The Art and Science of Love Workshop November/December 2024

Certified Gottman Couples Therapist and experienced Psychologist Madonna Hirning (Director, Sunshine Coast Couples Clinic) presents The Art and Science of Love Workshop. Based  on over 40 years of research with thousands of couples, The Art and  Science of Love workshop will give you new insights and research-based  skills that can dramatically improve the intimacy and friendship in your  relationship and help you manage conflict in a healthy, positive way.

The Art and Science of Love Workshop is:

• For couples of every age, ability, marital status and sexual orientation.
• Suitable  for all couples looking to strengthen their relationship. It can be an  excellent opportunity to learn and develop skills around connection and  conflict management for couples who have recently become engaged,  married or committed to each other.
• Suitable  for couples experiencing relationship distress - the workshop will  provide you with the space and tools to repair your connection and can  provide a good foundation for you to then explore your issues more  deeply in couples therapy after the workshop if you choose.
• Shown to achieve results similar to those of 6 months of marital therapy
• Shown to produce positive results for 94% of those who attend

"This  workshop is unique because it is grounded on what actually works in  relationships that are happy and stable, not idealistic notions or  anecdotal evidence of what a relationship should be."

What will we learn?

You  and your partner will learn how to foster respect, affection and  closeness in your relationship. You will build and share a deeper  connection with each other. You'll learn how to keep conflict  discussions calm, how to break through gridlock and how to strengthen  and maintain the gains you make during the workshop over time.

Day 1: You will learn how to build friendship in your relationship and express feelings of appreciation and affection.

Day 2: You will learn how to manage conflict and communicate effectively.

You will also:

• Learn to recognize the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse and what to do if they are attacking your marriage
• Identify your relationship’s specific strengths and how to build on them together
• Learn about the effects of physiological flooding and how it may affect conflict resolution
• Use the Fondness and Admiration System to renew, respect, and care for one another
• Create an Emotional Bank Account that you can draw upon in times of stress
• Develop your problem-solving skills, including the six skills for effective conflict resolutions
• Understand the foundations for healthy intimacy in a relationship