Couples Communication Workshops
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Couples Communication Workshops
June 2007
Have any of you - especially those married/together over 10
years, and close to separating - been happy (or not) with any of
the weekend-long (or so) couples retreats out there? We are
considering doing something, in hopes of saving our tenuous
marriage. We definitely do not want anything with a religious
focus, and would probably prefer something lead by both a man and
a woman. Local is o.k., but willing to travel for the right
workshop. We're in couples counseling already, but feel the need
for something more focused and intensive. If you could share
your situation, what you liked and disliked, and how it turned
out for you, that would be very helpful.
Thanks!
I higly recommend the Human Awareness Institute at Harbin Hot
Springs! I have been to 5 of the HAI workshops with my husband.
After just one weekend workshop, I felt like we covered more than
we had in 2 years of therapy! There is always 1 male and 1 female
facilitator that work very closely together. There were a few
couples there (singles may attend as well) that were taking this
workshop as their last hope, after attending many years of
therapy, who were sweetly transformed by the end of the weekend.
We were given a gift certificate for our first workshop. I was
extremely skeptical before we arrived and swore I would walk out
if it got too sappy or huggy. By our first break, I found myself
in the front row anxious to keep going. Harbin itself is a
clothing optional Hot Spring, but the HAI workshop is held in a
separate retreat center. We have made life long friends and found
an amazing community through attending these workshops. They have
improved our lives tremendously! They also have shorter workshops
in local hotels throughout the Bay Area, but these can't come
close to the Harbin experience! I have forgotten their website,
but just google them. I do hope that you and your husband are able
to experience at least the 1st workshop,'' Love, Intimacy and
Sexuality''. All the Best!
oni
Yes, I have two recommendations for you. 1) Go to
www.spiritrock.org - then look for the names something like
Debra and George Chamberlain-Taylor. Truly in love themselves and
have been in a conscious relationship for many years. In addition
to the public workshops they hold at Spirit Rock, contact them for
additional retreats which I know they do hold. Solid people. The
real thing, not flaky. My only hestitation as it relates to you
is that their workshops might be more for folks already doing
well....2) Secondly, I know this is a bit far but I just can't
recommend more highly this Petaluma & Sebastapol couples (and
individuals) therapist:
Jane Allard Allen. Can't imagine a better blend of grounded and
astute. I'm a therapist, would recommend maybe 3 people out of
all the therapists I've known (I've been well connected to the Bay
Area therapist community). My husband and I (proud to say very in
love after 13 years) go to Jane regularly for relationship
tune-ups. She's been incredibly helpful in rough
waters. So: Ask her for a 2-3 hour session at one time.
Believe me: driving & paying for a good therapist is the best
investment you can make. I know she takes MHN, might take
other insurance policies. Metta.
sonoma sister
I would recommend the Human Awareness Institute. They have a
really intense weekend couples retreat located at a hotel. I speak
from my own experience, which was very helpful. You can check out
their website at Hai.org.
August 2006
I was wondering if anyone has attended a good workshop on marriage, communication
within relationships, etc. My husband and I are hoping to find something to attend.
Has anyone tried Dan Clurman, M.A. and Mudita Nisker, M.A.'s class on
communication, The Art of Talking and Listening, through Communication Options?
We could use some tools.
Thanks
Newlywed
My husband and I attended a couples communication workshop at
Esalen with Warren Farrell recently which we found quite
helpful. He is offering another one in October-- the
description follows; if interested, can register via esalen
website. Also, the setting is beautiful there. Good luck.
Couples' Communication Retreat
Esalen
October 22-27, 2006
with
Dr. Warren Farrell
Check out www.marriageprep101.com. This is a workshop for
premarital and newly married couples who would like to create a
lifelong partnership. The class is taught by a two
psychologists who are married to each other. They make it fun
and informative. I highly recommend it and think it's great
that as newlyweds, you are already thinking about improving your
communication! Best Wishes for a great marriage!
-enjoyed the class and am still married!
Kaiser (Oakland) has Couples Communications Workshops for
straight and gay couples. You don't have to be a Kaiser member
to attend. The class is 2 hours long and meets 6 times weekly.
The class covers ways to enhance communcication skills and
resolve conflicts constructively as well as how to increase
positive experiences in the relationship. The cost is $85 for
Kaiser members and $150 for non members. Only one person has to
be a Kaiser member to get the Kaiser rate. Call 752-1075 for
more info
-Kaiser Oakland Psychologist
March 2005
Has anyone ever taken a great workshop/seminar/class on improving
marital communication or couples communication? My husband and I
would like to work on this.
anonymous
Yes, I have taken an extremely helpful communication
workshop with my husband. We actually did the workshop
when we were engaged and it has served us for the last six
years. (happily married and when in conflict the tools from
the workshop really help) The class is ''The Art of Talking
and Listening'' with Mudita Nisker MFCC and Dan Clurman.
They have a website - you can get a sense of them and what
they offer. www.comoptions.com
September 2004
I am looking for a recommendation for a good couples
communication workshop, either one that is on weeknights or a
weekend retreat. My husband & I frequently misinterpret what
the other means, and this has caused tension in our marriage.
Does anyone have first-hand experience with any such workshops?
Anon
Recommendations received:
Couples Communication Workshop at Kaiser Oakland
I know a couple that does really different and deeply effective
couples work. For me, their approach is refreshing and helpful
in every relationship, not just the couples one! At any rate,
you might want to give them a call to talk more about what you
want and they can offer, but as I read your post, they
definitely come to mind.
Call Susan Schreier/Sola Williams on 482-2276.
Good Luck!
Beth
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