Every strong marriage has moments when it needs a tune-up. That's why John Gottman, Ph.D., spent four decades studying what actually works in successful marriages. Along with his wife and fellow therapist, Julie Gottman, Ph.D., he discovered that happy couples share seven specific habits—habits you can learn.
Their groundbreaking book, "The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work," has transformed over a million marriages worldwide. Now you can experience these principles firsthand in our intimate eight-week workshop.
This isn't just another talk-heavy marriage seminar. In a warm, supportive environment, you'll work alongside other couples to master practical skills that strengthen your connection. Our experienced Amplified Life counselors, specially trained in Gottman methods, will guide you through exercises and discussions that bring these principles to life.
You'll learn what thousands of couples already know: small changes in how you interact can create big shifts in your relationship. Whether you're looking to deepen your connection or navigate rough patches, these research-backed techniques show you exactly how to build the marriage you've always wanted.
Space is limited to ensure each couple receives personal attention. Join us and invest in the future of your marriage.
Think of a Love Map as your detailed road map of your partner's inner world – their hopes, dreams, worries, and daily experiences. Just as a real map helps you navigate unfamiliar territory, a Love Map helps you understand and connect with your partner's changing world. During the workshop, you'll learn to ask the right questions and truly absorb the answers, going beyond surface-level knowledge to understand what makes your partner tick. You'll discover that keeping your Love Maps updated requires ongoing curiosity and attention, as people naturally grow and change over time. This foundational principle shows that deep intimacy starts with really knowing your partner's world, from their current stresses at work to their secret hopes for the future.
Think of fondness and admiration as your relationship's immune system – they're your natural defenses against contempt and negativity. Every couple has a unique story of what drew them together, filled with moments of appreciation and respect for each other's qualities. In this workshop, you'll learn to actively strengthen these positive feelings by regularly recalling and expressing what you cherish about your partner. You'll discover practical exercises to help you notice and verbalize your partner's positive qualities, even during challenging times. This principle teaches you that maintaining a strong marriage isn't just about solving problems – it's about intentionally building a culture of appreciation and respect.
Every day, partners make small "bids" for each other's attention, affection, and support – from sharing a funny story to asking for help with a task. These moments might seem trivial, but they're actually opportunities to choose connection over disconnection. In this segment, you'll learn to recognize these bids and understand how responding positively builds emotional trust and intimacy. You'll practice identifying your partner's subtle attempts to connect and develop skills to respond in ways that strengthen your bond. This principle shows that strong marriages are built on countless small moments of connection, not just grand gestures.
A willingness to share power and be influenced by your partner is crucial for a lasting marriage. This principle teaches you how to create a partnership where both voices matter and decisions reflect mutual respect and consideration. You'll explore how to balance independence with interdependence, learning to value your partner's perspective even when it differs from your own. Through practical exercises, you'll develop skills for collaborative decision-making that honors both partners' needs and wisdom. This approach creates a relationship where both partners feel valued and respected.
Not all relationship conflicts are created equal – some can be solved, while others need to be managed. In this section, you'll learn to identify solvable problems and master a five-step approach to resolving them effectively. You'll practice starting conversations gently, listening without defensiveness, and finding creative solutions that work for both partners. The workshop provides specific tools for expressing needs clearly and compromising without sacrificing core values. This principle helps you tackle problems as a team rather than as adversaries.
Some conflicts in marriage never fully resolve – they're rooted in fundamental differences in values, dreams, or needs. This principle helps you understand how to navigate these perpetual problems without letting them damage your relationship. You'll learn to uncover the deeper meaning behind seemingly stubborn disagreements and find ways to honor each other's life dreams. Through structured dialogue, you'll develop skills to discuss gridlocked issues with respect and understanding, even when complete resolution isn't possible. This approach transforms gridlock from a source of frustration to an opportunity for deeper understanding.
A strong marriage is more than managing conflicts and maintaining friendship – it's about building a meaningful life together. This final principle explores how to create shared rituals, goals, and values that give your relationship deeper purpose. You'll learn to appreciate your different roles, support each other's aspirations, and develop family traditions that strengthen your bond. Through thoughtful exercises, you'll discover how to build a shared sense of purpose that makes your relationship more than just a partnership. This principle helps you create a rich, meaningful life together that stands the test of time.
Dates: To be announced; call and get your name on the list.
Location: The Marriage Workshop is held in Amplifed Life's "Work Studio" located in the lower level of 2465 Byron Station Dr SW, Byron Center MI.
Format: 6-8 couples will meet together weekly for 8 weeks. Each session lasts 90 minutes.
Cost: $400 per couple.