A Maine Couples Retreat Led by Julie Quimby, PhD and Theresa Cohen, LICSW

We welcome ALL couples to our Hold Me Tight Couples Workshop. Hold Me Tight® is an educational relationship enhancement workshop based on the book by Dr. Sue Johnson, Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love. The structured curriculum used in this workshop is based on the theory and practice of Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT).  EFT is a systematic approach that aims to reduce relationship distress and help couples create trust and intimacy. In this private weekend workshop, you will learn how to identify and change the negative cycles that get in the way of intimacy, make sense of emotions, and restore trust and safety in your relationship. 

• Do you want to feel more accepted by your partner and have less conflict in your relationship?

• Would you like to feel like your partner is more accessible, responsive and emotionally engaged with you?

• Is it time to improve your relationship and learn how to communicate in new ways that promote better understanding and closeness?

The workshop is lead by certified EFT therapist, Theresa Cohen, LICSW and EFT trained psychologist, Julie Quimby, Ph.D. who will guide you and your partner through facilitated conversations, video presentations, guided exercises and one-on-one discussions to help you reconnect and transform your relationship. Although we encourage questions and comments at our Couples Workshops, there is no requirement or expectation for all attendees to share in the group. All of the conversations with your partner will be in private room, and we always emphasize privacy and comfort. We welcome people of all backgrounds, ages, faiths and sexual orientations.

Workshop Format

The heart of the workshop revolves around 7 exercises where you will practice conversations to create closeness.

The workshop leaders will present information about love and attachment to help you make sense of the cycles of disconnection in which couples often find themselves. We will also show videos of actual couples working through common cycles of conflict. At regular intervals, we will ask you to privately engage in structured conversations with your partner regarding your particular cycle. Workshop leaders, as well as other trained facilitators, will offer assistance with these exercises. At times during the weekend, we will assemble as a group and offer the opportunity to discuss your experience with the exercises. This group sharing is optional and no one is required at any time to share with the group.

The videos, lectures, and one-on-one exercises create opportunities to:

• Recognize the negative patterns where ALL couples get stuck and discover what you are really trying to communicate

• Understand what drives conflict in relationships

• Explore the feelings and needs underneath your behaviors

• Find forgiveness, heal past hurts, and move forward

• Create and nurture emotional safety and intimacy

• Affirm strengths in your relationship

• Improve your communication and have more effective conversations

Is group participation required at the workshop?

This educational workshop is not group therapy and there is no requirement for group participation. There is no pressure or expectations for you to interact with other couples. We understand that many people are very private and can be anxious about being in a group. Please rest assured that we emphasize a warm and supportive environment, and you will not be asked to share anything personal beyond your comfort level.

Hold Me Tight Workshop for Couples is ideal for:

• Couples who want to improve and enhance their relationships.

• Distressed couples who are stuck in conflicts and disconnection.

• Couples who are interested in learning experientially about Attachment, Hold Me Tight, and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).

This workshop is not appropriate for:

• Couples engaged in domestic violence or where there is the threat of harm.

• Couples who are actively engaged with untreated addiction issues.

• Couples who are actively engaged in an affair.

  **We recommend that couples in these situations seek couples therapy and other support before attending this workshop