Transform Your Relationship at a Gottman Couples Retreat
Looking for a change in your relationship? Maybe you’re tired of the same arguments on repeat. Maybe the spark has dimmed, and you’re wondering if it can come back. Or maybe you have a good relationship but want to make it great. Here’s the truth: waiting won’t make things better, but a Gottman Couples Retreat could.
At Comprehensive Counseling Solutions, we don’t do fluff. We do science, we do results, we do the hard work of helping couples build relationships that actually last. Our Gottman Couples Retreat weekends aren’t about feel-good platitudes or generic advice you could get from any self-help book; they’re about proven methods that work.
What makes our Gottman Method Couples Therapy Workshops different?
Let’s be clear: not all relationship workshops are created equal. While other programs might offer you inspirational quotes and surface-level communcation tips, our Gottman Couples Retreat is built on 40 years of actual research with real couples. That’s not marketing speak- that’s science.
How does the Gottman Method differ from Traditional Therapy?
Traditional couples therapy often focuses on exploring your past or diving deep into individual psychology. The Gottman Method is different. It’s practical, present-focused, and skills-based. Instead of spending months talking about why you fight, you’ll learn how to fight better – or better yet, how to prevent those fights from happening in the first place.
The Gottman Method identifies specific behaviors that predict relationship success or failure with over 90% accuracy. We’re not guessing about what might help your relationship. We know what works.
Certified Gottman Therapist Credentials and Training
Your Gottman Couples Retreat is led by Lisa Stull, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 27 years of experience. Lisa isn’t just certified in the Gottman Method—she’s a Certified Gottman Marital Therapist and a Certified Presenter for Art and Science of Love Levels 1 and 2, plus Seven Principles workshops.
What does this mean for you? It means you’re learning from someone who has completed extensive training directly from the Gottman Institute, not someone who took a weekend course and calls themselves a relationship expert. Lisa’s direct, no-nonsense approach cuts through the confusion and gets to what actually matters in your relationship.
Science-Backed Methods vs. Generic Relationship Advice
Here’s what separates a Gottman Couples Retreat from generic relationship advice: the research. Dr. John Gottman didn’t develop his methods by guessing or following trends. He spent decades in his “Love Lab” observing thousands of couples, tracking what worked and what didn’t.
The result? Specific, measurable techniques that have been proven to work across different types of relationships, ages, and backgrounds. When you attend our retreat, you’re not getting someone’s opinion about relationships—you’re getting scientifically validated tools.
How can a Couples Retreat improve your relationship?
Research shows that couples wait an average of six years from the first signs of problems before seeking help. Six years. That’s six years of building resentment, developing bad habits, and letting small issues become big problems. Don’t be average.
A Gottman Couples Retreat compresses months of learning into an intensive weekend. You’ll leave with concrete skills, not just good intentions.
What can you expect at a Gottman Couples Retreat?
Expect to work. This isn’t a vacation with your partner where you occasionally attend a lecture. This is an intensive learning experience designed to give you tools you can use immediately. You’ll spend approximately half your time learning the research and framework, and half practicing new skills with your partner.
What are the benefits of attending a Couples Retreat?
The benefits are measurable. Research shows that attending an Art and Science of Love workshop provides benefits equivalent to six months of couples therapy. Ninety-four percent of participants report positive results, and 86% report ongoing improvements when surveyed 12 months and three years later.
But here’s the real benefit: you’ll stop wasting time on relationship strategies that don’t work and start using ones that do.
The Art and Science of Love Workshop: What You’ll Experience
What is the Art and Science of Love?
The Art and Science of Love is the world-renowned workshop created by Drs. John and Julie Gottman. It’s called “art and science” because healthy relationships require both—the scientific understanding of what works and the artful application of those principles to your unique relationship.
How long is a typical Gottman Couples Workshop?
Our Gottman Couples Retreat is a complete two-day weekend workshop. This isn’t a quick fix or a brief introduction—it’s a comprehensive experience that covers all the essential elements of the Gottman Method.
Your weekend is carefully structured to maximize learning and practice time. You’ll alternate between educational sessions where you learn the research and hands-on exercises where you apply what you’ve learned with your partner.
Day One Structure and Activities
Day one focuses on building your foundation. You’ll learn about the Sound Relationship House, discover your relationship strengths, and begin practicing new communication techniques. The day includes morning beverages and snacks, interactive exercises, and time to connect with your partner in new ways.
Day Two Focus Areas
Day two builds on your foundation with advanced tools for managing conflict, deepening intimacy, and creating lasting positive changes. You’ll leave with a clear roadmap for continuing your relationship growth at home.
Your Comprehensive Relationship Toolbox Kit
Every couple receives a complete Relationship Toolbox Kit—not just a handout or two, but a comprehensive set of tools you can use long after the workshop ends.
Couples Workbooks and Card Decks
Your kit includes two couples workbooks and seven specialized card decks: Love Map cards for learning about each other, Opportunity cards for turning toward your partner, Open-Ended Questions for deeper conversations, Rituals of Connection cards, Salsa cards (available in Mild, Medium, and Hot levels), and a Repair Checklist for recovering from conflicts.
Special Tools and Resources Included
You’ll also receive an Aftermath of a Fight booklet, a Sound Relationship House magnet for your home, and special gifts designed to keep you on track with your new skills.
Balance of Education and Hands-On Practice
Half education, half practice. This balance ensures you understand why these techniques work and how to use them effectively. You’re not just collecting information—you’re building skills.
Privacy Guarantee- No Public Sharing Required
Let’s address the elephant in the room: you will not be asked to share your personal business with other couples. Period. You’ll sit with other couples during lectures, but all exercises are done privately with your partner. We ensure adequate space for privacy, and there’s no group sharing or public participation required.
Who should attend Gottman Couples Retreats?
Enhancement Couples: Strengthening Already Strong Relationships
If you have a strong relationship, this Gottman Couples Retreat will make it stronger. You’ll gain insights and tools to foster even greater closeness, friendship, and trust. Strong relationships don’t maintain themselves—they require ongoing investment and skill development.
Repair Couples: Healing Distressed Relationships
If your relationship is distressed, this workshop provides understanding and a roadmap for repair. You’ll learn why you’ve been stuck and what specific steps you can take to rebuild your connection.
All Relationship Types Welcome
Dating and Engaged Couples
Dating or engaged couples are not only welcome—you’re encouraged to attend. Learning these skills before marriage gives you a significant advantage. Why wait until problems develop?
Married Couples of All Ages
Whether you’ve been married two years or twenty, these skills are relevant. Relationships evolve, and so should your relationship skills.
LGBTQ+ Couples and Same-Sex Relationships
All couples and all genders are welcome. The Gottman Institute conducted a 12-year study on same-sex couples and found that successful relationship principles apply regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
When NOT to Attend: Important Safety Considerations
If your relationship involves physical abuse or battering, this workshop may not be appropriate. In these cases, individual safety planning with a trained therapist is the priority. Contact a domestic violence counselor or trained couples therapist for personalized guidance.
The Science Behind Gottman Couples Workshop Success
40+ Years of Research with Thousands of Couples
This isn’t theory. Dr. John Gottman has studied over 3,000 couples in longitudinal studies spanning decades. This research forms the foundation of everything you’ll learn in your Gottman Couples Retreat.
Proven Results: 94% Positive Feedback Rate
Ninety-four percent of workshop participants report positive results. That’s not a coincidence—it’s the result of using methods that have been tested and proven to work.
Equivalent Impact to 6 Months of Couples Therapy
Research demonstrates that attending an Art and Science of Love workshop provides benefits equivalent to six months of couples therapy. You’ll accomplish in a weekend what typically takes months of weekly sessions.
Long-Term Success: 86% Report Ongoing Improvements
Eighty-six percent of participants report ongoing improvements in their relationship satisfaction when surveyed 12 months and three years later. These aren’t temporary changes—they’re lasting improvements.
What Topics are Covered in Our Gottman Relationship Workshops?
The Sound Relationship House Framework
You’ll learn the complete Sound Relationship House model—the research-based framework that identifies the key elements of healthy relationships. This isn’t just information; it’s a roadmap for building the relationship you want.
Managing Conflict in Healthy, Positive Ways
Conflict is inevitable in relationships. Destructive conflict is not. You’ll learn specific techniques for managing disagreements in ways that bring you closer together rather than driving you apart.
Building Deeper Intimacy and Friendship
Intimacy isn’t just about romance—it’s about deep friendship and connection. You’ll discover how to maintain and deepen your friendship with your partner, even during stressful times.
Practical Tools from Drs. John and Julie Gottman
Communication Techniques
You’ll learn specific communication skills that prevent misunderstandings and help you feel heard by your partner. These aren’t generic listening skills—they’re targeted techniques based on what actually works in successful relationships.
Repair and Recovery Methods
Every couple makes mistakes. Successful couples know how to repair the damage quickly and effectively. You’ll learn proven repair techniques that can turn conflicts into opportunities for connection.
Ready to Join Our Upcoming Couples Retreats?
How to Convince a Hesitant Partner
If your partner is reluctant, start by sharing Dr. John Gottman’s research and videos. Explain how important your relationship is to you and your desire for a mutually fulfilling partnership. Sometimes the direct approach works best: “I want us to have the best possible relationship, and this workshop can help us get there.”
Registration Process and Pre-Workshop Consultation
As part of registration, our trained staff will schedule a brief call with each of you before attending. This consultation allows us to discuss any concerns about your current situation and ensure the workshop is appropriate for your needs.
Find Upcoming Retreats and Locations
We offer Gottman Couples Retreat weekends several times throughout the year at various locations. Visit our workshops page to see current dates and locations, and to secure your spot. Don’t wait—these workshops fill up quickly.
Experience the Gottman Method with Certified Experts
What qualifications do Gottman Therapists have?
Lisa Stull brings over 27 years of experience working with couples and individuals in private practice. She specializes in anxiety, relationships, and trauma, and maintains active certifications as both a Gottman Marital Therapist and workshop presenter. This combination of experience and specialized training ensures you’re learning from a true expert.
On-Site Support During Workshop Exercises
Certified Gottman Therapists are available throughout the workshop to provide one-on-one support during exercises. If you encounter difficulties or need guidance, help is immediately available. Remember, this is education and skills development, not therapy, but support is there when you need it.
Post-Workshop Resources and Therapist Referrals
Your learning doesn’t end when the workshop does. If you want to continue with individual therapy, we can connect you with our own amazing therapists to help you continue your growth individually or as a couple.
Your Questions about Gottman Couples Retreats
Workshop Experience Questions
How many couples attend each workshop?
Workshop sizes vary, but typically include 20-25 couples. This size ensures everyone receives attention and has opportunities to ask questions while maintaining an intimate learning environment.
Do we have to share personal information publicly?
Absolutely not. You will never be required to publicly participate or interact with other couples. All exercises are performed privately with your partner, and we ensure adequate space for privacy.
How much time is lectures vs. exercises?
Approximately half of your time is spent in educational sessions learning the research and framework, and half is focused on working with your partner to build new skills and understanding.
Practical and Cost Questions
What’s included in the workshop cost?
Your workshop fee includes the complete two-day workshop, your Relationship Toolbox Kit, morning and afternoon beverages, snacks on both days, and special gifts to support your continued growth.
Are accommodations provided?
Travel and accommodation costs are separate and your responsibility to arrange. However, our venue provides discounted rates for participants, and many couples find it a great opportunity for a weekend away together.
Can we attend if we’re not married?
Absolutely. This workshop is designed for all couples in committed, long-term relationships, whether you’re dating, engaged, living together, or married.
Effectiveness and Suitability Questions
How effective is the workshop compared to therapy?
Research suggests that attending an Art and Science of Love workshop provides benefits equivalent to six months of couples therapy. However, workshops and individual therapy can complement each other effectively.
What if we’re separated or considering divorce?
Many separated couples or those considering divorce have found the workshop helpful. Each situation is unique, and our staff will discuss your specific circumstances during the registration process to determine if the workshop is appropriate for you.
Will we get individual attention during the workshop?
Our Certified Gottman Therapists are available to work one-on-one with couples who need support during exercises. While this isn’t therapy, personalized guidance is available to help you get the most from your experience.
Ready to transform your relationship? Your Gottman Couples Retreat experience is waiting. Don’t be the couple that waits six years to get help. Be the couple that takes action now.