The workshop offers a 'distraction-free space’ to focus on you and/or your relationship for an extended period of time. It also gives you the opportunity to explore the key principles of Imago and the Imago Intentional Dialogue processes. Participants will be invited to do written exercises, guided imageries and practices with their partner that are designed to explore how their past impacts their present behavior. Each participant is encouraged to partake in these activities in a way that makes sense for them. The workshop is intended to help you and your partner create the safe space needed to restore and/or deepen the connection you have. Partners will also have time to connect with each other and have fun! For more detailed agenda, please see our questions, "What is a sample GTLYW Workshop Agenda?" and "What is a sample GTLYW Retreat Agenda?", under "The Workshop Experience" and "The Retreat Experience" sections, respectively.

This is a relatively common occurrence and we think it makes total sense that in many relationships, one partner may be ready to attend a GTLYW Workshop while the other partner may not want to have anything to do with it. There are many unique reasons for this, but here are three suggestions we can offer to the partner who wants to attend the workshop: 1) Ask your partner if he/she/they is willing to attend our FREE, live monthly webinar "Becoming a Conscious Couple: Intro to the Imago Intentional Dialogue". These webinars are a chance to get to know the workshop presenters, Trish and Emily, while also dipping a toe into the work of Imago! If your partner isn't quite ready to attend, you may join the webinar by yourself for some more information. Please note that webinar attendees may choose to leave their video cameras off. This may make it more comfortable for some. To register for a webinar, go to www.wholefamilynj.com/webinar 2) Ask your partner if he/she/they would be interested in speaking with one or both of the presenters, Trish and Emily. We are always happy to have a video or phone chat with prospective workshop attendees. We know attending the workshop is a big investment of time, money and effort. Plus, the idea of a therapy-ish (though please remember this is NOT therapy) weekend may not, at first, appeal to everyone. We want to answer any questions and do all that we can to help possible participants feel comfortable before they register. 3) If your partner just isn't there yet, we highly recommend reading, Keeping the Love You Find, by Harville Hendrix, Ph.D. and Helen LaKelly Hunt Ph.D. This is the individual's guide to Imago work and it's a great place for one person to begin! We will also be offering Keeping the Love You Find Workshops for individuals, so please stay tuned! Email us at info@wholefamilynj.com with any questions.

We try to work with minor disruptions, such as participants coming in a bit late or needing to leave a bit early to catch a flight back home on Sunday. If there is a circumstance that you are trying to navigate such as this, please contact us at info@wholefamilynj.com to make arrangements with us. With that said, we strongly recommend doing all that you can to be in fully present and in attendance for the whole duration of the workshop weekend. We know it is a lot of time and we also believe your relationship is worth every bit of the effort!! Please remember that it is important to make prior arrangements so family or business matters do not interrupt you once the workshop begins. Your partner and your relationship deserve your undivided and uninterrupted attention. We are very aware that this is a BIG ask for many people. We invite you to try your best to dedicate this time to your relationship. After you do all that needs to be done, we invite you to notice what happens. It may be magic!!

The goals of a GTLYW Workshop are: To provide you with the opportunity to spend a distraction free weekend focused on your relationship. To demonstrate how your conflicts, and frustrations are predictable and even necessary aspects of a committed partnership. To present, demonstrate and practice essential relational tools that will help resolve conflicts and improve communication. To clearly show the steps necessary to increase safety and reduce reactivity. To help you learn what makes your partner feel loved. To send you home with a jointly created vision of what your ideal relationship will look like and knowledge of the tools necessary to take you on the journey to a safe and passionate marriage or partnership. To co-create individual and relational roadmaps that lead to the relationship of your dreams!

No, definitely not! Though participants will have the benefit of hearing other couples and seeing that they are not alone in their relationship challenges, this is not group therapy. Attendees are never required to share any personal information. Participants are invited to introduce themselves and there will be opportunities to volunteer for demonstrations, as well as to ask questions and give feedback about experiences with the exercises, but sharing is always optional. Also, please read the above question, "What is the difference between GTLYW and IRT?" to receive information about the difference between an educational workshop, which is what GTLYW is, and couples therapy.

Getting the Love You Want® Couples Workshops are based on the theory and exercises described in the NY Times Bestselling book, of the same name, which was written by Harville Hendrix, Ph.D. and Helen LaKelly Hunt Ph.D. The GTLYW workshop helps attendees to learn the concepts and skills they need to co-create a safe relationship, experience and sustain deep connecting, and experience joyful aliveness. These skills include 1) learning a new way to talk; 2) removing all negativity (i.e. shaming, blaming, criticizing and judgement), and 3) practicing daily connecting behaviors which activate the innate healing powers of intimate partnership, transforming conflict in any relationship to connecting. Create your dream relationship by restoring or renewing the passion and hope to your relationship!

Trisha Sanders and Emily Robins are both Licensed Clinical Social Workers, with Advanced Certification as Imago Relationship Therapists and Workshop Presenters. This means not only are we fully licensed mental health practitioners, we have also completed hundreds of hours of training specific to Imago Relationship Therapy and presenting GTLYW Workshops. We have also met the supervision requirement for all certifications and continue to be active in the Imago Relationships North America (IRNA) community. All this ensures you are receiving an authentic experience in line with what Harville Hendrix, PhD and Helen LaKelly Hunt, PhD created.

The content of the GTLYW Workshop and GTLYW Retreat is identical. The difference, which is reflected in the price, is that the retreat offers amenities and lodging options.

Some of the topics covered in the lectures include: learning all the steps of the primary communication tool we use, the Intentional Imago Dialogue why we are attracted to who we are attracted to in romantic relationship what really underlies the conflicts we tend to have over and over again with our intimate partners how to restructure conversations about frustrations so you can actually have a helpful discussion that leads to growth and healing how our past/childhood experiences affect current behavior how our brains and central nervous system can interfere with effective communication how to incorporate or re-incorporate FUN into our relationship how to create a guiding relationship vision

We have to give a resounding "yes" to this question. The workshop includes over 18 hours of content, which includes mini-lectures, dialogue practice, written exercises, guided imageries and more! All of this is guided by two Advanced Certified Imago Relationship Therapists, Trisha Sanders, LCSW and Emily Robins, LCSW. Plus, here is a list of some of the benefits you can receive from attending a workshop: Saving your marriage or relationship may be the best investment you can make. You prevent future problems and issues by learning how to address conflicts. You leave knowing how to navigate communication issues. A workshop is roughly equivalent to 12-24 weeks of therapy. You discover that other couples are working through similar issues. You give each other an enormous gift by spending a weekend creating the relationship you DO want. You leave feeling restored and reconnected. You learn to work as a team. You learn to model a healthy, happy relationship for your children. You will be able to apply what you learn into all the relationships you have in your life. You will get a big return in your relationship for your investment of time and money. We recommend giving the GTLYW Workshop or Retreat as a holiday, birthday or anniversary gift!!

By Sunday evening on a GTLYW workshop or retreat weekend, participants often find themselves in a joyful, connected state, ready to consciously dive into the work of relationship, eager, hopeful and ready to create the relationship of their dreams!!! Then, they go home... Back to work, responsibilities, kids, pets, chores, bills, to-do lists and all of the life stresses we encounter day to day. And all the tools they learned over the weekend have a tendency to fade away. The old habits that are wired into our brain kick in and the hope of a new way begins to fade. However, it's not all doom and gloom. The GTLYW workshop presenters, Trish and Emily, know that with conscious dedicated attention to the relationship and continued practice of the Imago tools, sustainable transformation can totally occur. In order to support participants of the GTLYW workshop or retreat in achieving this goal, a monthly follow-up group, Conscious Connected Couples, is offered. There is a $100 charge to participate in the group each month (bundles are offered for 3 groups for $225), but to help set up attendees for success, each couple receives a free registration for one group following the weekend.

Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT) is a type of couples counseling, developed by Harville Hendrix, Ph.D. and Helen LaKelly Hunt Ph.D, that helps partners improve their communication, reduce conflict, and strengthen their connection. IRT aims to help partners become more empathetic and understanding by exploring how each partner's past experiences affect current behavior. The therapy also focuses on using conflict as an opportunity for growth and healing.

"Imago" is the Latin word for "image". When we say "imago", we are referring to the unique picture of what love looks like for each individual person. It is through our interactions and observations, along with the implicit and explicit messages we receive from the external world (caregivers, family members, siblings, media, society, culture, etc.), that our "imago" is created. When we grow up, we unconsciously look for our "imago" match. This is someone who has the potential to help us re-create both the positive and negative environment of our childhood. It is with this person that we have the ability, through conscious partnership, to create a roadmap of our individual and relational growth.

Getting the Love You Want (GTLYW) is based on the same theory and exercises that informs Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT), which is all developed by Harville Hendrix, Ph.D. and Helen LaKelly Hunt Ph.D. However, GTLYW is an educational experience that teaches participants about Imago theory and how it can be applied to help participants begin to create a conscious partnership. Participants will privately practice scripted exercises using the primary communication tool of IRT, the Imago Intentional Dialogue. During the practice, if needed, participants will be able to receive guidance from Certified Imago Relationship therapists, but therapists will only help participants stay within the structure of the scripted exercise, therapists will not work to deepen the content. This is a key difference between an the workshop and therapy. Though GTLYW Workshops are not therapy, the results are comparable to 4-6 months of couples therapy. This is because partners who attend the workshop commit to spending an entire weekend focused on their relationship and they receive vital information about what has brought them together, what can drive them apart and what can repair the ruptures that inevitably occur between people in relationship. When all this is combined with necessary communication skills, in an environment intentionally created to foster connection, true transformation can occur!

Yes, we frequently have partners who attend a GTLYW Workshop as a last ditch effort to save their relationship. The workshop teaches the tools needed to heal the hurts that may occur over the course of a relationship. The workshop also helps participants get a clear, concrete understanding of what each partner needs to do to grow into a more mutually satisfying partnership. Though the workshop is NOT therapy, attending the workshop can provide the benefits of attending 4-6 months of couples therapy, so it is a great step towards restoring a relationship that may be on the rocks. With that said, if you and/or your partner is considering a break up or divorce, please have appropriate expectations that relationship healing takes time and commitment. While attending a GTLYW Workshop is wonderful place to start, partners who truly want deep repair will likely benefit from follow up after the workshop with a couples therapist.

This workshop is appropriate for partners at ANY stage of their relationship and who have been together for any length of time. GTLYW is a skills based program that teaches the tools needed for deeper, more effective communication. It also helps each partner understand what they are bringing into the relational space so they can begin to make more conscious decisions to help build their dream relationship. This approach will benefit partners who have been together for just a few months and who are looking to build a firm foundation, while it also helps couples who have been together for years, or even decades, to enhance their skills to communicate and connect like never before!

Absolutely! Historically, GTLYW has been coined as a "couples workshop," as compared with the other Imago offerings, including the Keeping the Love You Find Individuals Workshop and the Connected Parents, Thriving Kids Parenting Workshop. We understand that calling GTLYW a "couples workshop" may feel exclusionary to some relationships and we truly apologize for that. It is not meant to exclude anyone! In GTLYW, the primary communication tool we teach is called the Imago Intentional Dialogue and even if the relationship has multiple partners, each Dialogue takes place between two partners, or a couple of partners, at a time (though other partners may witness the Dialogue). This approach can still benefit the entire throuple, triad or polycule. While we completely welcome partners in polyamorous or ethically non-monogamous (ENM) relationship, if you would feel safer in a workshop only with others in polyamorous or ENM relationships, please contact us at info@wholefamilynj.com.

Yes! GTLYW is appropriate for partners of all genders and sexual orientations. We aim to create a truly welcoming and safe environment for all. We are always trying our best and we are also imperfect humans. We are very open to feedback if, in the process of trying to create safety, we unintentionally create harm. We invite opportunities to repair any ruptures we may create and to learn even better ways of meeting the needs of all of our attendees. Please note that there are LGBTQ+ only GTLYW Workshops offered by other wonderful presenters. If you are interested in attending one of these workshops instead, please contact us at info@wholefamilynj.com for a referral.

Absolutely! We love when partners come to us to further deepen the already great thing they have. Our workshop provides tools that can be useful for anyone in a romantic relationship, as well as an environment in which deep healing and growth can happen. When partners who are in a good place in their relationship attend our GTLYW workshop, they leave even more connected and more fully alive. We encourage giving the GTLYW workshop or retreat to your partner for an anniversary or holiday gift! What better way to celebrate a wonderful relationship than committing to a connecting weekend together?!

Yes! In 2024, we are only offering the workshop-only option in New York City. There are many options to eat from fast food, to restaurants, to grocery stores and corner shops.

Friday (6 PM-9PM): Evening Workshop: Introductions for Presenters, Participants & to Imago Dialogue Exercise (in private) Imago Theory The Art of Mirroring Guided Imagery Saturday (9 AM-7 PM): Morning Workshop: Exploring the Connection of Past Experiences to Current Behavior Dialogue Exercise (in private) Lunch Break Afternoon Workshop: Restructuring Frustrations Enhancing the Positive Some optional homework Sunday (9 AM-6 PM): Morning Workshop: Relationship Vision Dialogue Exercise (in private) Lunch Break Afternoon Workshop: Obstacles to Connection Closing Ceremonies Head home more connected and joyfully alive than when you arrived!

In 2024, we are offering the GTLYW workshop-only (retreats are offered at a different location please check under, "The Retreat Experience" heading for more info) at a lovely yoga studio that is a part of Moving Body Resources at 112 West 27th Street, Ste. 400, New York, NY 10001. The main space is perfect for mini-lectures and there is room to stretch out! We have chairs, yoga mats, blankets, bolsters and backjacks for your convenience. This space also offers some other private areas that participants have the option of using for exercises.

Please wear casual / comfy clothes. It’s the weekend! Consider bringing layers as the temperature of each space is rarely suited for every participant. In the yoga studio, participants will be asked to remove their shoes. If you choose, you may bring slippers or house shoes to wear. Please bring refillable water bottles so you can stay hydrated using the filtered water provided. Also, please consider bringing your own comfy folding beach/camping chair. Seating is provided, but if you have a chair, blanket or pillow you like, you are welcome to bring it. You are free to bring snacks or specialty foods or drink (e.g. oat milk for coffee). You are welcome to bring whatever you need to make the weekend as comfortable and safe as possible for you. Please bring your sense of curiosity, your open heart and leave any judgment for yourself or others at the entrance. You won’t be needing it at all. We’re busy creating a super-safe-negative-free zone.

The workshop cost includes manuals and tuition for both partners, plus the teaching, guidance and support of two Certified Advanced Imago Relationship Therapists for the duration of the weekend. Snacks and coffee/tea are also provided during the workshop.

If you live close enough to a workshop location, you may choose to commute back and forth each day. However, we strongly recommend arranging nearby accommodations for the workshop. The experience of immersing you and your partner in a relationship bubble for the weekend is priceless. We plan to offer a discounted room rate for future workshops, but have not yet finalized this arrangement with any local hotels.

We always have gluten-free snack options available. If you have any food allergies or restrictions, you can let us know after you register for the workshop. You are welcome to bring your own snacks with you if that is more convenient.

You get everything you get included in the GTLYW Workshop cost: The workshop cost includes manuals and tuition for both partners, plus the teaching, guidance and support of two Certified Advanced Imago Relationship Therapists for the duration of the weekend. Snacks and coffee/tea are also provided during the workshop. PLUS: Two organic plant based meals per day per participant Private Couples Shiatsu Tutorial Meditation & Gentle Yoga Group Dance Workshop Use of Retreat Facilities (indoor pool, sauna, exercise equipment/circuit training, meditation labyrinth) If you pick the Sanivan Package, the lodging at Sanivan Holistic Retreat and Spa will be included. If you pick the Workshop & Amenities Package, you will get everything listed above, except lodging.

Yes! The only thing not included with the non-lodging option is the actual sleeping accommodations at Sanivan Holistic Retreat and Spa. Participants who are not staying on-site, will still receive all the amenities, including: Two organic plant based meals per day per participant Private Couples Shiatsu Tutorial Meditation & Gentle Yoga Group Dance Workshop Use of Retreat Facilities (indoor pool, sauna, exercise equipment/circuit training, meditation labyrinth)

Friday (9 AM-6 PM): Arrive & Continental Breakfast (provided) Morning Workshop: Introductions for Presenters, Participants & to Imago Dialogue Exercise (in private) Lunch (provided) Afternoon Workshop: Imago Theory The Art of Mirroring Dialogue Exercise (in private) Dance Workshop Community Welcome Dinner (provided) Free Time for Massage, Recreation and/or included Couples Shiatsu Session Saturday (8 AM-4 PM): Gentle Yoga & Meditation Breakfast(provided) Morning Workshop: Exploring the Connection of Past Experiences to Current Behavior Dialogue Exercise (in private) Lunch (provided) Afternoon Workshop: Restructuring Frustrations Enhancing the Positive Free Time for Massage, Recreation and/or included Couples Shiatsu Session Dinner (on your own) Sunday (8 AM-4 PM): Gentle Yoga & Meditation Breakfast (provided) Morning Workshop: Relationship Vision Dialogue Exercise (in private) Lunch (provided) Afternoon Workshop: Obstacles to Connection Closing Ceremonies Free Time for Massage, Recreation and/or included Couples Shiatsu Session Dinner (on your own) Head home more connected and joyfully alive than when you arrived!

We have limited on-site lodging for our retreats, so if there is no more availability, you may have to choose the non-lodging option. We do have a local recommendation for off-site lodging and you may contact us at info@wholefamilynj.com if you would like contact info. We have also had participants stay in local Airbnb's, but we do not have specific recommendations for that. Lastly, we have had participants who live locally or who have local friends or family with whom they can stay. Any of these would also be options. If you are choosing whether you should stay on or off-site, we recommend staying on-site because it eliminates the commuting back and forth, plus Sanivan Holistic Retreat and Spa is a truly charming and magical place!

Hopefully not, but cats do live at Sanivan Holistic Spa and Retreat. If we know a participant has allergies, we do an extra deep-clean, but there are fabrics on couches and such, so we can't guarantee a completely dander-free experience. The guest spaces and treatment rooms are completely cat free at all times. In the event we have a participant with a cat allergy, we will have the cats outside for the whole weekend. We do ask that participants bring any allergy medication, just in case. We have successfully had several participants attend who had allergies and we hope it makes sense for you to attend. If you have further questions, please contact us at info@wholefamilynj.com.

Accommodations at the charming Sanivan Holistic Retreat and Spa include a private bedroom and semi-private bathroom. For more information, you can visit: https://sanivan.com

Please wear casual / comfy clothes. It’s the weekend! Consider bringing layers as the temperature of each space is rarely suited for every participant. Please bring refillable water bottles so you can stay hydrated using the filtered water provided. Also, please consider bringing your own comfy folding beach/camping chair. Seating is provided, but if you have a chair, blanket or pillow you like, you are welcome to bring it. You are free to bring snacks or specialty foods or drink (e.g. oat milk for coffee). You are welcome to bring whatever you need to make the weekend as comfortable and safe as possible for you. Please bring your sense of curiosity, your open heart and leave any judgment for yourself or others at the entrance. You won’t be needing it at all. We’re busy creating a super-safe-negative-free zone. Please note, there are cats at the facility, but they will never be in the guest rooms or the spa treatment room. They will be kept out of the living and kitchen areas for the weekend. Please let us know if you have an allergy and, if you do, please consider bringing an antihistamine for your comfort.

We are so grateful to be able to offer our GTLYW weekend at the charming and magical Sanivan Holistic Retreat and Spa at 12 Columbia Dr, Hurleyville, NY 12747. For more info, check out: https://sanivan.com

If you cancel more than two weeks before the workshop, you will receive a refund, less a $100 admin fee or you may transfer registration to a future workshop. If you cancel two weeks or less prior to the workshop, no refund will be issued, but you will receive a credit. No refund will be given for "no shows" or if you do not complete the workshop. The presenter is not responsible for any travel arrangements. If the presenter cancels the workshop, a full refund for the workshop/retreat cost will be made. The presenter is not responsible for any travel arrangements.

We do not turn anyone away, so if you are interested in attending a GTLYW Workshop or Retreat, please contact us at info@wholefamilynj.com to inquire about payment plan options.

Please register for a GTLYW Workshop or Retreat at www.wholefamilynj.com/workshop. If you have any questions, please contact us at info@wholefamilynj.com.

We accept credit/debit card, Venmo, Zelle or Check. If you want to pay by ,Venmo, Zelle or Check after completing the registration form, click 'Pay Now' and choose 'Manual Payment' on the next screen. After you pay by your preferred method, please email info@wholefamilynj.com to confirm payment receipt.