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Events Schedule |
Evening SeminarsThursdays 6:30 - 8:00 PM unless otherwise notedAdvance registration required for limited seating. Evening seminars are $25.00 per person or $40.00 per couple.These are introductory programs offering you an overview and valuable tips for practice at home. |
To register for any of the seminars or workshops, please call (608) 848-8000 or mail the registration form |
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January 26: “Anxiety, Trauma and Intimacy: Collaboration and Treatment” Presenter: Don Ferguson, Ph.D. We discuss the impact of anxiety and trauma (defined as any event which drastically alters your view of yourself or your safety) on relationships and how couples affected by anxiety or trauma can best support each other.
February 16: “Going All the Way: Intimacy, Sex and Pleasure” Presenter: Martha Kauppi, M.S. Continue the Valentine’s celebration by exploring physical intimacy. We will look at the basic information and also some of the common myths and misinformation which can cause so much pain and disappointment. Most of all, we will explore the paths to richer, more fulfilling intimacy.
March 1: “It’s Not the Money: Mastering the Financial Discussion” Presenter: Don Ferguson, Ph.D. When someone says, “it’s not about the money”, one usually supposes that it is indeed about money. However, when couples struggle over finances they are often not talking about the business of money at all. We will focus on bringing you back to the discussion of the critical elements of your financial situation including underlying emotional issues and values.
March 22: “High-stress, High-demand Couples: Travel and Other Challenges” Presenter: Don Ferguson, Ph.D. Highly skilled, intelligent and caring people still struggle with their relationships when overwhelmed by professional demands as well as other pressures. We will outline a process of insuring that you work together as allies.
April 19: “Your Culture and Your Relationships: Using Family History to Understand Your Relationship” Presenter: Don Ferguson, Ph.D. Would you like to understand more about how your and your partner’s cultural background and upbringing impacts on your relationship? This is not about blaming the family or diagnosing each other but about developing a discussion between you.
May 10: “Novelty, Memory, Long Life and a Great Marriage: Here’s the Connection” Presenter: Don Ferguson, Ph.D. Novelty and the building of memories actually make life seem longer, as well as richer. We will discuss how novel experiences affect your brain and increase intimacy.
June 7: “Transitions: The Secrets of Successful Empty Nesters and Retiring Couples” Presenter: Don Ferguson, Ph.D. Many of us are surprised at our responses to major turning points in our relationships, such as the last child leaving home, a change in job status, or retirement. We discuss these changes and specific steps couples can take to insure that they are preparing together. |
Weekend WorkshopsWorkshops run Friday 6:30 - 9:00 PM and Saturday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. ($275 per couple)Includes snacks, dessert, continental breakfast, beverages and workbook for each partner.Please call to register (608-848-8000) |
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January 27 & 28: “Preparing for a Great Relationship” (Pre-marital/pre-commitment/early relationship) Presenter: Don Ferguson, Ph.D. We will focus on the behaviors and skills that successful couples use to maintain their affection and romance throughout years of happy marriage. You will learn practices that will help you keep your friendship lively. Includes: · Myths about marriage—Some things no one tells you · What works in successful marriages · “What about children?” and other questions you need to discuss · Planning for the ups and downs of a great relationship · How do you “affair-proof” a marriage?
February 24 & 25: “The Couples Workshop” Presenter: Don Ferguson, Ph.D. Couples will have greater understanding of themselves and each other and learn permanently usable, practical relationship tools. These skills will also be applicable in other relationships such as at work or with friends. The content of this workshop will be similar to that of the Couples College. Includes: · Your brain and your love life · Overview of communication problems due to stress · Specific steps towards improved, respectful communications with your partner · Practice for a lifetime of growing your relationship
March 16 & 17: “Mindfulness for Couples” Presenters: John Weaver, Psy.D. and Don Ferguson, Ph.D. A critical and natural step for couples attempting to decrease tension and increase their connectedness is to use mindfulness skills. Dr. Weaver will provide an overview of mindfulness and we will work together to apply these skills to typical relationship issues. Includes: · Principles of mindfulness · Introduction to brain responses during stressful communications · Mindful responses to your partner · Mindfulness practices for couples during good times and bad
April 20 & 21: “Preparing for a Great Relationship” (Pre-marital/pre-commitment/early relationship) Presenter: Don Ferguson, Ph.D. (See Description Above)
May 25 & 26: “The Couples Workshop” Presenter: Don Ferguson, Ph.D. (See Description Above) |
Couples College |
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This is a six week program which will provide you with the basic tools for building and increasing your intimacy, or making repairs in your relationship. Each partner receives a workbook and will be asked to do some projects together between sessions. This practice will help you communicate in new ways and explore new aspects of your relationship and each other. These classes will be from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. ($240 per couple)
Session 1 --- Mondays: January 23, 30; February 6, 13, 20 and 27 Session 2 --- Tuesdays: March 13, 20, 27; April 3, 10 and 17 (If spring break schedules interfere for participants we may skip a session and extend by one week.)
Limited seating—Advance registration required. They are taught in a classroom setting but are kept at a relatively small group for maximum learning and interaction. |
