A Transformative Two Day Online Workshop
presented by Cornelia Swart, Counselling Psychologist and Certified Emotionally Focused Couples Therapist and Supervisor
This research-based program is designed for committed couples who want to strengthen and deepen their relationship.
Learn practical tools for lasting love and discover ways to resolve conflicts with your partner.
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy is research-proven to be the most effective method for helping couples build stronger bonds and navigate life’s challenges together.
- Online
- 12-14 September 2025
- Friday evening 6-9pm
- Saturday 9am-1pm
- Sunday 10am-4pm
- Cost: R4500 per couple (Early bird registration: R3900 if paid before 29 August 2025)
Based on Dr. Sue Johnson’s revolutionary work in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Hold Me Tight® empowers couples to communicate better, understand each other deeply, and rekindle the spark that drew them together.
The Hold Me Tight® Workshop for Couples is based on Attachment Theory, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, and the book “Hold Me Tight: 7 Conversations for a Lifetime of Love” by Dr. Sue Johnson.
This research-based program helps couples strengthen their relationships. Learn practical tools for lasting love and discover how to address the root causes of conflict for meaningful change.
When relationships encounter turbulence, it is not uncommon for couples to feel lost or disconnected. Even with the best intentions, partners may find themselves caught in patterns that erode intimacy and mutual understanding. Fortunately, there are therapeutic approaches that provide a structured path toward healing and renewed connection.
Research indicates that Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy is a highly effective method for supporting couples in strengthening their relationship and navigating the challenges that arise throughout life.
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy has been shown through research to be the most effective approach to helping couples:
- Change the negative cycle of repetitive arguments and distancing that can cause alienation, frustration, and pain;
- Understand emotions and needs in romantic relationships and how to tend to each other in a way that creates positive, bonding moments;
- Begin to repair old relationship injuries and how to build more trust moving forward;
- Learn and practice a new way of communicating with each other that promotes a closer connection, more effective problem solving skills, and can help you have more fun and freedom together in your life.
To Learn more about this workshop
Watch this video: Dr Sue Johnson on Hold me Tight® Workshops (10 min) or a longer version (1 hr) here.
What to Expect during the Program:
On Friday evening, Cornelia Swart will introduce attachment theory and the neuroscience of love, including relevant scientific research that informs the weekend program. The session will feature slide presentations and video demonstrations of varying lengths to illustrate the program’s key concepts. During the Hold Me Tight® Workshop, couples will participate in seven structured exercises in private. Assistance with these exercises will be available on request.
The exercises (conversations with your partner) all build on one another; essentially, they are the building blocks of the Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy Love Map, that has been shown through research to help reduce marital distress and increase satisfaction in many couples over the long term.
Seven Transforming Conversations:
Recognising Demon Dialogues—In this first conversation, couples identify negative and destructive remarks in order to get to the root of the problem and figure out what each other is really trying to say.
Finding the Raw Spots—Here, each partner learns to look beyond immediate, impulsive reactions to figure out what raw spots are being hit.
Revisiting a Rocky Moment—This conversation provides a platform for de-escalating conflict and repairing rifts in a relationship and building emotional safety.
Hold Me Tight—The heart of the program: this conversation moves partners into being more accessible, emotionally responsive, and deeply engaged with each other.
Forgiving Injuries—Injuries may be forgiven but they never disappear. Instead, they need to become integrated into couples’ conversations
as demonstrations of renewal and connection. Knowing how to find and offer forgiveness empowers couples to strengthen their bond.
Bonding Through Sex and Touch—Here, couples find how emotional connection creates great sex, and good sex creates deeper emotional connection.
Keeping Your Love Alive—This last conversation is built on the understanding that love is a continual process of losing and finding emotional connection; it asks couples to be deliberate and mindful about maintaining connection.
The program incorporates engaging video content that reinforces key concepts. Group discussions are included, with participation being entirely voluntary and no individual is required to contribute. This workshop provides participants with insight into the underlying causes of most conflicts between partners and introduces an evidence-based method that all couples can apply to improve their interactions.
What next?
1. Contact me if you have any questions. We can arrange a 10-15min free consultation. (cswart4therapy@gmail.com +27836255686). You can also Whatsapp me by clicking on button in right corner.
2. If you have no questions and you are ready to take the next step to strengthen your bond and relationship, please register.
To register:
- Please read the cancellation policy in red below before signing up.
- Make EFT payment (Please contact me for Banking details and reference number)
- Please fill out the intake forms for EACH partner at the time of payment (R4500 per couple)
- Please fill out the intake form for each partner
Cancellations & Refunds
Things can happen with attendees and with facilitators.
- Refunds are only offered if you cancel within 30 days before the workshop. If you cancel more than two weeks before the workshop, you have the option to transfer to another one of my workshops within 12 months, plus a R650 administrative transfer fee.
- If you cancel less than two weeks before the workshop, there are no refunds or transfers to a future workshop. I require adequate notice (more than two weeks) to let people on the waitlist know that there is availability.
- If you decide to cancel your participation in the workshop/retreat for any reason, we are not responsible for related expenses incurred such as airline tickets, loss of work, and/or other associated costs. This policy applies regardless of the reason for the cancellation or delay including, but not limited to weather, personal emergencies, illness, flight cancellations or delays.
- If for any reason, I, the facilitator needs to cancel the workshop, there will be 100% refund on any payments directly made to Cornelia Swart
- This workshop is planned well in advance and its success depends on the commitment of a relatively small number of participants. We appreciate your understanding.
- There is no conflict of interest or commercial support for this program.
- If you have any grievances, questions or concern, contact: Cornelia Swart on 0836255686 or cswart4therapy@gmail.com
Thank you for your understanding.
I hope to see you at my Online Couples Workshop from the comfort of your home or self-chosen venue… Strengthen Your Bond
Cornelia
