Learn practical ways to strengthen the relationship you share.
Strong relationships are built through small things that couples do over time. How we pay attention to each other, respond to everyday moments and handle differences can make a significant difference to the quality of our relationship.
The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work is a research-informed relationship education program based on the work of Dr John Gottman. It helps couples understand important relationship habits and practise ways to build friendship, connection and shared understanding.
Providence Counselling offers this six-week program as a group workshop in Canberra. Couples learn together, while the exercises and personal conversations are completed privately with their partner.
Who is this for?
The Seven Principles can be useful for couples who are dating seriously, engaged, married or in long-term committed relationships. It is particularly suited to couples who want to:
- keep investing in a relationship that is already going well
- understand each other more deeply
- improve everyday communication and connection
- manage recurring disagreements with greater care
- make space for shared hopes, priorities and goals
- develop relationship skills before difficulties become entrenched You do not need to be in a crisis to benefit. Many couples attend because they want to be more intentional about their relationship.
What are the Seven Principles?
The workshop works through seven areas of relationship life, adapted into practical teaching and exercises:
- Know each other well: Keep learning about your partner's inner world, concerns, hopes and everyday life.
- Grow appreciation: Notice what you value in one another and make appreciation part of normal life.
- Respond to connection: Recognise the small moments when your partner is reaching out and learn to respond well.
- Share influence: Make room for each other's views and contributions when making decisions.
- Work through solvable problems: Practise calmer conversations and practical problem-solving when agreement is possible.
- Understand recurring conflicts: Learn to approach long-standing differences with curiosity and respect.
- Create shared meaning: Explore the values, rituals and goals that give your life together a sense of purpose. These are skills you can continue using in ordinary life, long after the workshop ends.
What happens during the workshop?
The group format combines teaching about the research and principles with demonstrations, practical examples and guided exercises. You and your partner then have time to work through relevant questions and activities together.
The teaching is shared with the group, but your personal discussions stay between the two of you. You will not be asked to explain private disagreements or relationship difficulties in front of other couples.
This is a relationship education workshop rather than couples therapy. Where a relationship involves significant distress, abuse, coercion or concerns about safety, individual assessment and appropriate support are more suitable than a group workshop.
Canberra group workshops
Providence Counselling offers The Seven Principles as a standalone group workshop in Canberra, separate from the weekend retreats offered at Querencia.
The program runs over six weeks. Dates, venue, weekly session times, fees and any included materials are confirmed for each group. You can enquire without committing to a retreat or to ongoing counselling sessions.
Frequently asked questions
Do we need to be married?
No. The program is useful for committed couples at different stages, including couples preparing for marriage.
Do we have to discuss our relationship with the group?
No. Teaching takes place in a group, but guided couple discussions are private.
Is this couples counselling?
No. The program is educational. Couples needing more individualised therapeutic support may benefit from a separate counselling appointment.
What if our relationship is going well?
That is a good reason to attend. The workshop is designed to help couples build and maintain strengths, as well as develop ways to handle common challenges.
How long does the program run?
The program runs over six weeks. We will provide dates, weekly session times, materials and pricing before registration.
Is the group the same as the Seven Principles Retreat?
No. The Canberra workshop is a standalone group program. Querencia offers a separate weekend retreat based on the same general framework, with accommodation and a different format.
Enquire about The Seven Principles
If you would like to attend a Seven Principles group in Canberra, contact Providence Counselling. We can tell you about the next program and help you decide whether the workshop is the right fit for your relationship.