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Most Important Weekend

Your

MOST IMPORTANT WEEKEND, EVER

In one destination weekend outside of your home environment, rapidly ignite your emotional and sexual connection, feel attracted to one another again, learn to use conflict to grow closer, and establish a bond with your partner that changes your lives forever using our research proven 9-step method.

Palm Springs

- GAY Couples reTREAT -

Keep Sex Alive Long Term, Feel Understood, Open Up And Trust, And Get Unstuck From Bickering And Fights

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When I was a gay teenager, I remember going to the Barnes and Noble bookstore desperately searching for tools to create a healthy, happy gay relationship. I wanted to start dating like my straight friends were doing.

​I could tell that I had no idea how to connect to another gay guy. When I met my first boyfriend, Mike, I felt like I was giving in all the time. He worked at a supermarket deli, and had no interest in going to college someday. I was applying to universities and felt like we were not on the same page.

We just felt disconnected all the time.

Though he and I didn't last very long, things got better when I found support from other gay guys who knew how relationships work. I needed a community of folks I could relate to.

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When I met my current husband, Alapaki Yee, our lives changed when we found practical tools and skills to implement in our relationship. We were both licensed therapists at the time (and still are), but we had to learn like all other couples ways to not let things build up. Through the Gottman Method, we discovered how to manage our conflicts around our cultural differences. Through regular practice, we built habits and routines into our weekly interaction that helped us to provide to one another's needs easily without causing conflicts. Having now been together since 2005, I'm proud of the life we built together, including our "challenging" German Shepard, Shadow.

In 2007 we created a supportive Institute for gay men to create awesome relationships. It's called the Gay Couples Institute, and is now the only relationship Institute in the world to publish outcome data on it's success rate

As soon as we opened our doors, gay couples asked if they could fly to our office in San Francisco to do intensive weekends. The resources didn't exist where they lived, or they specifically wanted our proven 9-step method

Our newest and most successful intensive experience is designed to get you out of your current element at home so that you can use new skills to make conflict productive, reignite your sex life, and build trust by connecting emotionally

Everything from our 9-step "Gay Relationship Revolution Program" is included in just one experience, along with follow-up support to make the gains last long-term. 

Join us in this amazing opportunity, and realize the relationship happiness you deserve.

To your future together,
Sam Garanzini, and Alapaki Yee
Cofounders, Gay Couples Institute
Certified Gottman Couples Therapists

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How to deal with a partner who is constantly sucked into a phone or laptop?

If the 2020 pandemic has made gay people realize anything, it's that life is precious.

 

Your life, and your relationships are what you make of it.

 

When your partner has put you on the back burner, your sexual confidence has taken a blow, or you want to feel alignment on shared goals in your lives, then you can't wait for the opportunity to come to you.

 

You have to seek it out and make it happen.

 

In just one weekend, you can feel like best friends again, and start having fun together.

 

Here's how it works..

Three thousand gay couples later, I can tell you that skills aren't enough.

You need to work on THREE things.

P H A S E  1

You need to work on Yourself

For LGBT individuals, it is important that you are dialed into a positive personal mindset, are happy with your path in life, and have a good relationship with your physical body.

 

If these fundamental "Me" components (Phase 1 of our signature program) are not dialed in, you'll have relationship issues.

P H A S E  2

You need to work on your Partner

Many LGBT people approach us over the years and say, "The problem is with my partner. Fix them!"

This is kind of true! During this second phase of our Gay Relationship Revolution Program (which we call "You") we show you the three main steps needed to overcome emotional disengagement (Step 4), make conflict productive again (Step 5), and overcome brevious breaks in trust (Step 6).

P H A S E  3

Time to work on "Us"

​Once you're able to make conflict productive, and you have a solid relationship with your physical and emotional self, it becomes time to work on "Us", or Phase 3 of our Program.

 

Here we show you how to put sensuality back into sex (Step 7) by becoming great lovers, proactively keep your friendship fun and connected (Step 8), and set goals that make life meaningful as you become partners again (Step 9).

Imagine if we covered all nine steps in just one weekend? Wouldn't that literally be the MOST important vacation you've ever been to?

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Why did we build the

MOST IMPORTANT WEEKEND for YOU

In 2008, when we were a new couple, we hung out with our partnered friends Cory and Kyle, Mike and Chris, and Ben and Tim.

When their relationships hit rough patches they went to a couples therapist recommended by their friends.

Each of them broke up and had the same issues with their therapy.

They were all married or partnered, so their separation was financially costly (one with a divorce costing over $40,000), and an emotional drain.

First, the therapist followed no real method or framework.

It was simply, 'See you next week!' at the end of each session.

Second, the results took too long. If they had the opportunity to experience ALL of the skills needed to improve their situation in just one weekend, we believe they would have had a chance.

Going to therapy for months on end was not realistic.

That's why this experience is so powerful...

You are able to...

  • Get out of your element, see eye to eye with your partner when you're stressed about the world back at home, and discover new ways to have conflict that feels rational and measured...

  • Move beyond fights over proving what's true/right, versus focusing on what you truly want and need...

  • And get the desire back even when there has been zero affection and you've worried it might be better to be alone.

 

You can do this without a $40,000 divorce, or all the mental anguish of separation.

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Join Us As We Show You How To Reconnect With Your Husband Or Boyfriend Forever!

Your

MOST IMPORTANT WEEKEND

Palm Springs

- GAY Couples reTREAT -

APPLY FOR A CONSULTATION

Here's what is going to happen next...

Scroll down and take a look at everything we have planned in our next Most Important Weekend.

 

We only work with four couple's PER YEAR in this intensive experience due to our schedule and availability of our partnering coaches, personal trainers, hotels, and resorts.

 

FIRST COME

Applications and registrations are considered on a first-come, first-served basis.

 

TEST IT OUT

The process begins with a consultation, and then a deeper diagnostic session where you can test out the experience virtually.

We cover the entire roadmap that would be covered during your weekend experience as applied directly to your unique situation.

 

These diagnostic sessions fill up and create a waitlist every year.

 

My suggestion is to fill out your application, and book your consultation while you're still considering it.

 

Once we have identified FOUR appropriate couples PER YEAR, you must wait until next year.

Front-Of-The-Line Bonus...

Since the pandemic started, many couples have approached us in difficult places. If this bonus is on the page when you resgister, then you'll be given our Emotional and Physical Intimacy Toolkit (normally $295) for FREE when you apply and register for the Most Important Weekend. This online course includes our best tools for maintaining emotional and sexual intimacy long term, even if things have been rough in the past. You can use this well beyond the weekend experience to keep your relationship fun and exciting. (Timestamp registration verified)

Palm Springs

- GAY Couples reTREAT -

GOLD PACKAGE

APPLY FOR A CONSULTATION

TWO-DAY Weekend Experience

  • The process begins with individual meetings with both of you to determine whether you'd be a good fit for this experience. If a recommendation is made that you attend the weekend, we will then meet with both of you to go over your vision and put together a roadmap.
    (Value: $500)

  • Once you're here, the daily therapeutic work includes individual and couple meetings to help either of you to progress through all nine steps of our signature Gay Relationship Revolution method focusing on improving yourself (Phase 1), your interaction with your partner (Phase 2), and becoming unbreakable lovers, friends, and partners again (Phase 3).
    (Value: $5000)

  • One month of follow up meetings to help you maintain your progress once you get home
    (Value: $2000/month)

 

~ Just $5,000 ~

Palm Springs

- GAY Couples reTREAT -

PLATINUM PACKAGE

APPLY FOR A CONSULTATION

FOUR-DAY Extended

Weekend Experience

All Gold Package benefits, plus...

  • Connect With Your Body; Work with our personal diet and fitness trainer to set activity goals that match your values, body type, and nutritional needs.

 

  • Become Friends Again: Our travel concierge reserves dinner for you all four evenings. We'll also plan your hotel (dog-friendly, family-oriented, or all gay) at discounted rates with our vacation experience partnerships.

 

  • Become Lovers Again: Private, professional meeting with our tantra coach to help you address differing sexual drives, invigorating your primary sexual relationship with your partner, and how to use your body's energy and touch to feel desirable and alive again

 

  • Become Partners Again: Talk to our trusted financial advisor about values, retirement, personal and professional goals, and how the partnership can help you get there

~ $10,000 

Are there any bonuses included?

Bonus #1:

The Gay Relationship Revolution Signature Program Alumni Status ($6000 value)

 

PARTNERSHIP CONTINUATION PLAN. INCLUDED IN THE TEACHING HOW TO MAKE THESE CHANGES STICK. NOT JUST A WEEKEND AWAY, THIS FIXES FUTURE WEEKENDS GOING FORWARD. CREATE A PLAN OR AGREEMENT FOR CONTINUING THE WORK. TAKE AWAY TIME COMPONENT OF 1 MONTH FOLLOW UP. AT THE WEEKEND WE UPSELL INTO MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP. YOU CAN TAKE THE PLAN AND DO IT ON YOUR OWN AT HOME, IF YOU WANT SUPPPORT WE'LL TELL YOU HOW TO DO THIS AT THE WEEKEND. PITCH A 6 MONTH FOLLOW UP.

Finally, a great vacation that you can easily extend the experience beyond the weekend itself! You'll get access to, and one month of coaching included in your weekend ($2000 value). Most couples decide to continue beyond the one month follow up with our coaches and client portal. As a graduate of the Weekend experience, you'll have the opportunity to continue your relationship with us at our alumni rate like all of our current clients. (Approximately just $500/month, depending on features and add on's).

Bonus #2:

Your Personal Travel Concierge

 

Resort bookings, evening dinners, romantic hikes, all done for you. Work with our personal travel consultant with a lifetime of experience in the Palm Springs area. We'll help you get out of your element, relax, and have new experiences with your partner while you do the important work necessary to correct the course of your relationship. At our Weekend experience, we help address you as a whole person who likes to play while building your future together.

Bonus #3:

SOMETHING ELSE HAHA

 

Bonus #1 - Become Friends Again: Our travel concierge reserves dinner for you all four evenings (SAM LOOK FOR DRINK PACKAGES OR HOW TO POSITION THIS AS A LUXURY ITEM). We'll also plan your hotel (dog friendly, family oriented, or all gay) at discounted rates with our vacation expeirence partnerhsips.

 

Bonus #2 - Become Lovers Again: Private, professional meeting with our tantra coach to help you address differing sexual drives, envigorating your primary sexual relationship with your partner, and how to use your body's energy and touch to feel desirable and alive again

 

Bonus #3 - Become Partners Again: Talk to our trusted financial advisor about values, retirement, personal and professional goals, and how the partnership can help you get there

Frequently Asked Questions

How does it work?
  • The "You. Together. Forever." Advanced Coaching Program provides the tools that your relationship needs to maintain a healthy connection, forever. We have live private group coaching meetings (just like our private Facebook Challenges, but much more intimate) twice a month for six months.

     

  • During that time, you'll:

    … have access to Sam and Alapaki – Certified Gottman Couples Therapists, and their hand-selected coaches who work for the Gay Couples Institute

    … have an opportunity to ask questions and learn new skills based on your specific challenges

    … have access to the other members in the 401 group in a private, nurturing and supportive environment

    The goal is to help put a plan together for you that will create lasting change by August 1, 2018.

When do we meet live? 
  • The first two live meetings are set on Wednesdays at 4PM PST

  • The meetings last 90 minutes, typically

  • During that time, the group of 20 participants will fill out a survey regarding alternatives that might work better for everyone

  • Trainings continue for twelve sessions, typically six months from when you joined.

  • You'll always have access to the replays of the private group trainings

What do we cover?
  • We will be teaching all of the four main modules couples typically need to work on: conflict management, trust, sex, and getting needs met.

  • See the four module description above for further details.

What are my options?
  • You can attend with your partner, or on your own. All of the lessons are designed for you to implement yourself.

  • Your training sessions are taught by six different coaches, all experienced in the Gay Couples Institute's methodology.

  • Many of your trainings will have additional guest speakers brought in to teach about specialized issues, especially around rebuilding trust, and healthy long-term sex. These are often the most powerful sessions you'll experience.

What does it cost?
  • Our coaching clients usually invest $3000 to $10,000 for a three-month program. We want to make this accessible to more couples, so this program is $1197 for the first 20 registrants.

  • If you're attending with a boyfriend or husband, they are included in the original cost.

Is there a deadline to take advantage of this? 
  • We can only take 20 participants into the group. Once it's full, it's closed.

  • We have 12 spots pre-sold, and anticipate the "You. Together. Forever." Gay Relationships 401 course to sell out

Is this therapy? 
  • Couples approach us in very good, and very challenging places when they begin our program. The term "therapy" is used to describe treatment for psychological disorders. We do not approach your relationship from this negative stance, unless it is clear that other psychological factors are going on. At that point we would refer you to someone in your community for elevated care while you continue this program. Couples have seen a lot of success when this has been needed in the past.

  • Although most of the coaching staff in this program have mental health licenses or certifications, the skills taught in this program are not delivered under the auspices of those credentials. This is done because those credentials are utilized when treating mental health "disorders," which is not how we see your situation.

Is there a guarantee? 
  • We're the only relationship program to publish our results in a peer-reviewed scientific journal (Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, October 2017).

  • This said, the success of others does not automatically ensure your success. There is no way for us to "guarantee" your success because so much of it depends on you. Ultimately, you make the final decision in your relationship. We are there to support your implementation of these skills as you see fit. Your relationship is the most important thing in your life, so you need to be in control of its direction.

Is this private and confidential? 
  • Yes. Your participation will only be visible to our trained staff, and the others in the group. Your group will be set to 'secret' on Facebook so that no one else can see that you're in the group.

  • The group members sign a confidentiality agreement saying that nothing said in the group will be repeated outside of it.

Are there bonuses? 
  • Yes! We want to meet with you and learn about what you'd like to get out of the program! The first three registrants get a 30-minute meeting with Sam or Alapaki (depending on availability) to discuss a plan for the six months ahead. (normally $247).

  • Yes, and YES! The first ten (10) registrants get a copy of the 80-page Gay Couples Institute Self Study Course, which outlines the application of our method (the Gottman Method) with gay couples. This powerful workbook has helped many couples start off quickly on the right foot upon starting the program. (normally $87)

Results We’ve Helped Other Couples Achieve Since 2007:

We published our results in the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy in October 2017.

The Gay Couples Institute is the only relationship center in the world, gay or straight, to transparently measure our techniques and determine whether we're effective at all.

The results were amazing. Relationship satisfaction scores of 106 studied couples at the Gay Couples Institute showed immediate rapid improvement in their relationship upon learning the skills taught in this program. More importantly, they were able to maintain those gains upon follow up.

This speaks ultimately to the abilities and inherent success of gay relationships, despite being oppressed minority in parts of the world. 

Apply for a consultation

Receive Guidance Applying The Modules To Your Specific Situation

Meet Your Coaching Faculty...

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Sam Garanzini, LMFT

I helped create the Gay Couples Institute with Alapaki in 2007 because we were saddened upon watching three of our closest friends break up after going to “couples therapy.” As professionals ourselves, we knew that the Gottman Method provided the most solid relationship-renewing material publicly available. I’ve made it my life’s mission to see gay relationships thrive, and have had so much fun seeing thousands of couples go through our coaching program.

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Alapaki Yee, LMFT

I enjoy working at the Gay Couples Institute because I enjoy positively helping other gay couples with their relationship; that I had a small part to help them get along better, communicate better, maybe even last long term. I also use the skills I teach in my own relationship, so I know it works even if you don't get it perfect.

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TRY IT RISK FREE

Register for a diagnostic session to speak with us one on one prior to your weekend experience.

 

During this extended meeting, we build your personal roadmap and give you a clear experience of what you can expect on each day of your upcoming weekend experience.

 

Because of the time to build your roadmap, we ask for a simple $500 non-refundable deposit.

 

If you are ready to move forward and reserve your spot, you put forth just a 50% deposit (see cancellation terms). The balance is due 14 days before your Weekend to reserve our meeting space and the schedules of your support staff (coaches, trainers, excursions, etc.).

Gold Package

Two-Day Weekend Experience

 

$5000

Platinum Package

Four-Day

Extended Weekend Experience

(with over $20,000 in bonuses)

 

just $10,000

APPLY FOR A CONSULTATION

Join Us As We Show You How To Reconnect With Your Husband Or Boyfriend Forever!

Still have questions? No problem!

Ask us live on Messenger right now.

GOLD PACKAGE

Two-Day Weekend Experience

APPLY FOR A CONSULTATION
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GOLD PACKAGE

Two-Day Weekend Experience

  • The process begins with individual meetings with both of you to determine whether you'd be a good fit for this experience. If a recommendation is made that you attend the weekend, we will then meet with both of you to go over your vision and put together a roadmap.
    (Value: $500)

  • Once you're here, the daily therapeutic work includes individual and couple meetings to help either of you to progress through all nine steps of our signature Gay Relationship Revolution method focusing on improving yourself (Phase 1), your interaction with your partner (Phase 2), and becoming unbreakable lovers, friends, and partners again (Phase 3).
    (Value: $5000)

  • One month of follow up meetings to help you maintain your progress once you get home
    (Value: $2000/month)

 

~ Just $5,000 ~

APPLY FOR A CONSULTATION

PLATINUM PACKAGE

Four-Day Extended

Weekend Experience

APPLY FOR A CONSULTATION

All Gold Package benefits, plus...

  • Connect With Your Body; Work with our personal diet and fitness trainer to set activity goals that match your values, body type, and nutritional needs.

 

  • Become Friends Again: Our travel concierge reserves dinner for you all four evenings. We'll also plan your hotel (dog-friendly, family-oriented, or all gay) at discounted rates with our vacation experience partnerships.

 

  • Become Lovers Again: Private, professional meeting with our tantra coach to help you address differing sexual drives, invigorating your primary sexual relationship with your partner, and how to use your body's energy and touch to feel desirable and alive again

 

  • Become Partners Again: Talk to our trusted financial advisor about values, retirement, personal and professional goals, and how the partnership can help you get there

~ $10,000 

Coffee Date

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