Hold Me Tight® Workshop - Fall 2024

CE for Therapists

Many therapists take our Hold Me Tight Workshop with a partner to learn Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Attachment Theory and Hold Me Tight in experiential ways.

12 hours of Continuing Education Credits are available to all Maine licensed Psychologists, LMFTs and LCSWs, and LCPCs. Our workshop is open to all couples, and therapists who wish to attend with their partner can also earn CEUs for experiential learning. For more information about CE credits for this workshop, visit this link.

Workshop Format

The heart of the workshop revolves around 7 exercises where you will practice conversations to create closeness.

 The workshop leaders will present information about love and attachment to help you make sense of the cycles of disconnection in which couples often find themselves. We will also show videos of actual couples working through common cycles of conflict.  At regular intervals, we will ask you to privately engage in structured conversations with your partner regarding your particular cycle. Workshop leaders, as well as other trained facilitators, will offer assistance with these exercises.  At times during the weekend, we will assemble as a group and offer the opportunity to discuss your experience with the exercises.  This group sharing is optional and no one is required at any time to share with the group.

The videos, lectures, and one-on-one exercises create opportunities to:

• Recognize the negative patterns where ALL couples get stuck and discover what you are really trying to communicate

• Understand what drives conflict in relationships

• Explore the feelings and needs underneath your behaviors

• Find forgiveness, heal past hurts, and move forward

• Create and nurture emotional safety and intimacy

• Affirm strengths in your relationship

• Improve your communication and have more effective conversations

Is group participation required at the workshop?

This educational workshop is not group therapy and there is no requirement for group participation.  There is no pressure or expectations for you to interact with other couples. We understand that many people are very private and can be anxious about being in a group. Please rest assured that we emphasize a warm and supportive environment, and you will not be asked to share anything personal beyond your comfort level.   

Hold Me Tight Workshop for Couples is ideal for:

• Couples who want to improve and enhance their relationships.

• Distressed couples who are stuck in conflicts and disconnection.

• Couples who are interested in learning experientially about Attachment, Hold Me Tight, and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).

This workshop is not appropriate for:

• Couples engaged in domestic violence or where there is the threat of harm.

• Couples who are actively engaged with untreated addiction issues.

• Couples who are actively engaged in an affair.

  **We recommend that couples in these situations seek couples therapy and other support before attending this workshop

Location & Schedule

The workshop will be Saturday-Sunday, 9am-4:30pm, November 9-10, 2024. We are located in Brunswick Maine in the private suite and offices at Psychology Specialist of Maine. The office is located in an historic mill overlooking the Androscoggin River at 14 Maine Street, Suite 309, Brunswick, ME 04011. There are several hotels, inn and bed and breakfast, and restaurants within walking distance of our office. Plenty of free parking is available all weekend. 

Payment & Registration

The weekend workshop is a $895 investment in your relationship. Registration is confirmed upon receipt of payment.

The registration fee covers the participation of both partners for the 2-day workshop and all workshop materials and booklet. We offer light breakfast and afternoon snacks and beverages throughout each day. Meals and lodging are not included. We encourage participants to purchase and read Sue Johnson’s Hold Me Tight book on their own prior to the event, but this is not required.

What is the cancellation policy?

If a cancellation request is received, a refund will be given (less a $100 administrative fee) up to 21 days prior to the workshop. If a cancellation is requested between 21 and 14 days prior to the workshop, 50% of the fee will be refunded. No refund will be given for cancellations less than 14 days prior to the workshop.

Couples who live close by may wish to go home overnight, but we encourage you to think about this as a weekend to devote to your relationship and to each other.  Lodging is not included, but there are a variety of accommodations nearby.