The Art and Science of Love, presented by Marcia Gomez, LCSW. and Michael Basta, LCSW
Marcia and Michael are pleased to present the Gottman workshop, The Art and Science of Love. This workshop is based on the scientific findings of John Gottman, Ph.D. who has studied over 3000 couples in the past three decades to discover what makes couples stable and happy. Marcia and Michael are licensed psychotherapists who have been personally trained and certified by John and Julie Gottman and are members of the Gottman Institute. To learn more about the presenters please go to “Your Presenters”.

The Workshop Program:
The Art and Science of Love Workshop is based on the work of John Gottman, Ph.D. Dr. Gottman has learned what really makes relationships work by studying and following over 3,000 couples in over 30 years of research. This workshop is designed to teach you exactly what successful couples do to foster romance and harmony in their relationships. During the first day, you will learn how to build fondness, admiration, and closeness in your relationship. On the second day,
you’ll work on conflict management while learning new and important communication skills. Couples work privately on exercises designed to address the challenges in real-life relationships. Certified Gottman therapists are available to support couples one-on-one with exercises. There is no group work or public disclosure.

Who Should Attend:
This workshop is designed to strengthen your marriage or relationship. If you have a strong relationship, this workshop will provide you with the insights and tools to make it a great one. If your relationship is distressed, then this two-day workshop will provide a road map for repair.

Workshop Information:
Saturday and Sunday, November 1st & 2nd, 2008
8:30 am-5:00 pm
Saturday registration check-in 8:00 am
Workshop Location:
Brescia Hall at Angela Center
535 Angela Drive
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
CLICK HERE for a brochure
CLICK HERE for hotels
CLICK HERE for directions to Angela Center

Cost of Workshop:
$550 per couple for early registration, if postmarked or faxed on or before 10/1/08.
$600 per couple for standard registration (after 10/1/08).
Please note: lunch is not included. Morning and afternoon snacks provided.
Special discounts are available for psychotherapists. Please inquire about these prior to registration.

Cancellation policy:
If cancellation is made more than three weeks prior to the workshop date, a full refund minus a $50 processing fee will be given. If a cancellation occurs within three weeks of the workshop date, your registration will be converted to a credit, good for a full two years, to attend future workshops sponsored by our organization.

What You'll Learn:
At the workshop, couples will learn how to:
• Foster respect, affection, and closeness
• Build and share a deeper connection with each other’s inner world
• Keep conflict discussions calm
• Break through and resolve conflict grid-lock
• Strengthen and maintain the gains in your relationship

Workshop Topics:
The Five Basic Questions:
• How is your marriage/relationship doing?
• What makes relationships change, for better or for worse?
• If your relationship is in trouble, how can you turn it around?
• If your relationship is doing well, how can you ensure that it will continue to grow?
• As your relationship improves,

Assessing your relationship:
• Learn to recognize the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse and what to do if they are attacking your relationship
• Identify your relationship’s specific strengths and how to build on these
• Learn about the effects of physiological flooding and how it may affect conflict resolution
• Learn small, easy steps that increase romance in yourrelationship

Build a "Sound Relationship House"
• Learn how Love Maps provide a solid foundation for your relational intimacy
• 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 four techniques of effective conflict resolution: Softened Start-Up, Accepting Influence, Repair Work and De-escalation
• Find out how you can make your dreams and aspirations come true for you, your partner, and your relationship