Hold Me Tight® Workshops

Northwest Couples is proudly offering a two-day couples workshop retreat based on the research of Dr. Susan Johnson and her empirically proven therapy model, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). This couples workshop is for partners who seek to reinvent their marriage or relationship through healthy dialogue. Our Hold Me Tight® workshops are streamlined and accessible, teaching EFT tools in a safe and supportive atmosphere only a short drive from Seattle.

Our workshops are facilitated by our team of licensed therapists specializing in Emotionally Focused Therapy: Kristin Nielsen, a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist certified in Sex and Intimacy Therapy, and Marcia Erickson Bates, a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist specializing in mindfulness and spirituality.

Utilizing educational videos, interactive exercises, one-on-one coaching, and focused discussion you and your partner will develop skills and tools to communicate more effectively. We strive to help couples communicate openly, seek the root of disconnection and mend relationship ‘injuries.’ We provide tools to move past barriers in communication, slow or mitigate arguments, develop a foundation for healthy and secure dialogue to better understand your partners' emotions and your own, and experience a more secure connection filled with affection and intimacy.

Upcoming Hold Me Tight® Couples Workshops

Guided couples retreats providing tools to transform connection & communication with your partner.

CEU’s available for helping professionals

Upcoming retreats:

  • October 5 - 6, 2024

The Workshop Includes...

  • Insight and understanding into the interactions and emotional processes of yourself and your partner using specially designed exercises

  • One complimentary copy of Dr. Susan Johnson's book, Hold Me Tight® - Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love, will be shipped to you prior to the workshop so you can read it in advance

  • Emotionally Focused Therapy presentations by Kristin and Marcia

  •  Pre-recorded video with couples engaged in Emotionally Focused Therapy conversations (expanding upon the Hold Me Tight® book)

  • One-on-one support from licensed specialists

  • Snacks provided. Restrictions considered

*Room and board are not included*

The Workshop Helps Couples...

  • Recognize the root of disconnected conversations creating barriers toward healthy dialogue

  • Explore your feelings and needs underlying your interactions

  • Deepen both emotional and physical intimacy

  • Heal old hurts and build awareness of 'raw spots'

The Workshop is for Couples who...

  • Want to create a foundation for healthy communication and intimacy

  • Distressed couples who are stuck in conflicts and disconnection

  • Couples who are interested to learn about the Hold Me Tight® Model from an Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Attachment perspective

Comments & Reviews

  • "Absolutely do it! You will feel so much closer and more connected to your partner by the end. You will understand each other better and want to work as a team."

    -November 2022 participant

  • "EFT is the real deal! It cuts to the heart of what makes relationships difficult."

    -November 2022 participant

  • “Great use of time, energy, and money to recharge our 20 year marriage.”

    -March 2023 participant

  • “Make the time and space to invest in your relationship. Being able to talk through scenarios and have ‘ah ha’ moments is eye opening.”

    -March 2024 participant

  • "You can come to this workshop at any point in your relationship/journey and walk away with meaningful work and progress."

    -November 2022 participant

  • “Definitely helped my partner and I untangle old wounds & find new connection and direction. Kristin & Marcia created a very safe space to explore with my partner & provided excellent and nuanced support.”

    -October 2023 participant