.
Gay Couples Workshop Class "Relation Renovation" - San Francisco CA ..

Gay Couples Institute: Creating Healthy Gay and Lesbian Partnerships... One Family At A Time

Frequent Questions and Comments:

"Why are you offering a workshop?" Honestly, research is showing that not all couples need counseling; many experience relationship improvement by learning new tools. What better way to learn some new techniques than a one-day class designed specifically for same-sex relationships?
"My partner doesn't believe in counseling." This is really important: There is one couples method in existence with a proven success rate. We'll be teaching these research-based principles to you at the workshop. These tools actually work. Our workshop is based on a method that heterosexual couples have benefited from for years and we’re excited to bring it to the gay community.
"I feel uncomfortable in a group setting, talking about our problems." This is a common concern. It is important to remember that at this workshop, you don't have to participate with the other couples there. It is structured like a classroom, where we teach you the tools and demonstrate how to use them. You then break off with your partner and practice privately while we come around and answer any questions you may have. In addition, at this workshop, everyone there is in the same boat and no one will be judging you. Everyone is there to learn.
"Will I see someone I know?" About 50% of our couples fly in from all over the world for these workshops, and there are an estimated 11,000 gay people in San Francisco alone, so anonymity has never been an issue for anyone to date.
"We need more than just a workshop." All the more reason to attend. One benefit of the workshop is that you can schedule some individual time with one of the workshop presenters. Most couples who fly in from elsewhere do this. If you register 1 month prior to the workshop date, we offer 30% off your individual session time with the workshop presenters.
"Can I Start Using This Right Away?" You'll get two manuals to take home with you, handouts, and multiple opportunities to practice everything before the day is finished.
"We're already in couples therapy. Do we need a workshop?" Whether you need the workshop is up to you, but we consistently find that couples who participate in a workshop often need less individual counseling than those who do not attend a workshop.

Workshop Testimonials and Feedback:

"This was a great foundation-strengthening workshop. The facilitators were relaxed, animated, and enthusiastic. If anything, I wish we had even more time to cover more tools." (10/19/08 workshop)
"It was nice to be reminded to continue to do the things that make our relationship successful. This is a very good place for a couple to start working on their relationship, particularly if they're leery of 'counseling'. We were very appreciative of the gay-specific content and language - thank you for your work!!" (2/22/09 workshop)
"We got a lot out of the conflict-resolution methodology. We used it to work through current, actual issues we're having, and made real progress during the workshop." (2/22/09 workshop)
"Your approach is open and allows for safe reflection. We found it clear and concise, and think it could improve any relationship." (2/22/09 workshop)
"This was good 'ground work' for us, and a place to open up a larger conversation about relationships. It was helpful and surprisingly informative for such a quick and short day." (2/22/09 workshop)
"We got a lot out of the speaker/listener exercise, learning to compromise, and other conflict management exercises. Nicely done! Glad we came!" (2/7/09 workshop)
"We really loved the exercises about friendship-building. This workshop gave a holistic view of the approach, addressing all of the key trouble spots a relationship encounters." (2/7/09 workshop)
"Whatever the quality of your relationship or where you are, good or bad, be willing to invest a day - it might pay dividends for a happy lifetime." (5/17/09 workshop)
"This was great 'nuts and bolts' basic techniques to really improve communication and handle conflict. Thanks!" (5/17/09 workshop)
"The facilitators were friendly and approachable. Genuinely seemed to want to help attendees and make sure there was value in what was being learned. It was a great opportunity to explore the work we needed to do." (5/17/09 workshop)
"This was not only helpful for existing problems, but also to head off impending issues. It was definitely more than I expected." (7/19/09 workshop)
"Really solid content and presentation! The content and time was well used and provided a lot of great insights in approaching a relationship, keeping a dialogue open with your partner. These are skills that take a lot of focus to maintain so having a forum to dedicate the time is helpful." (7/19/09 workshop)
"I think this would be helpful to many couples (gay or straight), and many types of relationships (not just intimate) but friendships, work relationships, etc. It was a lot of info but very helpful. I feel like I will really return to the manual for reference/study." (7/19/09 workshop)
"The exercises were great and this was good practice for preparing you in handling your relationship better going forward. This will affect the way you handle certain situations that otherwise may have turned confrontational." (7/19/09 workshop)
"This really helps to shift thinking and reconcile 'bad' habits. You should have an advanced workshop, to refresh and enhance learning and experiences." (7/19/09 workshop)
"Would I recommend this to my family/friends? HELL YES. Couples lack these skills and would greatly benefit. Excellent. Thank you." (7/19/09 workshop)
"I feel this would really help save some relationships or rekindle ones that are dull. I highly recommend it. I thought the flashcards you gave us were great. The booklet/manual is a great tool to take home for us to practice with. The facilitators were great." (7/19/09 workshop)
"For us this was a big step to take toward real growth of a relationship. This was a great starting tool." (7/19/09 workshop)
"From long-term to short-term, key components to getting through the tough stuff. We're going to go through it again to reinforce the great teachings. The book was easy to use and reference while moving to next steps." (7/19/09 workshop
"I think a lot of friends have issues dealing with conflict successfully - these tools could seriously help bring about resolution in a timely manner. This was a great workshop. Thank you SO much. We should have visited a year ago!" (7/19/09 workshop)
"This was a very good use of a Sunday. learning about myself + partner is an immeasurable benefit" (9/20/09 workshop)
"This workshop opened the door for us towards better communication and improving our relationship as a gay couple." (9/20/09 workshop)
"As we learned, there are some very simple common sense things we can do to improve our communications and understanding, but it takes just a bit more thought and effort. Alapaki and Salvatore helped us rekindle a healthy curiosity about our relationship. I'm excited about applying what we learned." (9/20/09 workshop)
"Liked the easy, soft spoken approach of the facilitators. Workbook was great - a valuable keepsake and reference manual." (11/8/09 workshop)
"The facilitators were inspiring, engaged, and kept an upbeat environment. This was especially helpful for us, given that we were in a challenging place. The tools for managing conflict can be applied to any relationship." (11/8/09 workshop)
"The material and exercises were easy to understand and fun to do." (11/8/09 workshop)
"The cost was accessible and the workshop was very useful. We were happy about everything today. Great job!" (11/8/09 workshop)
"My girlfriend and I came to one of your workshops in Feb. The knowledge we gained was amazing and has completely changed us....When we came to see you guys we were living separate. I had graduated college and went to work after years of being home and this change was difficult for us. In addition we were struggling with parenting ideas...Things got much better between us after your workshop. She has since moved back and we are buying our first home. All in all things have greatly improved and we are happy we made it through our tough times. Thank you..." (Feb, 2009 workshop participants)

2010 Workshop Feedback:

"Any couple would benefit from new to old relationships. The presenters showed passion about the subject matter. It made the time very productive. Thank you!" (1/31/10 workshop)
"This was validating for us as a couple. It was a great way for us to make space to talk - identify issues that we need to work on." (1/31/10 workshop)
"This workshop opens up the possibility to communicating in a new awareness level that helps in transforming the relationship. Totally loved both the faciliators as well as the exercises." (1/31/10 workshop)
"The workshop demonstrated how to keep the 'spark' alive in a relationship and how to manage conflict effectively to create and maintain a healthy happy relationship." (1/31/10 workshop)
"We learned that we have been doing things right, but this gave us the venue to talk about some 'small' things that have led to the 'big' thing that brought us here." (4/18/10 workshop)
"I really appreciated the rigor and sincerity of the material. Great materials, exercises, and leaders! I'm very happy we had this experience!" (4/18/10 workshop)
"I really enjoyed the material, pace, and the positive attitude from the facilitators. Thank you!" (4/18/10 workshop)
"Very valuable information and demonstration. I appreciate your professionalism and humor. Facilitators brought tons of value to the workshop. Thank you! :)" (4/18/10 workshop)
"It was great. Really helpful. I feel like I have a concrete plan, too. I learned strategies I can use in all relationships, not just with my partner." (4/18/10 workshop)
"Like many of my friends, I felt that my relationship would run perfectly well on autopilot. Since my partner and I are constantly changing, this is a dangerous assumption. Now I feel that I have some useful skills. Overall a great workshop with practical tools for improving communication. Glad to have the materials. Presenters are excellent." (4/18/10 workshop)
"I think the material is easy to read clearly and was gone over in a thoughtful way. I appreciated the exercise time and privacy, as well as the coaching. It felt very easy to imagine walking out of here and using these new tools. I like the way Alapaki phrased it, For any other skill, you'd take a class and practice. Why not approach your relationship with the same learning process?" (4/18/10 workshop)
"I think al couples, whether having problems or not, can benefit from this material. In fact, I think this course should be taught in high school (perhaps home ec. class?) to all kids - so they grow up with these skills." (4/18/10 workshop)
"We have friends in the midst of couples counseling, and we would definitely encourage them to come to supplement the work they're doing here." (4/18/10 workshop)

Gay Couples Workshop "Relation Renovation: 2010 "

Build Your Ideal Relationship!

Sunday, January 31, 2010
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Sunday, November 7, 2010
San Francisco, CA

(Seating is strictly limited so sign up soon.)

Tuition: Only $217 (per couple)

To Register Now:

Click the safe and secure Google Checkout button here:

Call our office today at 877-424-1221 to reserve your spot.

Seats will go quickly and our room has limited seating capacity. To date, every workshop has sold out. We take registrations on a first come first serve basis.

Click Here to learn more about our Gay Couples Workshop
"Relation Renovation: 2010 "