Presentations

[To schedule a presentation, contact us.]

Michael and Susan offer a variety of presentations for community groups including, but not limited to, schools, businesses, religious organizations and parent groups.

“Eyes Wide Open:”

Insights into the dynamics of love relationships plus suggestions for enhancing communication and increasing safety, passion and fun in relationships. This presentation introduces couples and individuals to the practical concepts and useful skills contained in Imago. Topics include attraction, romantic love, the power struggle, and conscious love. The talk illuminates the typical dynamics that take place in relationships and points the way to a process that ultimately transcends conflict and creates connection, allowing two realities to exist in a safe context. For anyone who would like to better understand a past, present and/or future relationship.

“Maintaining Connection with Our Children During Challenging Times:”

This presentation focuses on the importance of staying connected with our children, particularly when we are challenged, and provides practical concepts and practices for doing so. Topics include: the value of maintaining connection, containing our reactivity, boundary-setting, the importance of empathy, and being proactive rather than reactive.

“Communication and Relationship Skills for Teens and Their Families:”

This presentation offers teenagers and their families understanding of communication dynamics and a series of practices that will help them achieve more harmonious and successful relationships.

“The Joys and Challenges of Parenting, Teaching and/or Counseling Our Gifted Children:”

In this presentation, Michael shares from his harvest of more than 30 years counseling gifted children and their families, mentoring teachers of gifted children and being the parent of gifted children. Topics include: tendencies toward perfectionism, heightened sensitivities, hiding giftedness to be more popular, asymmetric development, school placement and dealing with arguments.

“Understanding Personality Similarities and Differences for Families or Businesses Using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator™”

This presentation reveals how certain natural personality preferences are “wired in” from birth, and differ from person to person. When families, or co-workers, understand this model, it becomes much easier to deal with differences positively and not to take differences personally.

“The Value and Practice of Containing Our Reactivity:”

This presentation illuminates the natural tendency that humans have to be “reactive” as well as our potential to be intentional and “proactive.” We’ll discuss the challenge to our lives when we are reactive rather than proactive, and we’ll explore ways to contain our reactivity.

Each presentation includes ample time for questions and responses.

“Couplehood as a Spiritual Path”

• The Imago Journey for Christian Couples

[To schedule the CASP seminar,  contact us.]

“Couplehood as a Spiritual Path” is an educational program for Christian couples based on Imago Relationship Therapy. The program invites couples to experience the healing spirit of God in their relationship and is based on two assumptions: 1) building and strengthening committed relationships in Christian communities helps couples deepen the connection with each other and with Christ; and 2) transforming relationships, one couple at a time, contributes to the transformation of humankind and the healing of the planet.

This program is delivered in two-hour class sessions given once a week for six-weeks. We offer it at our home, for three to six couples, or at churches for up to 12 couples.

We schedule these programs through church communities. Scheduling details, costs, location and registration are determined on an individual community basis. Please contact us to explore the options for your community.

Retreat Programs for Individuals, Couples and Families

[To schedule a retreat, contact us.]

Over the years Susan and Michael have welcomed couples and families to participate in weekend retreats at their home. These programs are designed specifically for individuals, couples and families who seek to make dramatic changes in their relationships and personal experiences in a short period of time.

While individually formatted to meet the needs of the participants, the programs often include a Myers-Briggs feedback session, communication skills training, a model for managing personal change, and support in becoming proactive, rather than reactive, in our interpretations and behavior.

Nestled in a beautiful setting, nurtured with healthy and delicious meals, participants are free to learn and integrate ideas and skills while being fully cared-for.

Parties interested in this option are invited to contact Michael to discuss a program that meets their needs.