Does the workshop accomplish the same thing as couples therapy?

While you are not required to be actively participating in couples therapy to attend the workshop, the workshop is educational in nature and is not meant to replace couples or individual therapy. If you are seeking therapy, Kristin and Marcia are happy to provide referrals.

Are we going to be asked to share personal information in group discussions?

Nope! At Northwest Couples, you will never be put on the spot. You will not be asked to share anything that you don’t want to. The workshop is presented in an atmosphere of safety, understanding, and validation. There will be opportunities to have private discussions with your partner to explore nonproductive patterns in communication.

You mentioned intimacy and sex. How does this relate to the workshop?   

We will be discussing how a deeper connection with your partner can enhance the sexual aspects of your relationship – creating enjoyable sex and intimacy. There will not be any sexual exercises or graphic video presentations. Discussions around sex and intimacy will be facilitated by our team member Kristin Nielsen, who is certified in Sex and Intimacy Therapy.

Will there be food and beverages included?

We attend to the mind-body connection! In addition to breakfast, we will provide an afternoon snack and tea, coffee, and water to keep you happy, focused, and hydrated. 

*Lunch is on your own. A list of restaurants in the area will be provided.*

 Is this workshop appropriate for couples in crisis?

Every couple’s issues are unique. If you believe that you are in crisis, coping with an addiction (behavioral or substance-related), or struggling with domestic violence issues, please discuss with us at the time of registration. We can discuss whether our Northwest Couples Hold Me Tight® workshop is an appropriate fit at this time. We want you to get the most out of your experience!

What about parking?

There is ample free parking on site.

What is the cancellation policy?

If you cancel at least two weeks prior to the workshop date, a refund (less processing & handling fees) will be issued. Within two weeks of the workshop date, you have the option to transfer to any other workshop date within one year. By transferring to a different workshop date you will no longer be eligible for a refund.

COVID-19 considerations

Our workshop location is equipped with HEPA-certified Air Filtering Technology to cleanse our meeting space of potential pollutants. Rest assured, we are monitoring issues and requirements related to the pandemic and will notify you of any scheduling changes to our retreat. While we believe it is important to get vaccinated to protect yourself and those around you, we do not require proof of vaccination to attend. Facilitators, Marcia and Kristin, are fully vaccinated.

You mentioned CEUs. What are those?

CEU's are continuing education units meant for mental health professionals. These are offered for a nominal additional fee if the weekend retreat is completed. Please know that while we offer CEU's for the retreat, this is not a training in how to use the Emotionally Focused Therapy approach in your own practice. However, EFT is an experiential therapy model that is empirically proven to be effective and Emotionally Focused Therapy trainings are worth seeking out.