Workshops

For Couples

The Art of Connecting Well

• Call for future dates
• 9am to 1pm
• $149/couple
• Co-presented with Jerry Talley, LMFT, PhD

You fell in love. You courted. Now you're in a committed relationship. Over the years, connecting with each other has become simple and smooth, right? Well, maybe not. Even established couples can stumble when trying to initiate some form of intimacy or connection. Whether it's a moment of seduction, the start to an intimate conversation, or the desire to re-connect at the end of a busy day, the "rules for connecting well" are the same. Doing so is an art--one that requires both clear verbal expression as well as subtle and elusive nonverbal language.

And remember the differences that seemed so fascinating during courtship? Over time, in the day-to-day rhythm of the real world, they may have become annoyances, or even points of conflict. Whether its daily rhythms, sexual styles, attitudes toward housework, or financial strategies, most couples find their differences to be problematic. The challenge becomes being different without being disconnected.

This educational workshop will explore the art of connecting well. It will also address how effective ways of navigating differences can support rather than sabotage connection. In today's busy world, with seemingly so little time, the importance of connecting well is even greater. Knowing how to do so is a critical skill that helps a relationship flourish. Through presentation, discussion, roleplay demonstrations, and time with your partner, you'll learn new ways to make your differences less distracting and your attempts to connect with your partner more effective and more fun!

About the presenters:

Susan Scott Hennings, M.A., LMFT
(408) 566 3061 - SusanMFT@aol.com

Susan is a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist with a private practice in San Jose. Since 1992, she has helped clients enhance communication and relationship skills in a collaborative and supportive environment. Susan particularly enjoys the energy and complexity of couples and helping them to create more satisfying relationships. Since 1994, she has trained with Drs. Ellyn Bader and Peter Pearson, and is on staff at The Couples Institute in Menlo Park. In addition to ongoing consultation, Susan assists Peter Pearson at the "Coming from your Heart" weekend workshops.

Susan's special interests include clients who face the challenge of a divorce or becoming a blended family, those healing the aftermath of an affair, and clients with sexual concerns. A longtime sex educator and popular presenter, Susan leads workshops on intimacy and sexuality, and is an Adjunct Faculty member at Santa Clara University, where she teaches human sexuality to Counseling Psychology graduate students.

Jerry L. Talley, Ph.D., LMFT
(650) 967 1444 - JLTalley@mindspring.com

Jerry is a veteran of three careers. He was on the faculty of Stanford University for 15 years, teaching courses on work, love and sex. His second career was 10 years as a marriage and family therapist. Then in 1984, he founded Organizational Diagnostics, a consulting firm specializing in assessment and change planning. He has had over 250 client engagements with companies around the world, but mostly high tech firms in Silicon Valley.

Jerry continues to lecture at Stanford on love, flirting, sex and intimacy. He is the author of a new website on intimate relationships at www.WellTemperedHeart.com. It is a compilation of his work over the years on how to sustain friendship and emotional intimacy. It is a free site for couples who might want some new thoughts for reflecting on their experience. His current professional practice is focused on improved problem solving for executives, managers ... and even therapists. His work in this area is summarized at www.ProblemSolving2.com.

for Couples and singles

Sexual Communication:  Talking about the hard stuff

• Held June 17, 2005; (Click for review)
• Co-presented with Jerry Talley, LMFT, PhD

We all know that communication is essential for a healthy relationship, and communicating well about sex is essential for a healthy sex life.  But how many of us feel comfortable talking about our bodies, our preferences, our histories, or our fantasies? 

This engaging evening of presentation and roleplays demonstrated how to navigate the tricky but fascinating terrain of sexual concerns.

Held in Campbell, California.