Gottman Method Couples Therapy Experiential Workshop For Couples To Reconnect & Rebuild Communication Skills, Resolve Conflict & Deepen Emotional Connection In One Weekend
If you’ve drifted apart, can’t talk without arguing, or feel stuck in negative cycles, our expert-led workshops offer a proven way to reconnect and repair—together. This workshop is for couples who want practical relationship tools without committing to weekly therapy.

Whether you’re engaged, newly married, or navigating decades together, these workshops are for couples ready to improve communication, repair emotional disconnect, and build new habits for lasting intimacy. 94% of couples who have attended Gottman Couples Workshops have experienced positive results. We have presented this Gottman couples workshop over 80 times with groups ranging in size between 30 to 50 couples.
Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront, BC
April 25th & 26th, 2026
8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Transform Your Relationship in Just One Weekend with the Gottman Couples Workshop
Discover Proven Strategies Backed by Decades of Research—94% of Participants See Positive Results in Communication, Connection, and Conflict Resolution.
Do You Experience These Issues or Problems In Your Relationship?
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Frequent miscommunication leading to recurring arguments.
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A lack of emotional connection or intimacy.
Transform Your Relationship: Gottman Couples Workshop in Vancouver
Attending the Gottman Couples Workshop in Vancouver can profoundly transform your relationship. You'll learn essential communication skills that foster emotional intimacy, enhancing understanding and empathy. The workshop offers a supportive environment where you can safely explore vulnerabilities and share honest feelings. Facilitators, who remain neutral, help reveal hidden issues and guide you in resolving conflicts constructively. It's not just for couples in crisis—it's for anyone seeking growth and connection. Remember, the journey doesn't end after the workshop; continued practice and integration of skills are critical. Discover how to nurture a deeper connection and transform your relationship today.
Key Takeaways
- The Gottman Couples Workshop in Vancouver offers tools for effective communication, conflict resolution, and emotional vulnerability.
- Workshops are suitable for all couples, not just those in crisis, aiming to enhance connection and foster growth.
- Skilled facilitators create a safe space for exploring underlying concerns and fostering open dialogue.
- Post-workshop follow-up is crucial for reinforcing communication skills and integrating them into daily life.
- Emotional vulnerability exercises during workshops help build trust and deepen emotional intimacy between partners.
Effective communication is the cornerstone of any strong relationship
In the domain of relationships, effective communication stands as an essential pillar that supports understanding and connection. It's the foundation of a strong relationship, where your words and actions align to create emotional intimacy with your partner. You'll find that communication skills are not just about talking, but about listening with empathy and resolving conflicts amicably. As you work towards your relationship goals, consider exploring a couples workshop, like the one based on the Gottman method in Vancouver.
This workshop isn't just a series of exercises; it's a journey facilitated by experts who guide you towards greater understanding. The Gottman method emphasizes the importance of effective communication for conflict resolution and nurturing emotional intimacy. By participating, you'll learn to express yourself more clearly and listen more deeply, fostering a bond that withstands life's challenges.
Imagine how your relationship can transform when you both communicate openly and honestly. With the right tools, like those offered in the workshop, you can strengthen the foundation of your partnership. Embrace the opportunity to grow together, guided by a facilitator who understands your aspirations and supports your journey towards a more connected and loving relationship.
Workshops offer a safe space for couples to reconnect
Building on the communication skills honed through the Gottman method, couples workshops offer a nurturing environment where you can reconnect with your partner. These workshops create a safe space, allowing you to explore the depths of your relationship without fear or judgment. With experienced facilitators guiding you, you'll discover how to foster emotional intimacy, build trust, and open up to vulnerability.
Imagine a setting where:
- You and your partner can engage in honest conversations without distractions, letting communication flow easily.
- Facilitators provide gentle guidance, ensuring that both of you feel heard and understood.
- Activities are designed to spark deeper connections, bringing back the warmth and affection that drew you together.
In this supportive atmosphere, couples therapy becomes less about solving problems and more about rediscovering each other. The exercises you'll participate in are crafted to enhance your bond and help you see your partner through fresh eyes. As you engage in these meaningful interactions, you'll find opportunities to rebuild trust and renew your commitment to one another. By embracing this journey, you're taking a significant step towards a more fulfilling and harmonious relationship.
Conflict resolution skills can prevent long-term relationship damage
When conflicts arise in a relationship, how you handle them can make all the difference. It's easy to let emotions take over, but harnessing conflict resolution skills can prevent long-term relationship damage. At Gottman Couples Workshops in Vancouver, you'll discover how to navigate disagreements with effective communication, fostering a deeper connection.
Facilitators guide you through strategies that emphasize understanding and empathy, allowing you to address issues without escalating tensions. By learning how to express your feelings and needs clearly, you create a foundation of trust and emotional intimacy. This approach not only resolves current conflicts but also strengthens your bond, ensuring both partners feel heard and valued.
Relationship therapy sessions at these workshops focus on building a toolkit you can rely on when challenges arise. You'll practice vulnerability, opening up about your emotions in a safe, supportive environment. This process is crucial for nurturing a long-term relationship, as it encourages both partners to engage openly and honestly.
Ultimately, by investing in these skills, you're paving the way for a healthier, more resilient partnership. You'll leave equipped with the confidence to face future conflicts together, reinforcing your commitment to each other.
Emotional intimacy requires vulnerability and trust
Maneuvering conflicts with effective communication sets the stage for fostering emotional intimacy in your relationship. When you open up to your partner, allowing yourself to be genuinely vulnerable, you build a foundation of trust. This vulnerability isn't always easy, but it's essential for a deep connection. At a couples workshop using the Gottman Method, you'll learn how to express your feelings and needs with honesty and courage.
Imagine:
- A couple sitting close, hands intertwined, sharing their dreams and fears in a safe space.
- A facilitator gently guiding you through exercises that strengthen your emotional bond.
- Partners smiling at each other with newfound understanding after a heartfelt exchange.
These moments are the heart of relationship therapy, where emotional intimacy blooms through trust and open communication. As you engage in this journey, you'll find that the Gottman Method couples therapy encourages you to listen actively, affirm each other's emotions, and nurture your connection. This approach helps you navigate the complexities of being truly open with your partner, fostering a relationship where vulnerability is met with acceptance and love. Letting your guard down becomes a shared experience, weaving a stronger, more intimate bond.
Facilitators guide couples to uncover hidden issues
During a Gottman Couples Workshop, skilled facilitators play a crucial role in helping you and your partner uncover hidden issues that may be affecting your relationship. These facilitators are trained to guide you through exercises designed to enhance communication and emotional intimacy. They create a safe space where both of you can explore underlying concerns that might not be immediately apparent. By fostering an environment of trust, they help you navigate sensitive topics with care and understanding.
As you engage in the workshop, facilitators encourage open dialogue between you and your partner, prompting you to express feelings that might have been left unspoken. Through carefully crafted activities, you'll begin to recognize patterns and behaviors that could be hindering your connection. This process not only brings hidden issues to light but also deepens your mutual understanding.
The facilitators' empathetic approach guarantees that both voices are heard and respected, fostering a sense of partnership and collaboration. As you work together to address these hidden issues, your relationship can transform, paving the way for a more fulfilling and connected future. The Gottman workshop empowers you to build a relationship rooted in understanding and emotional intimacy.
Misconception: Believing workshops are only for relationships in crisis
Many people mistakenly believe that Gottman Couples Workshops are only for relationships in crisis, but that couldn't be further from the truth. These educational workshops are designed for all couples looking to enhance their connection and foster relationship growth. Whether you're in a committed relationship that feels strong or you're maneuvering a few bumps, attending a couples workshop can be incredibly rewarding.
- Strengthen emotional intimacy: Learn how to deepen your bond and create lasting emotional connections.
- Enhance communication skills: Discover ways to practice effective communication, essential for understanding each other better.
- Improve conflict resolution: Gain tools to maneuver disagreements with grace and empathy.
Dr. John Gottman's approach emphasizes the importance of nurturing a healthy relationship through continuous learning and growth. A couples workshop provides a safe space to explore and develop these skills alongside your partner. It's not just about fixing problems—it's about building the foundation for a thriving, committed relationship.
Misconception: Assuming one workshop will fix all relationship issues
It's a common misconception that a single workshop will magically resolve every issue in a relationship. Attending a Gottman Couples Workshop is a powerful step toward enhancing your connection, but it's not an instant cure-all. Relationship therapy involves continuous effort, and a workshop is just the beginning of this journey. At a couples workshop, you'll gain tools for effective communication, conflict resolution, and embracing emotional vulnerability—core elements taught by Dr. Gottman.
However, it's vital to understand that transformation takes time, practice, and patience. During the workshop, facilitators will guide you in addressing relationship issues, but the real work begins after you leave. Incorporating what you've learned into daily life is key. The post-workshop follow-up is essential, as it helps reinforce new skills and guarantees ongoing progress.
Misconception: Thinking facilitators will "take sides" during exercises
A frequent worry among participants is that facilitators might "take sides" during exercises, but rest assured, their role is to support both partners equally. Facilitators at the Gottman Couples Workshop in Vancouver are trained to nurture a safe space for communication and vulnerability. Their focus is on fostering an environment where both partners feel heard and understood, paving the way for meaningful conflict resolution and renewed trust.
Imagine the workshop as a dance where:
- Each step emerges with guidance, ensuring both partners move in harmony.
- Every pause is a moment to breathe, reflect, and connect deeply with your partner.
- Every turn encourages a fresh perspective, revealing hidden strengths in your relationship.
This common misconception often arises from past experiences where you might have felt judged. However, facilitators remain neutral, acting as compassionate guides through the exercises. Their aim is to help couples discover healthier communication patterns and strengthen their bond. Remember, the workshop is a journey for both partners, not a battleground. Embrace the process with an open heart, and trust that the facilitators are there to support your shared journey towards deeper connection and understanding.
Misconception: Misjudging the depth of emotional vulnerability required
Some might underestimate just how much emotional vulnerability the Gottman Couples Workshop demands. Entering this couples workshop, it's essential to prepare your heart and mind to embrace the depth of emotional intimacy required. You're not just skimming the surface here; you're diving deep into your feelings and laying them bare. This level of openness is the foundation for building trust and improving communication.
Facilitators guide you through exercises that require honesty and courage. It's in these moments of vulnerability that the magic happens. By sharing your inner world with your partner, you pave the way for profound emotional connections. This isn't about exposing weaknesses; it's about creating a space where both of you feel seen and heard.
Through relationship therapy techniques, the Gottman workshop helps you tackle conflict resolution with empathy and understanding. It's not easy, but it's incredibly rewarding. When you allow yourself to be vulnerable, you also open the door to healing and growth. Trusting your partner with your deepest emotions can transform your relationship in ways you might not have imagined. Remember, it's through emotional vulnerability that true intimacy flourishes. Embrace it, and you'll find the experience deeply fulfilling.
Misconception: Overlooking the importance of post-workshop follow-up.
Don't underestimate the power of follow-up after attending the Gottman Couples Workshop. The transformative experience doesn't end when you leave the venue. Engaging in post-workshop follow-up is crucial for nurturing the seeds of growth planted during the sessions. It's not just about what you learn; it's about how you apply those lessons to foster lasting change.
Consider how consistent follow-up can deepen your connection:
- Reinforce communication skills: Regular practice guarantees that effective communication becomes second nature, making conflict resolution smoother.
- Enhance emotional intimacy: Continued effort allows you to explore and understand each other's emotional landscapes, building a deeper bond.
- Guarantee long-term impact: By integrating workshop principles into your daily life, you solidify the benefits of relationship therapy.
The couples workshop is a starting point, but relationship growth requires sustained effort. Follow-up sessions and exercises can help you and your partner stay on track, making the insights gained truly transformative. Don't let the momentum fade; instead, embrace ongoing engagement as a way to solidify your journey towards a more fulfilling partnership. By prioritizing follow-up, you're investing in a future where love thrives, and connection deepens.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Is the Gottman Couples Workshop in Vancouver?
Imagine a weekend that feels like a lifetime of love lessons! The Gottman Couples Workshop lasts two transformative days. You'll gain profound insights and support, rekindling intimacy and understanding with your partner. It's truly life-changing!
What Is the Cost of Attending the Workshop?
You're curious about the cost of attending, and it's understandable. Investing in your relationship is valuable. Prices can vary, so checking directly with the organizers guarantees accurate information. Remember, nurturing your bond is always worth the expense.
Are Meals or Accommodations Included in the Workshop Fee?
You might be wondering if meals or accommodations are part of the workshop fee. Unfortunately, they're not included. However, attending can still be a deeply enriching experience for you and your partner. It's a worthwhile investment.
Can Same-Sex Couples Participate in the Workshop?
Imagine Alex and Jamie, enthusiastic to strengthen their bond. Yes, you can join the workshop as a same-sex couple. The inclusive environment supports diverse relationships, ensuring everyone benefits from the transformative experience, deepening your connection and understanding.
Is There a Recommended Dress Code for the Workshop Sessions?
There's no strict dress code, but comfort is key. Wear what makes you feel at ease and open to connection. It's about focusing on your relationship, so choose attire that lets you focus on growth and understanding.
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Feeling stuck in negative patterns without knowing how to break free.
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Frustration from feeling unheard or misunderstood.
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Anxiety about the future of the relationship.
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Sadness over a perceived loss of closeness.
Every couple deserves the tools to build a loving and enduring relationship. At BestMarriages.ca, we understand the challenges couples face in maintaining a healthy relationship. With decades of experience and certifications in the Gottman Method, our expert facilitators empathize with your struggles and guide you through evidence-based solutions tailored to your unique needs.
[ Register Now for Our Upcoming Gottman Couples Workshop ]
5 Types of Clients We Serve With Our Gottman Couples Workshops
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Couples seeking to enhance emotional intimacy and trust.
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Partners struggling with unresolved conflicts or poor communication.
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Individuals committed to strengthening their long-term relationship or marriage.
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Engaged or newlywed couples looking to build a solid foundation.
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Couples in crisis who want to rebuild and restore their bond.
Our 3-Step Plan For Better Marriages
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Attend the Workshop: Register for our upcoming sessions and invest in a weekend that can transform your relationship.
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Learn Proven Techniques: Gain practical tools to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and rekindle emotional intimacy.
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Apply and Transform: Take your newfound skills home to strengthen and sustain your connection.
[ Register Now for Our Upcoming Gottman Couples Workshop ]
Benefits Of Working With BestMarriages Couples Workshops
Helping You Succeed:
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Enhanced communication and conflict resolution skills.
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A stronger emotional connection and intimacy.
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Renewed hope and excitement for the future of your relationship.
And Avoid Failure:
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Avoid falling into repetitive, destructive communication patterns.
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Prevent the emotional distance from growing further.
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Sidestep the regret of not seeking help when it’s needed most.
[ Register Now for Our Upcoming Gottman Couples Workshop ]
Top 5 Frequently Asked Questions
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Cost: How much does the Gottman Couples Workshop cost?
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The workshop costs are factored per couple, which includes materials and expert facilitation.
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Workshop registration fees are listed per couple, purchase ONE ticket per couple
- Option 1. = Early registration by April 12th, 2025 $899.00 plus taxes
- Option 2. = Standard registration $975.00 plus taxes
- Option 3. = Therapist registration $775.00 plus taxes.
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Comparisons: How does the Gottman Couples Workshop compare to other workshops?
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Unlike generic programs, this workshop is based on over 40 years of research and proven results from the Gottman Method.
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Reviews: What do others say about the workshop?
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“This workshop saved our marriage! The practical tools and insights were life-changing.” — Past Participant
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Problems: What problems does this workshop solve?
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It addresses miscommunication, conflict resolution, and lack of emotional intimacy.
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Best: Why is this the best choice for couples?
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It combines science-backed methods with compassionate guidance from certified therapists.
[ Register Now for Our Upcoming Gottman Couples Workshop ]
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Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront, BC
October 25th & 26th, 2026
8:30 am – 5:00 pm

Both Darren and Lawrence are Advanced Gottman Clinical Trainers for The Gottman Institute and regularly teach the Gottman Method Couples Therapy Levels 1, 2 and 3 to mental health professionals across Canada. They are part of the Gottman “Big Five” master trainers and present Gottman Workshops throughout all of Canada.
Darren shares how to make love last a lifetime.
What’s Getting in the Way?
Communication breakdowns, betrayal, emotional distance, or unresolved conflict are blocking connection and peace.
Communication Breakdowns
You can’t seem to talk without tension—or total shutdown.
Growing Emotional Distance
You love each other, but the closeness is gone. You’re drifting instead of growing.
Unresolved Conflicts and Fears
You worry small issues may become big problems—or already have.
Expert Guidance That Doesn’t Judge, Just Helps: You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to show up willing to learn. Our certified therapists are trained in the Gottman Method, one of the most respected and research-backed couples therapy models in the world. With over 40 years of combined experience, our team knows how to guide couples with clarity, compassion, and structure.
Your 3-Step Workshop Plan
Step 1: Choose a Workshop Date
If you see multiple workshop dates, select the Gottman Method workshop that suits your schedule.
Step 2: Register and Prepare
Sign up online and receive prep instructions to make the most of your experience.
Step 3: Attend and Reconnect
Join other couples in a safe, structured environment designed to help you reconnect, learn, and apply new tools immediately.

Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront, BC
April 25th & 26th, 2026
8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront, BC
October 25th & 26th, 2026
8:30 am – 5:00 pm
View Testimonials From Our Gottman Method Couples Therapy Workshops

View This Couple’s Big Takeaway From Our Workshop
View Reason Why This Couple Attended A Second Time
Discover This Couples’ Takeaway From Our Workshop
Couple Shares How This Workshop Compares To Others
Workshop Attendees Share Their Experiences
They ACTUALLY worked out a conflict in front of us!!
My husband and I attended this weekend’s workshop in Edmonton, and we are both overcome with emotions. We found ourselves having fun and giggling! We learned a lot of things that we can each use in our relationship- and we kind of can’t wait to disagree, so we can use our new skills!! We were extremely touched by Darren and LaVerna’s emotions when they ACTUALLY worked out a conflict in front of us!! Both of them ended up crying, and it was truly humbling to see therapists practice what they preach, not just tell us how, not just show us by acting, but by being REAL and talking about themselves and their experiences. I can honestly say that I was worried about the outcome of this weekend with my hubby, but I actually learned things about my husband that I NEVER knew in our 6 years together! I attribute this to the program, to Darren, Lawrence, and LaVerna, and also the comfortable environment that they created for us. I left feeling lighter, safer, and more confident in my relationship, and sad that the workshop was over! I can’t wait to do it again, and I am actually thinking of sending two couples I know who are getting married this summer some information and recommendations for this conference!! Thank you so much to all three who were there coaching us this weekend!!!
Nichole TooheyEdmonton ABKept our marriage together while also bringing the fun and romance back into it...
Letting you know that Stephen and I have renewed the friendship, the attraction, and the love in our marriage since our retreat with Best Marriages in Feb 09. Our marriage was going down a rocky road, with me lost in my career and he lost in his TV and fiction books. I really thought I needed a more motivated partner – little did I realize that I was not lending any balance to our relationship, and he was stonewalling and retreating into defense mode. We have made a conscious effort since the retreat to enjoy our 6-second kisses and to genuinely listen to one another. Another great habit we’ve both come to love is the Salsa card on the kitchen table each morning, as we alternate turns picking our choice. The Salsa cards have really helped us regain intimacy and affection in our relationship, and it’s always fun to see what our partner picks for us. I have pledged to take a full Sunday off to be with Steve and to shut down my office at 9 pm each night. He has pledged to watch less TV and to do things together during our “US” times. We have also chosen to be together twice a week to read aloud “Relationship/Love Books” together. And then we do the exercises at the end of the chapters together, and in the process, we learn more about one another’s feelings. Again, Darren and Lawrence, I truly enjoyed the retreat and want to thank you – your program is exactly what we needed to not only keep our marriage together but also to bring the fun and romance back into it. Thank you!
Workshop AttendeeLangley, BCOur marriage is now moving again in the right direction…
Everything about the whole program you delivered was perfect, your delivery was great, you guys gave many great examples, and the practice time was well appreciated. I could go on for quite some time but I think you get the point. I do have to say one more thing though, the end of the workshop was amazing, i did not expect to have such an emotional response, but I did and I am grateful. The outcome of all this is that our marriage is now moving again in the right direction, and I thank you. We thank you.
Workshop AttendeeSquamish, BCI feel a sense of peace about our marriage.
I felt like my spouse really listened to what I was feeling without getting defensive. I feel a sense of peace about our marriage.
Ricia AdairVancouver Island, BCLoved the exercises and the great package of materials
Loved the exercises and the great package of materials… easy to plan what we can use after the workshop!
Workshop AttendeeSurrey, BCWe both feel more committed than ever to improving our relationship.
We were able to identify and work through a gridlocked problem that was very challenging for us. We have not been able to deal with things and avoided conflict for so long. He was very emotional, but I think we started to dialogue that we will be able to continue long after the conference is over. We both feel more committed than ever to improving our relationship.
Workshop AttendeeVancouver, BCOne of the best workshops we’ve ever been to…
Thank you (to you & Darren) again for a great workshop. My husband and I said it was one of the best workshops we’ve ever been to (out of many personal and professional development courses).
Annie G.Vancouver, BCGave me effective tools to work with…
I was extremely pleased with this workshop. It gave me effective tools to work with and ways to look at things differently in my relationship. It was excellent, and I would highly recommend it to other couples.
Sharon O.Vancouver, BCBest I have seen (and I have been to many professional workshops)…
Both facilitators were amazing! Best I have seen done, and I have been to many professional workshops. Thank you so much as the concepts I was already familiar with were explained more clearly and fun.
Workshop AttendeeVancouver BCFacilitators were professional, gentle, caring, and humorous…
The facilitators were so professional, gentle, caring, and brought a humorous, sensitive touch to our relationship. They offered hope and tools to help us achieve a happy marriage, in our view. Thank you for everything. What a profound two days it has been. The re-commitment exercise at the end was a perfect way to end the day!
Workshop AttendeeVancouver, BC
What Will Change
Move from hurt, fear, and disconnection to clarity, connection, and confidence.
Stronger Connection Starts Here:
- Couples who complete our workshops often say:
- “We’re finally having real conversations again.”
- “We feel heard—and hopeful.”
- “This gave us tools we can actually use.”
- You’ll leave with skills to defuse conflict, express needs calmly, and deepen emotional connection—together.
Without Help, Things Tend to Spiral:
- Avoid emotional distance, painful patterns, or years of frustration. These workshops are designed to help you stop unhealthy cycles before they become your norm.
Top 5 Questions New Clients Ask Us
Workshop registration fees are listed per couple, purchase ONE ticket per couple
Option 1. = Early registration by April 4, 2026 $1075.00 plus taxes
Option 2. = Standard registration $1175.00 plus taxes
Option 3. = Therapist registration $975.00 plus taxes.
Please provide your phone # when asked below so we can provide further details!
Previous Attendees and/or Clients of Best Marriages:
If you have attended one of our ASL Workshops in the past, or if you are a current client of Best Marriages/Lighthouse Counselling you can register at a discounted rate! Call us at 604-539-5277 or e-mail us at info@bestmarriages.ca to register and receive your discount.
Alternate Method of Registration:
If you do not wish to register online, you may Register by Phone at 604-539-5277 and pay by VISA, Mastercard, American Express or E-Transfer.
Yes. Workshops condense 6+ weeks of therapy into 1–2 days of focused, research-based learning. Ideal for fast breakthroughs or those with limited time.
Many describe it as transformational:
“We left feeling closer than we have in years.”
“We left feeling closer than we have in years.”
“The best relationship investment we’ve ever made.”
Common issues include poor communication, frequent conflict, emotional withdrawal, and feeling misunderstood or stuck.
Couples who want to strengthen, repair, or enrich their connection. Especially effective for premarital, high-stress, or post-crisis support.
Gottman Method Couples Therapy Workshops FAQ
A Gottman Method workshop is a structured, research-based learning experience that teaches couples practical tools to improve communication, manage conflict, and strengthen emotional connection. Workshops are facilitated by trained therapists and are based on decades of relationship research, translating proven concepts—like Love Maps, the Four Horsemen, and repair strategies—into skills couples can use immediately.
About The Gottman Institute
The Gottman Institute, founded by Dr. John Gottman, applies leading-edge research on marriage stability in a practical, down-to-earth way. No other approach to couples education and therapy has relied on such intensive, detailed, and long-term scientific study of why marriages succeed or fail. Dr. John Gottman is a world renowned expert in relationships and marriages.

How Effective is it?
If your relationship is healthy, this workshop will give you insight and tools to make it even better. If your relationship is in distress, we can give you a road-map for repair.
That’s exactly why 94% of previous workshop attendees have reported positive results after attending this groundbreaking weekend session. Conflicts that once felt “gridlocked” are worked through successfully.

What Makes Us So Successful?
Our methods are backed by science. Our work is grounded in over 40 years of research with more than 3000 couples by the Gottman Institute.
Why wait until further damage has been done? Register today and take the first step to having a positive, healthy and passionate relationship.
What You Will Learn
In this relationship and marriage workshop, couples will learn how to:
– Foster respect, affection, and closeness
– Build and share a deeper connection with each other’s inner world
– Keep conflict discussions calm
– Break through and manage conflict grid-lock
– Strengthen and maintain the gains in your relationship
Register today to save your spot at our next exciting couples workshop and retreat!
What To Expect
After you complete our marriage and relationship workshop you’ll know how to foster romance and harmony as a couple. On day one you learn how to build closeness in your relationship and feelings of respect and affection.

On day two you begin to learn about managing conflict while communicating effectively. Through the use of anecdotes and role-play couples work privately to address real-life challenge.
There is no group work or public disclosure – so you feel comfortable every step of the way. Most couples find they become better friends then before they came because of the fun they experience working together to build a stronger bond.
Our Gottman Certified Therapists are there every step of the way to support attending couples one-on-one with exercises.

Proven Methods, Gottman Certified
An extension of the counselling provided in our offices, guidance is based on the teachings of Dr. John Gottman who developed his methods through more than 40 years of research and experience in counselling. Dr. Gottman has scientifically analyzed the habits of married couples and established a method of correcting the behavior that puts thousands of marriages on the rocks. His method helps couples focus on each other, on paying attention to the small day-to-day moments that, strung together, make up the heart and soul of any relationship. These relationship-enhancing skills are the heart of our couples workshops.
Not true. Many couples attend workshops proactively to strengthen their relationship, improve communication, or prevent small issues from becoming bigger problems.
Workshops are ideal for couples at many stages: engaged, newly married, long-term partners, or couples experiencing stress or disconnection. They’re especially helpful for couples who want practical tools, preventative support, or a focused reset—without committing to ongoing weekly therapy.
While workshops are held in a group setting, couples work primarily with each other. Exercises are designed to be private, reflective, and practical, allowing couples to apply tools directly to their own relationship.
A workshop isn’t “better” than therapy—it’s different. Workshops are educational and skills-focused, offering concentrated learning in one or two days. Therapy is individualized and ongoing. Many couples use workshops as a strong starting point, a supplement to therapy, or a refresher when they want faster momentum and shared language.

A weekend can be enough to create meaningful insight, skill-building, and momentum. Workshops are intentionally designed to deliver high-impact tools that couples can continue practicing long after the workshop ends.
In a weekend workshop, couples typically learn how to:
– Communicate more clearly and calmly
– Understand and interrupt negative conflict patterns
– Build emotional safety and connection
– Practice effective repair strategies
– Apply Gottman tools to real-life conversations
The focus is on learning, practicing, and applying skills together—not just listening to lectures.
Workshop Topics Include:
Five Basic Questions
1. How is your marriage/relationship doing?
2. What makes relationships change, for better or for worse?
3. If your marriage is in trouble, how can you turn it around?
4. If your marriage is doing well, how can you ensure that your relationship will continue to grow?
5. As your relationship improves, how can you make changes last?
Assess Your Marriage
– Learn to recognize the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse and what to do if they are attacking your marriage.
– Identify your relationship’s specific strengths and how to build on these.
– Learn about the effects of physiological flooding and how it may affect conflict resolution
– Learn small easy steps that increase romance in your relationship
Build A Solid Marital House
– Learn how Love Maps provide a solid foundation for your marital intimacy
– Use the Fondness & Admiration System to renew respect and care for one another
– Create an Emotional Bank Account that you can draw upon in times of stress
– Develop your problem-solving skills, including the four techniques of effective conflict resolution: Softened Start-Up, Accepting Influence, Repair Work and De-escalation
– Find out how you can make your dreams and aspirations come true for you, your partner, and your relationship
Workshops do not replace therapy. They complement it. Some couples attend workshops instead of therapy; others use them alongside or before starting therapy. Follow-up counselling is always an option if deeper or individualized support is needed.
Yes. Gottman Method workshops are grounded in research on what actually helps couples succeed. While workshops are not crisis therapy, many couples report meaningful improvements in communication, understanding, and emotional closeness—even when facing long-standing challenges.
Workshops are open to all committed couples—married, engaged, or long-term partners. The Gottman Method focuses on relationship dynamics, not marital status.
Couples who don’t live near a certified Gottman Therapist, can’t commit to weekly sessions, or need urgent support for infidelity, grief, or crisis benefit most from this model.

Who Would Not Be A Candidate?
Couples who have already determined to leave their relationship and cannot commit to the therapy process are unlikely to derive significant benefit from this process, and are therefore not candidates for this type of therapy.
What if there has been infidelity?
Have you experienced an affair in your relationship recently? Our workshops can help you both recover from the experience and move forward in a positive way.
But our workshops are much more than that. Not just for couples looking to repair their relationships, these workshops are also for couples who would like to strengthen their existing relationship, grow much closer and kick start the romance and passion they are both seeking.


At The Art & Science of Love Gottman couples and marriage workshop you get 2 full days of real-world information and easy exercises/tools that will help to reinforce and restore your love.
Counsellors Darren Wilk and Lawrence Stoyanowski of Best Marriages bring an unparalleled level of insight to their Couples and Marriage Workshops in Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon and Vancouver. Highly endorsed by the Gottman Institute, Darren and Lawrence have even traveled to Seattle to present their Couples Workshop.
Attend with confidence knowing that we have presented this Gottman couples workshop over 80 times with groups ranging in size between 30 to 50 couples. These workshops will sell out in some areas. Read the reviews
The Art & Science of Love is a workshop for every type of couple and has been shown to achieve results similar to 6 months of traditional marriage counselling. That’s because we equip you with a box of Gottman researched-based techniques, cards, tools and tips to help support a healthy relationship long after you return home from our retreats.
This workshop is guaranteed to not make you feel uncomfortable, be nerve-wracking or a waste of your time. Using humor and proven techniques we will help you strengthen your relationship regardless of where the two of you are at.
Different Personalities
Marriage workshops provided by Best Marriages address the personality differences affecting countless couples. People’s personalities change as they grow, which is often difficult for their partners to accept. Darren Wilk and Lawrence Stoyanowski help couples learn to cope with these changes. Methods of rekindling the intensity of spouses’ feelings for each other are also taught, to combat the loss of passion many couples experience.
Communication
Successfully conveying feelings is helpful. However, despite the most effective communication techniques, occasional arguments will arise. Our relationship workshops provide guidance in managing these conflicts as well as moving past the inevitable impasses on certain issues.
Couples also learn how to apologize to one another following their disputes while seeing each other through the various stages of forgiveness.
Fostering Healthy Relationships
Another unique aspect of these workshops revolves around making the small but vital connections necessary for a healthy relationship. Though most people are aware of such needs, they often do not understand how to reach out to their partner or what to make of those times when their needs are ignored. Wilk and Stoyanowski shed light on these issues. Lastly, attendees learn the importance of a shared system of values as well as how to create one.
Couples Therapy Intensives for Clients Across Canada and the U.S.
Canadian Cities We Serve
- Vancouver BC Couples Therapy Intensive
- Victoria BC Couples Therapy Intensive
- Kelowna BC Couples Therapy Intensive
- Surrey BC Couples Therapy Intensive
- Burnaby BC Couples Therapy Intensive
- Calgary AB Couples Therapy Intensive
- Edmonton AB Couples Therapy Intensive
- Red Deer AB Couples Therapy Intensive
- Lethbridge AB Couples Therapy Intensive
- Medicine Hat AB Couples Therapy Intensive
- Regina SK Couples Therapy Intensive
- Saskatoon SK Couples Therapy Intensive
- Moose Jaw SK Couples Therapy Intensive
- Prince Albert SK Couples Therapy Intensive
- Yorkton SK Couples Therapy Intensive
- Winnipeg MB Couples Therapy Intensive
- Brandon MB Couples Therapy Intensive
- Steinbach MB Couples Therapy Intensive
- Thompson MB Couples Therapy Intensive
- Portage la Prairie MB Couples Therapy Intensive
- Toronto ON Couples Therapy Intensive
- Ottawa ON Couples Therapy Intensive
- Mississauga ON Couples Therapy Intensive
- Brampton ON Couples Therapy Intensive
- Hamilton ON Couples Therapy Intensive
- London ON Couples Therapy Intensive
- Kitchener ON Couples Therapy Intensive
- Windsor ON Couples Therapy Intensive
- Sudbury ON Couples Therapy Intensive
- Thunder Bay ON Couples Therapy Intensive
- Montreal QC Couples Therapy Intensive
- Quebec City QC Couples Therapy Intensive
- Laval QC Couples Therapy Intensive
- Gatineau QC Couples Therapy Intensive
- Sherbrooke QC Couples Therapy Intensive
- Halifax NS Couples Therapy Intensive
- Sydney NS Couples Therapy Intensive
- Dartmouth NS Couples Therapy Intensive
- Truro NS Couples Therapy Intensive
- New Glasgow NS Couples Therapy Intensive
- St. John’s NL Couples Therapy Intensive
- Corner Brook NL Couples Therapy Intensive
- Gander NL Couples Therapy Intensive
- Mount Pearl NL Couples Therapy Intensive
- Clarenville NL Couples Therapy Intensive
- Moncton NB Couples Therapy Intensive
- Fredericton NB Couples Therapy Intensive
- Charlottetown PE Couples Therapy Intensive
- Whitehorse YT Couples Therapy Intensive
- Yellowknife NT Couples Therapy Intensive
U.S. Cities We Serve
- New York NY Couples Therapy Intensive
- Los Angeles CA Couples Therapy Intensive
- Chicago IL Couples Therapy Intensive
- Houston TX Couples Therapy Intensive
- Phoenix AZ Couples Therapy Intensive
- Philadelphia PA Couples Therapy Intensive
- San Antonio TX Couples Therapy Intensive
- San Diego CA Couples Therapy Intensive
- Dallas TX Couples Therapy Intensive
- San Jose CA Couples Therapy Intensive
- Austin TX Couples Therapy Intensive
- Jacksonville FL Couples Therapy Intensive
- Fort Worth TX Couples Therapy Intensive
- Columbus OH Couples Therapy Intensive
- Charlotte NC Couples Therapy Intensive
- San Francisco CA Couples Therapy Intensive
- Indianapolis IN Couples Therapy Intensive
- Seattle WA Couples Therapy Intensive
- Denver CO Couples Therapy Intensive
- Washington DC Couples Therapy Intensive
- Boston MA Couples Therapy Intensive
- El Paso TX Couples Therapy Intensive
- Nashville TN Couples Therapy Intensive
- Detroit MI Couples Therapy Intensive
- Oklahoma City OK Couples Therapy Intensive
- Portland OR Couples Therapy Intensive
- Las Vegas NV Couples Therapy Intensive
- Memphis TN Couples Therapy Intensive
- Louisville KY Couples Therapy Intensive
- Baltimore MD Couples Therapy Intensive
- Milwaukee WI Couples Therapy Intensive
- Albuquerque NM Couples Therapy Intensive
- Tucson AZ Couples Therapy Intensive
- Fresno CA Couples Therapy Intensive
- Mesa AZ Couples Therapy Intensive
- Sacramento CA Couples Therapy Intensive
- Atlanta GA Couples Therapy Intensive
- Kansas City MO Couples Therapy Intensive
- Colorado Springs CO Couples Therapy Intensive
- Miami FL Couples Therapy Intensive
- Raleigh NC Couples Therapy Intensive
- Omaha NE Couples Therapy Intensive
- Long Beach CA Couples Therapy Intensive
- Virginia Beach VA Couples Therapy Intensive
- Oakland CA Couples Therapy Intensive
- Minneapolis MN Couples Therapy Intensive
- Tulsa OK Couples Therapy Intensive
- Arlington TX Couples Therapy Intensive
- Tampa FL Couples Therapy Intensive
- New Orleans LA Couples Therapy Intensive
Yes we do. Details here: Events – Best Marriages
Workshop Information
| Weekend Schedule: Saturday: 8:30AM–5:00PM (registration at 8:10 AM) Sunday: 8:30AM–5:00PM |
Cancellation Policy: If cancellation is made on or before the Early Registration Cutoff Date, a full refund less a $100.00 processing fee will be given. After the cut-off date, registration fees become a credit for a future workshops within one year.
Cost Per Couple:
- Early Registration $1075.00 plus GST
- Standard Registration: $1175.00 plus GST
- Therapist Registration: $975.00 plus GST
- Excludes hotel booking
- LIMITED SEATS.
Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront, BC
April 25th & 26th, 2026
8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront, BC
October 25th & 26th, 2026
8:30 am – 5:00 pm
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Read Testimonials From Our Couples Workshops
Find out what couples say about the Art & Science of Love Couples and Marriage Workshop.
