Frequently Asked Questions About the Video Workshop for Couples

Q. Will this workshop be useful to us even if we aren’t married?
A. Yes! Many unmarried, cohabiting and engaged couples attend our workshops and use our videotapes.

Q. Is this DVD/video workshop appropriate for us if we don’t have any really huge problems?
A. Yes! Couples who attend our workshops or use our videos tend to fall into two categories: enhancement and repair. We applaud couples who are wise enough to attend the workshop for enhancement purposes. In either case, the feedback we have received is that the workshop has been beneficial.  

Q.  I was considering coming to Seattle to attend the couples’ workshop. Now that the video is available, should I just stay home and buy the video instead?                     A. We encourage couples to attend the workshop when possible. The “live” workshop offers the benefit of Certified Gottman Therapists* available to help you through the different exercises. Many couples find this help invaluable. It is also a wonderful weekend away for many couples, who don’t usually have the time to focus on their relationship because of work and household commitments. However, we recognize that not everyone is able to attend the workshop and we offer the video for these couples. If you still aren’t certain whether or not attending the workshop or buying the video is right for you, please contact us and an intake specialist will be glad to discuss your particular situation with you.

Q. Are there any couples that the DVD/video is NOT appropriate for?                                                                                     A. If you or a family member are experiencing personal or family problems such as physical or sexual abuse, active alcoholism or drug addiction, child abuse, mental illness, or serious depression, especially if suicide is a concern, we urge you to seek professional treatment immediately, and only consider using this video and manual with the consultation and support of a trained mental health professional.

Q. My partner is not interested in doing therapy or attending a workshop. Could this DVD/video series be useful for me to watch alone?    
A. Although there is a great deal of useful information regarding relationships contained in the workshop, the workshop is meant to be experienced as a couple. The exercises are for couples to do together. We strongly recommend that you view the DVD/video with your partner at a time and place where you won’t be distracted by anything or anyone and can just spend time together.

Q. How long is the DVD/video workshop?
A. It takes approximately 12 hours to complete the entire workshop. There are four tapes/DVD, divided into six parts, with each section ranging from 45 minutes to 3 hours. We suggest that you plan ahead and allot adequate time to complete at least one full section at a time.

Q. My partner and I have already read The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work. Is this workshop going to teach us anything new?                                                               A. Many of the couples who attend our couples workshop in Seattle have already read Dr. Gottman’s best-selling book, The Seven Principles of Making Marriage Work. Although the workshop is based on many of the same principles found in the book, it goes far beyond in exploring how the principles can be applied to your relationship.

*Certified Gottman Therapists are all licensed or certified therapists who practice independently in their state, province, or country. Each has been specifically trained by Drs. John and Julie Gottman to provide Gottman Method Couples Therapy.