Conversations for Connection
"Hold Me Tight"™

This workshop is helpful for couples who are distressed; and also for couples who want to feel
closer and more connected. Single or separated people who would like to understand their relationship patterns are also welcome to come along to a workshop.
You and your partner get space and privacy to work through the conversations away from the group.
You will not have to share with the group - this is an education workshop for couples; not a therapy
group; and Yve & Debbie are very safe facilitators.
You will find that watching videos of couples talking; before you have your own private conversations
with your partner, is really helpful and encouraging!
What New Zealand couples say about the workshop:
- "I felt privileged to share the experience with other couples. It reminds you you are not alone but you still feel safe to express yourself. It's fun. We laughed, we cried. It might feel like an overwhelming thing to do but in reality it is a warm, welcoming environment and we felt safe and comfortable to work on our relationship"
- "It was great to spend this amount of time in a held environment - learning new ways of deeper connection. And to have other couples there who wanted the same thing. A great way of 'escaping' the intensity of couples therapy! I gained a deeper understanding of the core reason that drives my partner's anger or withdrawal and how I can help, and how I don't help"
- "There is hope for your marriage, no matter how bad or what crisis you are in. If you are both willing, this course will give you the foundation to rebuild a better, loving relationship"
- "Totally worth it! A great investment in our relationship. So helpful having a safe framework to work through to break the cycle of disagreement, and heal wounds."
- "Fantastic methodology to identify deeper feelings rather than just scratching the surface. Makes it far easier to reconnect with loved ones, not just your partner."
- "For me, I felt that coming to the workshop was the 'Last Chance Saloon'. I didn't really believe that there was any coming back from our merry-go-round of hurt-anger-stonewalling. At the least I thought I might pick up some useful tips on how to communicate better with the other people in my life and any potential future partner. Today, I'm leaving with renewed hope that not only does our marriage have a chance - but the best is yet to come! After years of feeling numb & empty, I can finally bring myself to look at him again without resentment."
- "This workshop should be a prerequisite course for any couples who are ready to get married. Taking the courage to participate in this workshop means you are succeeding in your relationship, not failing."
Hold Me Tight TM

The Conversations for Connection workshop is based on 'Hold Me Tight'™ by Sue Johnson, the developer of Emotionally Focused Therapy.
This weekend workshop teaches partners to become more empathic, trusting and open with each other and to more easily handle day-to-day stress and problems. It is educational, rather than therapy or counselling.
Click on the video below to hear Dr. Sue Johnson and some of the couples she works with talk about their experience of the Conversations for Connection workshop.
Workshop participants will receive written information and a copy of the book 'Hold Me Tight'.
"At last, a road map through Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy with its creator. Dr. Johnson's superb science, humour, and clinical wisdom are finally accessible to all of us. I couldn't pick a smarter, warmer, and more real guide for this journey." John Gottman, PhD.
This weekend workshop teaches partners to become more empathic, trusting and open with each other and to more easily handle day-to-day stress and problems. It is educational, rather than therapy or counselling.
Click on the video below to hear Dr. Sue Johnson and some of the couples she works with talk about their experience of the Conversations for Connection workshop.
Workshop participants will receive written information and a copy of the book 'Hold Me Tight'.
"At last, a road map through Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy with its creator. Dr. Johnson's superb science, humour, and clinical wisdom are finally accessible to all of us. I couldn't pick a smarter, warmer, and more real guide for this journey." John Gottman, PhD.
You can get more information here about whether this workshop is suitable for you and your partner.
Workshop times and dates 2021
March 2021 20th - 21st Tauranga - Course is FULL
September 2021 11-12th Tauranga - taking registrations now
Saturday 9.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.
Sunday 9.00 a.m. - 4.30 p.m.
The fee is $650.00 per couple and $325.00 for individuals. Early bird is $550.00 for couples and $275.00 for individuals. This includes the Hold Me Tight book and the course booklet. There will be a minimum of five couples.
Payment options are available, please talk to us.
If you would like further information, email us with your contact details and we will be in touch.
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Debbie Penlington
Counsellor
About the presenters
Debbie and Yve are experienced couples' therapists & trainers. They are happy to discuss the workshop with you if you would like more information. Debbie is based in Tauranga. www.optionscounselling.co.nz |
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Yve Gould
Psychotherapist
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