance to us.

The breakouts are for you as a couple to work privately together. There is absolutely no group interaction, conversation or activities. Our trained presenters will also be on hand to provide one-on-one assistance should you need it.

As this workshop is focused on psychoeducation and skills development and is not therapy, it is up to each couple how 'heavy' they want to get. Sometimes the connecting nature of the exercises can result in strong emotion. Our trained Gottman therapists are always on hand to provide support as you engage in all activities together. We mostly find that the tears that are expressed at the workshop are tears of healing and are highly positive and functional.

Absolutely. We have scheduled breaks with morning and afternoon tea as well as a substantial lunch break to recharge your batteries. All food is supplied. There are also plenty of activities that you will do during the 2 days with your partner, that consolidates what you have been learning by putting it into practice immediately.

Everyone is seated in couples with adequate room and opportunities to ensure your privacy.

Our team are all Certified Gottman Therapists who have trained to present The Art and Science of Love Workshop. They will be available to assist couples who run into difficulties during the exercises. Please remember though that the workshop is psychoeducational. and skills development focused. You will NOT receive therapy at this workshop

We have occasionally seen this happen, and rest assured all our team are highly skilled to assist you deal with this, both respectfully and privately.

As the workshop is self-contained, there is no pre-reading required. However, if you would like to get a head start, we recommend you read 'The 7 Principles of Making Marriage Work' which would introduce you to the concepts behind the program.