A Weekend Workshop for Couples 

A Gottman Method Workshop, presented by Michael McNulty, Ph.D., Joy Allen, LCSW, MDiv, and Tom Ryan, MS, LCPC. 

Mike and Joy are pleased to present the original Gottman workshop, The Art and Science of Love. This workshop is based on the scientific findings of John Gottman, Ph.D. who has studied over 3000 couples in the past three decades to discover what makes couples stable and happy.  They are both licensed clinicians who have over 40 years of clinical experience between them. They have been personally trained and certified by the Gottmans. For why this matters, click: www.gottman.com/privatetherapy

Who Should Attend:
Stable couples who wish to gain insight into what they are doing right and what they can do to make their relationship even better, and distressed couples who want a road map for repair. Couples experiencing physical abuse or battering may not be appropriate for this workshop; please inquire. This workshop is psycho-educational and is not meant to be therapy.

What You’ll Learn:
* What John Gottman has gleaned from the 'Masters of Marriage' on making marriage strong 
* How to foster respect, friendship and closeness 
* How to build and share a deeper connection with one other 
* How to keep conflict discussions calm 
* The tools for managing differences 
* How to maintain the strengths in your relationship over time

Workshop Format:
The format is lecture, interspersed with fifteen exercises developed to teach the various tools described.  Each member of the couple is given a manual containing all of the information discussed.  There are nine exercises on Day One and six on Day Two.  There is no public disclosure or group work. Couples will have acoustical privacy as they participate in each exercise.  Assistance from the clinical staff is available to help them complete practice exercises.

Workshop Information:

May 22 & 23, 2010
November 13  & 14, 2010
8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Saturday registration check-in 8:00 am 

Workshop Location: 

Oakton Community College
Business Institute
1600 East Golf Road
Des Plaines, IL 60016

CLICK HERE for a brochure 
CLICK HERE for a list of hotels, which offer discounts for people attending programs at Oakton Community College Business Center and/or shuttle bus service from O'Hare Airport to and from the hotel, and from the hotel to and from Oakton Community College.

Presented by Joy Allen, LCSW, MDiv, Mike McNulty, PhD, LCSW, &
Tom Ryan, MS, LCPC 
Location: Oakton Community College, Business Institute, 1600 East Golf Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016.

Prior to making a reservation, please confirm with the hotel to ensure that discounts and shuttle services are still offered. Please also check schedules to determine whether shuttle stops coincide with conference start and end times. (Saturday, 8 AM and 5 PM, and Sunday, 8:30 AM and 5 PM.)

From time to time, scheduled presenters may need to be changed due to emergencies or scheduling conflicts.  Chicago's Best Couples Workshop, LLC, reserves the right to make such changes.  Substituting presenters will also be Certified Gottman Workshop Leaders.

Cost of Workshop:
Early Bird 1* (45 days prior to each workshop): $500.00 
Early Bird 2 (30 days prior to each workshop): $550.00 
Full Fee:  $600. 
*Mental Health Professionals’ rate is $500, regardless of when they register. 
Please note:   lunch and parking are not included.

Cancellation policy:
If cancellation is made more than three weeks prior to the workshop date, a full refund minus a $50 processing fee will be given.  If a cancellation occurs within three weeks of the workshop date, your registration will be converted to a credit, good for a full two years, to attend future workshops sponsored by our organization.

Insurance Coverage:
Some couples have asked if their insurance would cover the cost of the workshop. It is unusual for insurance companies to pay for marriage workshops.  Couples should consult their insurance provider for more information. There are no insurance codes for couples workshops.  All couples must pay for the workshop in advance.

Registration: 
Please do the following:

CLICK HERE to download a PDF of the registration form. Please print it, fill it out and fax it or snail mail it to us. The address and fax number are on the form. Please include a check or money order with your registration form.

If you'd like to pay electronically using PayPal instead, CLICK HERE. We will still need the registration form filled out but paying now using PayPal will secure a spot for you in the workshop immediately. Call us if you have any questions at: 847-328-0106.

Discounts for Mental Health Professionals and their partners may be available. Please call Michael McNulty at 847-328-0106