The Hold Me Tight® Relationship Enhancement Workshop guides couples through seven essential conversations for creating a strong and securely bonded relationship. Based on the theory of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Hold Me Tight® helps couples identify negative patterns of interactions that increase conflict and disconnection. It also helps couples have conversations that increase emotional safety and security in their relationship.

This workshop is based on the highly researched method of couples therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy by Dr. Sue Johnson, and her successful book, Hold Me Tight®: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love, the Hold Me Tight® Workshop, is an 8-week workshop. The objective is that it helps couples take troubling patterns of conflict and transform them into emotionally accessible, responsive, and engaging interactions. The workshop is based on attachment science which has been shown to apply to all couples, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, culture, or race. We support every couple who desires to deepen their loving connection because love, emotional safety, and emotional connection are the antidote to pain.

This workshop is appropriate for couples of all stages of happiness or distress. We offer a non-judgmental, emotionally safe space for you and your partner to explore your relationship and the struggles that keep the two of you from either having a stronger relationship or having the relationship of your dreams.

During the presentation, we use video clips to aid in the understanding of the lessons we intend to teach. Some video clips may include heterosexual white married couples. We want to be inclusive of all couples, so we are seeking out video clips more relatable to all couples. Because we are all living with universal needs, desires, and longings, all couples can learn and grow together.

This online Hold Me Tight Workshop is not appropriate for couples experiencing active abuse, addictions, and affairs. If you are experiencing any of these things in your relationship, please contact us to set up private therapy sessions at hello@jstherapygroup.com.

During the workshop, couples will engage in the following conversations:

CONVERSATION ONE: RECOGNIZING THE DEMON DIALOGUES ~

This conversation helps couples begin to see each other in a new way. Recognizing Demon Dialogues helps couples begin to identify the moves they make in an attempt to prevent disconnection.  In the process, couples stop seeing each other as the enemy and instead, allies.

CONVERSATION TWO: FINDING THE RAW SPOTS ~

The next conversation helps couples to begin to identify the cue that activates attachment fears. In addition, this conversation helps the couple be able to reflect on how these attachment fears developed in past relationships and past experiences.

CONVERSATION THREE: REVISITING A ROCKY MOMENT ~

This conversation helps couples integrate the first two conversations and allows the couple to reestablish safety. The couple also has the opportunity to begin to repair rifts from past interactions that will help couples feel connected and together instead of disconnected and alone. 

CONVERSATION FOUR: FORGIVING INJURIES AND TRUSTING AGAIN ~

Couples engaging in this conversation will learn how to work toward repair for situations where partners were emotionally wounded. Each partner gets the opportunity to formulate the kind of conversation or apology they would have liked to have had when they were wounded by a loved one.

CONVERSATION FIVE: HOLD ME TIGHT® ~

This conversation is the most connecting conversation in the workshop. Each partner has the opportunity to experience emotional accessibility, responsiveness, and engagement from their partner. This conversation continues to build emotional safety within the relationship. Attending a communication workshop for couples such as the Hold Me Tight Workshop in Overland Park, KS, and Leavenworth, Kansas, can help put into perspective how well you communicate with your partner

CONVERSATION SIX: BONDING THROUGH SEX AND TOUCH ~

You and your partner will get the opportunity to talk about sex in a way you may never have been able to before. With the safety that was created through earlier conversations, you and your partner will be able to further create the emotional connection that leads to great sex.

CONVERSATION SEVEN: KEEPING YOUR LOVE ALIVE ~

In this final conversation, you and your partner will create a plan to continue to keep love alive as you continue your life together.

The format for the workshops is comprised of the following:

Presentation: each conversation begins with a presentation of important ideas and concepts pertaining to each conversation. Presentations consist of lectures and engaging videos to help you understand the material.

Private Partner Conversation: after the presentation, you and your partner will have a private room to talk through each conversation. During private partner conversations, helpers will periodically check in to assist in directing the conversation and to answer questions you have about the conversations.

Group Processing: after a private partner conversation, we will return to the large group to talk about what it was like to be able to have space to talk about each conversation. Group processing is pass or play; meaning you can share what it was like for you or you can listen. Sharing is not required. The benefit to the group processing time is that you will find that you are not alone. You will find that there are other couples who share similar experiences as you.

Cancellations received up to 30 days prior to the event will receive a full refund minus a $75 administrative fee. Cancellations received 29-21 days prior will receive a 50% refund minus a $75 administrative fee. Cancellations received 20 days or less prior are ineligible for refunds. You may transfer your registration to a future workshop within 12 months.

💙 “…effective communication…” “Prior to the workshop, our biggest obstacle was effective communication. We would fight and not get anywhere. Now I am able to understand my partner’s primary and reactionary emotions and the importance of being emotionally present for her.” — S.M.

💙 “…tailored content…” “The best thing about this workshop was that it felt like the content was individually tailored to fit our specific circumstances.” — M.D.

💙 “…opened our eyes…” “We are dealing with adultery and this workshop truly opened our eyes to how we communicate.” — O.M.

💙 “…more confident…” “Prior to the workshop, I had a fear of being emotional. After the workshop, I am feeling more confident.” — O.M.

💙 “…go for it…” “Go for it — you won’t be disappointed.” — S.M.

💙 “…worth it…” “This workshop is totally worth it!” —M.T.

💙 “…I talked…” “Before this workshop, I was scared. I felt uncomfortable talking to my partner. But this workshop changed everything. This workshop is useful to any couple.” — W.T.

💙 “…deepened my understanding…” “This class has deepened my understanding of our cycles (demon dialogues) and how to detour away from them.” — S.M.

💙 “…confrontation…” “This workshop has changed the way we handle confrontation.” — M.T.

💙 “…dive into your feelings…” “I encourage you to dive into emotional feelings to bond with your partner.” — O.M.