The Gottman Seven Principles for Singles
Build relationship skills now, whatever your relationship status or history.
There is a great deal we can learn about relationships before we are in one. Our experiences, expectations and ways of responding to others all influence the relationships we form.
Lessons in Love is a six-week group relationship education workshop that helps single people look at these patterns and build skills for future relationships. It is based on the Gottman Institute's adaptation of The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work for individuals.
The focus is on learning and reflection, with practical ideas you can use in dating, committed relationships and other important relationships in your life.
Who is this for?
Lessons in Love is designed for adults who are single, dating or thinking about a future romantic relationship. You may be attending because you want to:
- make more intentional choices about dating and relationships
- understand patterns you have noticed in previous relationships
- recognise the difference between healthy connection and warning signs
- build stronger communication and conflict-management skills
- consider the values, needs and expectations you bring to a relationship
- prepare well before beginning a new partnership You do not need to be dating anyone, and there is no expectation that you will share the details of your past relationships.
What will we explore?
- Understanding yourself: Reflect on how your experiences, assumptions and responses may influence your relationships.
- Friendship and connection: Explore what helps people get to know each other well and build trust over time.
- Communication: Learn ways to listen, express needs and respond to moments when another person reaches for connection.
- Dating and discernment: Think about healthy expectations, warning signs and the pace of developing a relationship.
- Managing differences: Explore how to approach disagreements and recognise problems that may keep recurring.
- Values and shared meaning: Consider what matters most to you and what you would hope to build with a future partner. The aim is to leave with greater self-awareness and practical relationship skills, rather than a set of rules about whom to date.
How does a group workshop work?
We work through the key ideas together using short teaching sessions, real-life examples, guided discussion and individual reflection. The Gottman Lessons in Love program also uses interactive exercises to help participants apply what they are learning.
Some activities involve talking with others, while others are for private reflection. You decide how much personal information you wish to share. You are not expected to describe your relationship history to the group.
Lessons in Love is a relationship education workshop, rather than group therapy. The facilitator can explain the material and support learning, but the workshop is not a replacement for individual counselling when more personal support is needed.
Where is it held?
Providence Counselling offers Lessons in Love as a standalone group program in Canberra. You can attend the group without booking accommodation or participating in a retreat.
The program runs over six weeks. Dates, venue, weekly session length, cost and participant materials will be provided for each scheduled group. Contact us to ask about the next program or register your interest.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be dating anyone?
No. The workshop is for single people, including those who are not currently dating.
Is it a dating event?
No. The purpose is to learn relationship skills, reflect on your own patterns and prepare for healthy connections. It is not a matchmaking program.
Will I have to talk about my past relationships?
You may reflect on past experiences privately, but you are not required to share personal details with the group.
Is this counselling?
No. It is an educational workshop. If a topic raises a personal concern that would benefit from more support, we can discuss appropriate counselling options separately.
How many sessions are involved?
The program runs over six weeks. We will explain the dates, weekly session times, materials and fee before you register.
Do I need to attend a retreat?
No. The Canberra group is a separate offering. Retreats at Querencia are an optional, independently arranged format.
Enquire about Lessons in Love
If you would like to take part in a future Lessons in Love group in Canberra, contact Providence Counselling. We can explain the next available dates and what participation involves.