Workshops & Retreats

Strengthen Your Relationship with The Gottman Seven Principles Workshop

Backed by 40+ years of research, this workshop helps couples build love that lasts. This workshop introduces couples to practical skills that:

  • Strengthen friendship and intimacy

  • Manage conflict constructively

  • Build a shared life of meaning

HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS ARE THE HEART OF HEALTHY FAMILIES, COMMUNITIES, AND LIVES.

Bring the Power of Research-Based Relationship Tools to Your Community

Businesses, faith-based groups/churches, and community organizations can host The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work workshop or retreat to support the couples in their network. Based on over 40 years of research by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, this engaging and interactive program equips couples with practical tools to improve communication, deepen connection, and resolve conflict in healthy, productive ways.

Workshops can be customized for:

✓ Corporate or employee wellness programs

✓ Marriage ministries

✓ Community enrichment events

✓ Retreat weekends

✓ Premarital support groups

✓ Military or First Responder Couples

✓ New Parents

✓Empty Nesters

Format & Duration options:

✓ 2-Day Weekend Retreat (most immersive, ideal for churches or destination events)

✓ 1-Day Intensive (perfect for working couples or corporate wellness)

✓ 4-Hour Half-Day Workshop (Best for: Couples new to Gottman tools or looking for a refresher. Great for date nights, premarital events, or enrichment sessions)

✓ Weekly Series (8-week sessions/1.5-2 hours—great for ongoing support groups, for businesses or busy professionals. Ideal for couples who prefer to learn gradually and apply tools over time)

✓ Virtual/Hybrid Format Options (for remote or geographically diverse participants)

Overview of the Seven Principles

Enhance Your Love Maps

Deepen your knowledge of your partner’s inner world.

Nurture Your Fondness and Admiration

Strengthen the foundation of appreciation and respect.

Turn Toward Instead of Away

Learn how small everyday moments of connection build lasting intimacy.

Let Your Partner Influence You

Foster teamwork, mutual respect, and shared decision-making

Create Shared Meaning

Build a deeper sense of purpose and direction in your relationship.

Solve Your Solvable Problems

Gain tools to manage conflict constructively and respectfully.

Overcome Gridlock

Address perpetual issues with empathy and understanding.

I’m Melissa Fuller.

As a Gottman Seven Principles Leader, I am trained to deliver this workshop using the proven methods developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman—renowned relationship researchers with over 40 years of groundbreaking work in what makes love last.

With a background in counseling, pastoral care, and as a licensed mental health counselor, speaker, and trainer, I bring both professional insight and a deep personal passion for helping couples grow stronger, healthier, and more connected. My approach is warm, inclusive, and grounded in evidence-based tools that truly work.

I believe every couple deserves support, no matter where they are in their journey—whether dating, engaged, or married for decades. I create a safe, supportive space for couples to learn, grow, and reconnect without judgment or pressure to share personal issues publicly.

Helping couples rediscover joy, improve communication, and build lasting love is not just my work—it’s my calling.

I’m available for speaking, workshops, and retreats across CO & nationwide.

What to Expect During the Workshop or Retreat

Teaching segments

Each principle is introduced through engaging lecture-style content and examples.

Materials provided

Each couple receives a complete set of workshop materials, including:

  • The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work Couple’s Guide Set

  • Gottman Love Maps and Open-Ended Questions Card Decks

  • Bonus handouts and tools for continued practice at home

  • Access to optional follow-up support sessions or coaching (if offered)

Private couple exercises

You'll apply the concepts in real time with your partner—no group sharing or disclosure is required.

What couples will walk away with

By the end of the workshop, couples will walk away with:

  • A deeper understanding of one another’s inner worlds

  • Tools to improve communication and reduce conflict

  • Strategies to increase intimacy, appreciation, and connection

  • A personalized action plan to continue building a healthy, lasting relationship

  • Renewed hope, clarity, and confidence in navigating life's challenges—together

Group atmosphere, private focus

While you're learning in a group setting, your work stays between you and your partner. This keeps the environment comfortable, safe, and low-pressure.

Faith-Based Groups (e.g., Churches)

  • Integrate faith and values alongside Gottman content (while staying within the boundaries of educational delivery, not therapy)

  • Add prayer, devotional time, or spiritual reflection

  • Use scripture-aligned themes to frame principles (e.g., love, patience, forgiveness)

  • Optional: Hosted in a church setting or as part of a marriage retreat or as an away retreat

Frequently Asked Questions

  • No. This is an educational workshop based on research, not therapy. It teaches practical tools and strategies, but it does not involve diagnosing or treating mental health issues.

  • Not at all. All exercises are done privately between you and your partner. There’s no group sharing or pressure to disclose personal information.

  • Unfortunately, no. This workshop is designed for couples to attend together and participate in private partner exercises. Both partners need to be present to get the full benefit.

  • This workshop is not intended for couples in significant distress, abuse, or active crisis. In those cases, working with a licensed therapist is recommended before or alongside attending. I’m happy to consult with you about the counseling services I provide.

  • No. All key content from The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work is covered in the workshop. Reading the book can enhance your experience, but it's not required.

Get in touch

Interested in booking me for an upcoming workshop or retreat?

Please reach out using this form. I will respond within 2 business days, ensuring that The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work align with your request and discussing next steps, including pricing and logistics.