Relationship Happy Hour

An la carte Couples Workshop for Real-World Relationship Skills

BASED ON GOTTMAN SEVEN PRINCIPLES FOR SUCCESS

Looking to strengthen your relationship without committing to a long, involved program? Relationship Happy Hour is designed exactly for you.

We mix science-backed tools, playful exercises, and meaningful conversation to help you connect more deeply, communicate more clearly, and rediscover what makes you work as a team. Each week focuses on one key ingredient of thriving relationships — based on the Gottman Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work — plus a bonus session on intimacy and desire.

This group is for real couples — not perfect ones.

You’ll fit right in if you’ve ever thought:

“We’re good… but we could use a tune-up.”
“Life’s busy — I miss feeling really connected.”
“We never fight, but we also never talk about the deep stuff.”
“We fight sometimes, but we love each other and want to get better at it.”
“We just want something fun and positive to do together.”
This is for couples of all gender, orientations and relationship styles who:

Like to have fun, learn, and grow together.
Want to connect over snacks, conversation, and science-backed love tools.
Believe in nurturing their relationship before it’s in trouble.
Are dating, married, newlywed, or decades in — and curious about keeping things fresh.
Are open-minded and ready to talk about real things in a light, supportive space.

- Flexible: Attend the sessions that fit your schedule—no long-term commitment.
- Affordable: Just $35 per couple per session (out-of-pocket).
- Practical: Learn research-backed tools you can use right away.
- Meet on Zoom!
Supportive & Fun: A relaxed “happy hour” vibe focused on building stronger, healthier relationships.
Mondays, 5:00–6:30 PM on Zoom
1. Check out the rotating schedule of upcoming 7 Principles sessions. Register at least 24 hours ahead.
2. Register for the specific evenings you want to attend.
3. Show up with your partner and grow your relationship.
Alyssa is a Gottman trained therapist with an insightful and supportive style that helps couples drop their guard and get real work done. She’s been a therapist for 10+ years. Read more about Alyssa in her bio.

“This group is not about fixing what’s broken — it’s about strengthening what’s already there, discovering new ways to connect, and having fun while doing it.”

— Alyssa Mackintosh, LCSW

WORKSHOPS

Getting To Know Each Other Again

ENHANCE YOUR LOVE MAPS

Kick things off by rediscovering your partner’s inner world — who they are today, what excites or stresses them, and how they see the future. We often assume we already “know” our partner, but love maps fade when life gets busy. This session helps you rebuild curiosity and connection.

Activities include:
Playful “Love Map Speed Round” questions
Reflection on how you’ve both changed and grown
Simple weekly challenge to reconnect through conversation

Why it matters:
Strong relationships are built on knowing, not guessing.
Rediscovering The Spark

NURTURE FONDNESS AND ADMIRATION
When was the last time you said out loud what you truly appreciate about your partner? This week focuses on re-awakening appreciation and affection — the antidote to criticism and distance. You’ll learn to spot the good moments and turn them into momentum.

Activities include:
“Appreciation Bingo” to celebrate everyday wins
Guided gratitude reflection
The 5-to-1 ratio: small positives that make a big difference

Why it matters:
Admiration is like oxygen for love — small doses every day keep it alive.
Everyday Moments That Matter

TURN TOWARD EACHOTHER INSTEAD OF AWAY

Every relationship is made up of tiny moments — a smile, a text, a touch, a sigh. This week is about recognizing and responding to these “bids for connection” that build trust and emotional safety. You’ll practice seeing opportunities to connect even in the middle of busy or stressful days.

Activities include:
“Bids for Connection” interactive game
Identifying your personal bidding style
Daily check-in practice to take home

Why it matters:
Turning toward your partner — even for six seconds — changes everything.
From Stuck To Connected

OVERCOME GRIDLOCK

Some arguments never seem to go away — because they’re not really about the dishes or the calendar. They’re about deeper dreams, values, and identity. This week helps you explore what’s underneath recurring conflicts and find compassion instead of frustration.

Activities include:
“Dreams Within Conflict” guided dialogue
Identifying core needs and hidden longings
Reflection on shared values

Why it matters:
Behind every gridlock is a story that needs to be understood, not solved.
Deepening Desire and Intimacy

CULTIVATING EMOTIONAL AND PHYISCAL INTIMICY

Intimacy evolves — and this session invites you to rekindle closeness through play, trust, and honest communication about desire. We’ll discuss the link between emotional intimacy and sexual satisfaction, explore what turns connection on and off, and practice ways to invite rather than pressure intimacy.
Activities include:
“Intimacy Map” — identifying your personal and shared turn-ons/off
The “Yes, Maybe, Not Yet” conversation (consent-positive and fun)
Optional take-home reflection on erotic communication

Why it matters:
Passion thrives where partners feel safe, seen, and playful.
Building a Relationship Culture

CREATE SHARED MEANING

The final week celebrates everything you’ve built together. Explore the rituals, goals, and shared symbols that give your relationship a sense of “us.” You’ll design small habits that keep love intentional — from morning coffee rituals to family traditions and shared dreams for the future.

Activities include:
“Rituals of Connection” mapping
Relationship Vision statement
Celebration & reflection

Why it matters:
Lasting love isn’t accidental — it’s a culture you create together.