Secrets of Relationship Success

a workshop for invested couples

We all want lasting, satisfying relationships, but only 25% of us have the skills. Prepare wisely & beat the odds.*

What is it?

Secrets of Relationship Success is a two hour, interactive workshop that shares the secrets of what successful couples do and what they avoid doing in order to create long lasting, fulfilling partnerships. While you learn, enjoy delicious appetizers and drinks** created by the wonderful staff at Bleu Door Bakery in Downtown Vancouver.

What topics are covered?

  • Habits and Attitudes predictive of lasting partnerships.

  • Importance of Conflict and how to do it productively and learn from it.

  • Habit Change basics and resources

  • Effective Influence - makes it easier for your partner(s) to hear you.

  • Forgiveness and Repair - remembering our common humanity.

  • Keys to Lasting Intimate Connection in physical & non-physical realms.

  • Strong Individuals make Strong Partners - keep sight of your own dreams while supporting those of your partner(s)

what will we learn?

You will learn how to recognize helpful vs unhelpful habits in yourself, find opportunities to connect and repair during and after conflict, and keep your intimate connection alive through the years. You and your partner(s) will leave with a solid understanding of what it takes for each of you beat the odds and a binder filled with customized plans and readily accessible resources to help you in the short and long-term to meet your goals of a happy, healthy partnership.

Why should we do it?

Long-term partnership is, in and of itself, an adventure. Like all great adventures, preparation is as important as the ability to adapt when things invariably get tough. There is a reason half of all marriages end in divorce. It isn’t luck, and it isn’t just communication or commitment.

40 years ago, researchers set out to identify what successful couples did differently than those who failed. Their findings are widely recognized as the gold standard for skills and attitudes needed to successfully navigate long-term relationships. Most of us don’t naturally have them, but the good news is we all can learn and acquire them.

Invest early and build a strong foundation for long-term relationship success.

What will it cost and what is included?

$75/person ($150 per couple) includes the two hour workshop plus a half hour meet and greet with time to get drinks and snacks before we begin. Snacks and one drink per person included in the cost. Additional drinks available for purchase.

Where and When?

Next session will be announced soon.

*Research suggests that about half of all marriages fail and half of those that stay together are unhappy. Source: Developing Habits for Relationship Success by Brent Atkinson, PhD

Love is a skill, not just enthusiasm

- Alain de Botton, The Course of Love

 

About the presenters

DJ Hilley, MSEd, LMHC, CSTIP is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Sex Therapy Informed Professional who practices in Vancouver, Washington. He has been working with relationships of all kinds for nearly twenty years. During his career, he has taken a special interest in proactively helping individuals and partners to navigate the inevitable challenges of love relationships.

DJ has developed educational programs and skill-focused workshops for couples, parents, and schools in his communities and has been a contributor on news programs for parenting and relationship topics.

Dr. Dina Brothers is a Board-Certified Emergency Medicine Physician and life long learner who has led and supported professional and community organizations in Vancouver for 10 years. She has a passion for ethical practices, connected caregiving, and effective delivery of community-focused care and support programs.

Dr. Brothers will leaving emergency medicine to pursue board-certification in Hospice and Palliative Care. Her transition will allow her to focus on helping individuals and families to navigate end of life and chronic illness management in ways that maximize quality of life and collaborative, informed decision-making.

 

Relationship Success FAQ

  • Payment is required in full at the time of registration.

    Costs:

    $150/couple to Empowered Communication, LLC

    Included in the cost:

    1. Presentation (2 hours) and appetizers at Bleu Door Bakery (2411 Main St., Vancouver WA)

    2. Resource Binder (with your own customized plans developed during the workshop)

    3. One (1) drink per person included.

    Costs not included:

    Additional drinks from the bar, staffed throughout the presentation.

    Gratuity for Bleu Door Staff

    Cancellations

    Cancellations 14 calendar days in advance will receive a full refund.

    Cancellations made at least 7 days prior the event will receive a 50% refund.

    Cancellations made less than 7 days prior to the event will not receive a refund.

  • Certainly not - all couples are welcome, and certainly not just those with marriage in mind. Commitment and partnership come in many forms.

  • No, this is an educational workshop and is not to be considered clinical in nature. While the presenters are licensed in their respective disciplines, nothing said or referred to in these sessions are to be taken as medical or mental health advice or opinion.

    No one will be asked to talk about their own relationships or experiences. In the event someone does, know that we will not engage in discussion of personal concerns.

  • Of course! We know that relationships come in many shapes and sizes, and all can benefit from the skills and experiences we’ve created.

    Just let us know when you register by sending an email do djhilleylpc@gmail.com and we’ll be sure to seat you at a table with adequate space.

  • Yes! All are warmly welcomed to this inclusive event.

  • Often people are uneasy around that which is different from what they know. If you’re open to new experiences all around, then this may be an opportunity to grow and expand. That being said, if you do not feel you can be an open and affirming ally to others, the Relationship Success Workshop isn’t for you.

  • DJ practices with Refresh Therapy, based in Vancouver. Availability of services will depend on his schedule as well as the availability of services through the Refresh intake coordinators. At times, Refresh works from a wait list for certain services.

    Should you be interested in services, you may contact Refresh Therapy directly at 360-215-2977 or visit www.refresh-therapy.com