INTERNATIONAL COUPLES THERAPY IN BERLIN
Hold Me Tight® Workshop
A workshop for couples to strengthen your relationship and deepen your love

@Eva Armisen, Juntos (Together), 2015
NEXT WORKSHOP in French and English, designed for French-American couples and/or French-speaking expats, in Austin, Texas
Are you tired of the same old conflicts? Do you feel that you and your partner have become more like roommates? Do you want to reignite the flame and rediscover the sense of connection you shared at the beginning of your relationship? Would you like to refresh and deepen your bond? Or do you just want to give your relationship a special boost? This weekend can change your relationship!
These workshops are for couples of all genders and sexual orientations who want to deepen and strengthen their relationship. They are based on Sue Johnson's Emotionally Focused Therapy approach, and more specifically on her most popular book: “Hold Me Tight! Seven conversations for a lifetime of love”.
Hold Me Tight® weekends are based on a program developed by Sue Johnson, the founder of Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy, in her seminal book. They enable couples to immerse themselves over a singe weekend in the book's seven conversations under the guidance of trained therapists. The therapists not only teach the model in the workshop, they also demonstrate the seven conversations for the couples. They assist them in learning practical exercises that the couples can put to work in private sessions during the workshop.
Couples learn to identify negative patterns in their relationship as well as key sensitive areas that are reactive or triggering for each partner. By accessing their more vulnerable underlying emotions, couples learn to communicate their emotional attachment needs more clearly. Using this method, partners can find their way back to a sense of connection and security as a couple, and come away with tools that will serve them well over the long term.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
During these workshops, you will learn to:
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Affirm, nurture and cultivate the strengths of your relationship
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Better understand your own and your partner's reactions, emotions and emotional needs
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Identify recurring negative patterns and interactions that create distance or cause suffering
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Replace these negative patterns with positive ones that promote a sense of security and connection
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Recognize the deeper feelings that cause and fuel your conflicts but are hidden under emotional reactivity
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Repair and forgive past injuries
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Reach out to each other and respond in a warmer, more positive way
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Create positive moments of mutual closeness to restore a sense of understanding and emotional connection between you, and strengthen the bond of love
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Communicate in a safe, constructive and effective way
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Create a safe haven you can count on to be there when you need it
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Build the kind of relationship you've always dreamed of having with the person you love.
The Hold Me Tight® workshop gives you tools to transform your relationship. The weekend format gives you the time you need to experience your emotions, build an intense emotional closeness and reconnect in a caring and safe context. The number of participants is limited to 8 couples.
NEXT HOLD ME TIGHT® WORKSHOP:
In French and English, designed for French-American couples and/or French-speaking expats
May 10 - 11, 2025 in Austin, TX
Celebrate Mother's Day with your partner by attending this special weekend: two days of intensive workshops for couples, based on the emotion-centered couple therapy designed by Sue Johnson.
This intimate event is limited to a maximum of 8 couples. Reserve your place today and get all the benefits of this retreat for two that will deepen your emotional connection and strengthen your relationship.
Price includes :
- a copy of the book “Hold Me Tight” and a folder full of useful exercises
- coffee, tea, drinks and snacks
- an inspiring presentation including video illustrations, role-playing demonstrations and couple exercises
The price does not include on-site accommodation or lunches. Couples can go to nearby restaurants during the lunch break or bring a packed lunch.
When: May 10-11, 2025
Where: Austin, Texas
Schedule: Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Price : 895 USD per couple
Please read the following contraindications before signing up.
Each interested couple will have an online meeting with the therapist during 15 min before finalizing their registration.
For more information and to register, please send me an email: marylise@international-coupletherapy-berlin.com
Please note that this intensive weekend is not recommended for couples in any of the following situations:
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One or both partners suffer from an active addiction (alcohol, drugs, pornography, etc.). In this case, I encourage you to make an appointment with a specialized psychiatrist or psychotherapist and, in parallel, start couples therapy.
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Current or recently discovered infidelity has been reported, and one of the partners is ambivalent about the future of the relationship. This situation is best dealt with in the intimate and reassuring setting of couples therapy.
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Both partners are not committed to working on improving the relationship.
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The relationship shows signs/manifestations of abuse or violence. If you find yourself in this situation, you urgently need to turn to a psychiatrist or psychotherapist, specialized institution/organization that can support and accompany you to break the cycle of violence.
FAQs
HOLD ME TIGHT® WORKSHOP FAQs
How will the workshop be structured?
Our Workshop will include educational presentations lectures, slide presentations and video clips after which couples will be asked to complete a series of exercises with their partners. The first exercises will be done in the room. For the subsequent exercises, couples will find a private space on the grounds where they can work on and complete the exercises together. Once the exercises are completed, couples will return to the room for a group discussion.
Comment l'atelier sera-t-il structuré ?
What if I feel uncomfortable in a group setting?
You determine your level of participation in the group. You will not be sharing or interacting with anyone in the group except for your partner unless you wish to do so.
Will we have to share about our relationship with the group?
You are encouraged to share, but it is not required. If you do share, you can decide what and how much you want to share.
What if we are already in couples therapy?
The HMT® Workshop will complement and enhance the work you are doing in couples therapy.
What if we are currently seeing an EFT therapist?
The HMT® Workshop is based on the EFT Therapy model and will support and enrich your work with the EFT therapist.
Are there any contraindications for the workshop?
The HMT® Workshop is not recommended for couples in which there is active addiction to alcohol, drugs, gambling, pornography, etc. Our Workshop is also not suited for couples who are dealing with recent infidelity or who are committed to separation or divorce.
What if I recognize someone I know at the workshop?
You may choose to interact with someone you know if you so desire. The decision is entirely yours.
Can therapists or other mental health professionals and their partners attend the workshop?
Yes. Therapists and other health professionals and their partners are more than welcome to attend.