Celebrating our

14th year in missouri!

The Art & Scienceof Love

Couples Retreat for Greater St. Louis

Next Workshop:

September 23rd - 24th, 2023

The Art & SCIENCE of Love

This workshop was designed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman. It is based on Dr. John Gottman’s leading edge research involving over 3,000 couples spanning the past four decades. Dr. Gottman is the author of more than 190 published academic articles, and author or co-author of over 40 books including the best sellers “The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work” and “What Makes Love Last”; as well as “The Relationship Cure”, “Why Marriages Succeed or Fail”, and “Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child”, among many others.

You Will Learn How To:

  • Foster respect, affection and closeness
  • Keep conflict discussions calm
  • Build and share a deeper connection
  • Break through and resolve conflict gridlock
  • Strengthen and maintain success in your relationship

Workshop Topics:

The Five Basic Questions

  • How is your marriage / relationship doing?
  • What makes relationships change, for better or for worse?
  • If your relationship is in trouble, how can you turn it around?
  • If your relationship is doing well, how can you ensure that it will continue to grow?
  • As your relationship improves, how can you make changes last?

Assessing Your Relationship

  • Learn to recognize the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse and what to do if they are attacking your relationship / marriage.
  • Identify your relationship's specific strengths and how to build on these.
  • Learn about the effects of physiological flooding and how it may impede conflict resolution.
  • Learn the small, easy steps that increase romance in your relationship.

Building a "Sound Relationship House"

  • Learn how Love Maps provide a solid foundation for intimacy.
  • Use the Fondness and Admiration System to renew respect and care for one another.
  • Create an Emotional Bank Account that you can draw upon in times of stress.

This comprehensive, science-based couple and marriage workshop is appropriate for premarital, engaged, married, cohabiting, gay, straight, happy or struggling couples. All of the ideas presented to you will be grounded in sound and extensive research from the Gottman Relationship Institute. You will learn what actually works in happy and stable relationships.


No public discussion or disclosure is involved. 
All work is done as a couple.

What to expect...

The Art and Science of Love Workshop is designed to strengthen your relationship through engaging presentations and skill building exercises that are grounded in research.  Richard and Christianne will share many humorous stories, film clips and role plays. 

During the first day, you will learn how to build and maintain fondness, admiration, and closeness in your relationship or marriage. On the second day, you will work on conflict management while learning new and important communication skills.  All of the exercises are designed to address your real-life challenges and you will work only with your partner.

During the exercises, Richard and Christianne remain available to consult with those couples who desire help.  The workshop is a terrific weekend couple getaway! At the end of the workshop you will leave with a greater understanding of your relationship and the skills to repair or enhance it.

Who Should Attend...

Research shows that on average, couples wait six years from the first signs of problems before they seek help. The workshop is designed to strengthen your marriage and/or relationship. If you have a strong relationship, this workshop will provide you with insights and tools to make it a great one. If your relationship is distressed, this workshop will provide a road map for repair. If you are dealing with physical abuse, this workshop may not be appropriate. In these cases, please consult with Richard.

Location and Time

Drury Inn & Suites

8700 Eager Road

Brentwood, MO 63144

Registration Check-in: Saturday 8:00 - 8:30am

Saturday & Sunday @ 8:30am - 5:00pm

Drury Inn & Suites Online Discounted Reservation

Preferred discounted room rates and reservations are available for attendees to the St. Louis Couples Workshop.