Ready to boost your relationship in one day?

Marriage Retreat California

The Seven Principles Workshop for Couples is an in-person relationship and marriage workshop based on the internationally acclaimed research of Dr. John Gottman, which was presented in his New York Times bestselling book, The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work. This educational workshop has been offered across the US and internationally and has strengthened the relationships of tens of thousands of couples. It’s specifically designed to help couples improve their friendship and learn powerful communication and conflict management skills.

The workshop is led by Anna McDonald, LCSW who is a level 3 trained Gottman Therapist. The workshop includes lectures, demonstrations, videos, and private couples exercises. The activities are fun, insightful, and informative. Participants will not share their personal problems in front of others but instead will learn and practice new tools for communication and connection.

Appropriate couples for the workshop are:

  • Pre-engaged

  • Premarital

  • Everyone from newlyweds to seniors

  • Those who wish to enhance a good marriage

  • Those needing better conflict management tools

Couples this workshop is not suited for are people experiencing:

  • Severe relationship distress

  • Emotional abuse

  • Domestic violence

  • Active addictions (alcohol, drugs, sexual, gambling, etc.)

  • Serious mental health problems in one or both partners

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How long is the intensive?

    • The intensive will be 6 hours with a half-hour break midday.

  • What is included in my registration fee?

    • Two workbooks, light refreshments, and a day of learning research-based communication and relationship-building techniques will be included in your registration fee.

  • Do my partner and I have to share personal information with others in the intensive?

    • Absolutely not. This is not a therapeutic intensive where we dig into the nitty-gritty of the relationship, but instead a psychoeducational intensive. All the personal things can and should remain personal during this intensive.

  • Is lunch included?

    • Lunch is not included but you will be provided with a 1 hour break to grab a bite between the morning and afternoon session.