The GTLYW workshop is an intensive (though fun) workshop which takes up most of one full weekend. It is often considered equivalent to 3-6 months of regular couples’ therapy. Couples learn new and effective communication tools, and discover at a deeper level why conflict and disconnect occur and what to do about it. During this workshop the facilitators do not spend time with each couple helping them to navigate the uniqueness of their situation. The amount of information shared in the workshop cannot easily be offered in private therapy. In addition there is a profound positive impact which occurs through meeting other couples and understanding the universality of the challenges of being in a committed partnership.

Couples’ therapy can precede the workshop, come after the workshop (or neither or both). IMAGO therapy allows a couple to work privately with a certified IMAGO therapist in order to deepen their understanding of their unique dynamic and relationship. The therapist acts as a facilitator to support the couple in meaningful dialogue to ‘unpack’ their stories, and increase their compassion, understanding and empathy for one another. Typically couples therapy occurs over a period of time…weeks, months and sometimes even years.

The workshop is not a group therapy experience. While there is lots of evidence to support the value of group work, sharing of intimate information is not required. You will have the opportunity to share how you met, along with some of the positives about your connection. Participants regularly note that while they were anxious in anticipation of a ‘group’ experience, the value of learning alongside others far outweighed these concerns.

Many people discover the workshop after having read the book, ‘Getting the love You Want’ written by Harville Hendrix & Helen Lakelly-Hunt. However most people have not read their work, nor is this necessary. The workshop distills the information from the book in a way that makes it easily accessible to all.

Please refer to the website workshop page to see the current fee of the workshop as it does vary. Typically it is around $900.00 CAD per couple which includes a workbook for each person.

Possibly! If you are covered for services by an MSW, RSW (registered Master of Social Work), then receipts can be issued as ‘couples’ counselling’. Alternatively, a receipt can be issued as communications consulting for participants who own their own businesses. Finally, social workers are designated health care professionals, and as such all counselling receipts can be submitted in Canada as health care receipts for tax filing purposes.

Yes! We have known couples who have done this workshop many times together. Tim and Anna have done it a few times together as participants (not to mention running it dozens of times). There is something new to learn every time. In addition, our relationships change and evolve over time, so the material will feel new to you each time as you deepen your understanding and connection with one another.

Absolutely. Each relationship is unique. Two people, with two different backgrounds and stories means that the material will feel new and relevant for your new relationship. And you will learn more about yourself individually as well.

Some workshop presenters do offer same sex specific workshops. While Anna & Tim originally intended to do this, they have received feedback that all couples, regardless of orientation, identity and relationship partner, have felt welcome at their workshops. If you do wish to participate in a same sex specific workshop, you can visit Imago Relationships North America and search for these. There are some wonderful presenters offering these workshops listed there.

The short answer is “any stage at all”. The longer answer is that depending on the stage of relationship you are in, you will likely absorb or relate to some parts of the material more than others. This workshop is designed to walk you through the various stages of relationship in order that you can understand where you are, and how to become increasingly relationally competent! So, whether you are six months into a relationship or have been together for 40+ years, you are welcome and will experience benefits.

Definitely! One of the components of this workshop is learning the skill of dialogue. Dialogue allows for deeper and more productive communication. All committed relationships require the fundamental and often ignored skills of communication. You will leave this workshop understanding what has drawn you together, and how to navigate a healthy relationship moving forward. Having excellent communication skills will serve you well as you pursue a healthy and respectful life long love together.

We recognize that there is often one partner who is more keen than the other. We also know that as long as one person in a relationship is experiencing challenges, these need to be addressed. Often the reluctance to attend a workshop has to do with worry about privacy, and the anxiety about being in a ‘group’ setting. You will not have to share any of your relationship details in this workshop. This is a confidential and safe setting. Consider conveying to your partner that you have their back, that you won’t reveal anything that they do not want you to and that you will work privately in your own ‘coupleship’ unless, together, you agree that you do want to share something. Learning in a group setting is one of the most powerful ways to grow. It is wonderful to note the way in which the shared experience of participating in a group workshop helps others to feel ‘normal’ in their struggles, worries, patterns of behaviour etc…

People of all ages are welcome and find the workshop helpful in their relationships. We have had participants in their early 20s and in their 70s attending and all find the workshop welcoming and beneficial.

This workshop is not religious in any way. The most spiritual piece of the workshop is the inherent understanding that we are all connected. Having said this, the workshop is also very compatible with any religious background. We are after all, all connected. There is no religious denial nor is there any religious discussion. This workshop is about how the two of you can work to connect within whichever belief system you hold, and in fact creates the safety within your coupleship to discuss similarities and differences in your beliefs.