I created this list when a woman asked me which
courses to suggest to her husband. She thought he'd insist on
spending most of his time on the golf course but if she could
talk him into trying some of the classes, "which might be action-based,
lively, entertaining - not "talking heads or a bunch of power points and
research? He doesn't want something heavy or to be roped
into touchy feely therapy exercises." Hmmm, I think I get it.
In fact we should all probably include a few of these in our schedules to
break up the intensity. I also told her she can assure him he won't stand
out as one of the "non professionals". With 2,500+ people attending he'll
blend into the crowd. MANY public – "just regular folks" – attend. - diane

I can defintely recommend spoues join you for the keynotes and banquets - they'll
all be entertaining and interesting – even to a non-clinician/non marriage-educator. 
The keynotes are included in the conference registration or in a daily registration,
if you want to have your spouse join you for just one day.

You can buy guest tickets for both the Tues (Hendrix & Hunt) and
Thurs (Doherty) banquets and for the Sat Night Live John Gray Mars/Venus
keynote.


Also Note that it's easy to add sessions in the 800# series - they're included in
conference or daily Sun registration, but it's just $15 to add a guest ticket.
----------------------------------------
The following workshops are active, play-based, and fun.....

310
Warm Things Up!
Katherine Robredo, MSW, Maureen Griner, MA
You've taken the classes, now learn to be a great presenter
with 20 icebreaker activities to enliven any class and
enhance group learning. Plus tips on adult learning styles
and dealing with difficult people.

410
Sherod’s Squares
Sherod Miller, PhD
Get to the heart of a relationship in two minutes with this
powerful, engaging non-verbal technique. Use in classes or
clinical settings for uncannily accurate assessment and intervention!


510
The Power of Play
Elaine Braff, MPS, Hal Braff, JD
Play is the secret ingredient to marital satisfaction. Learn
exercises and tools to add to any marriage program to
help couples make play an everyday part of their marriage.

610
The Icy Pole Stick Dance
Peter Little
Learn to use 15 fun tools from “down under” - eggs, icy pole
sticks, balloons, photos, balls, the camping game - to make
quick progress on communication, connecting & problem
solving. For couples & families.

810
The Art of Couples Play - TOOB
Keith Hackett, DMin
Experience how play can improve your relationship – help
solve conflicts, have better sex, communicate and bond.
Learn how to create your own Playshop. Attend alone or
with a partner.

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The following, while not strictly "play" are exercise-based, and/or
entertaining, funny, got very high marks at past conferences
from people who report they brought
their non-professional spouse who loved – and "got the most
out of" – these sessions without a touch-feely vibe in sight:

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Ecstasy Without Guilt
Joe Beam
Understand the inherent causes of “low” and “no” sex
marriages and an approach to help more “conservative”
couples find excitement and fulfillment.


311
Money Habitudes: The Last Taboo – TOOB
Syble Solomon, MEd
Use a unique card deck to give couples life-changing
insights into their hidden attitudes about money. Teach
groups, use with individual couples, or add to any marriage program.

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1-2-3 Magic – TOOB
Tom Phelan, PhD
Teach parents easy-to-follow steps for disciplining
kids ages 2-12 without arguing, yelling or spanking
and when – and how – silence can speak louder than words.


314
Sex and Romance in the Biblical Marriage – TOOB
Hon Jim Sheridan, JD, MBA
Scripture describes marriage as a relationship between
equals filled with passion and love. Learn how to put
this into practice with disagreements, sex, and the
realities of lifelong marriage.

316
Basic Training: Men, Women and Marriage – TOOB
Rozario Slack, DMin, Nisa Muhammad
Two straight-talking curricula developed in the crucible
of the Black experience. Teach Black men and women
the principles and skills to create and sustain successful marriages.

317
Marriage in the Wilderness
Fred Dodini, PhD, MSW, Ezekiel Sanchez
Learn how to conduct an outdoors program to provide
couples and/or families with unforgettable memories,
insights, and practical tools to develop & sustain loving,
committed relationships.

401
At the Movies
Frank Pittman, MD
Everything we need to know about marriage can be
found at the movies: explore meaning, expectations, love,
insanity, brain chemistry, secrets, lies, deal breakers
– even clues about how to get it right. Bring popcorn.

406
The Essential Humility of Marriage
Terry Hargrave, PhD
Stability, security, and sincerity are the "right stuff" that
help couples move past "me and my happiness" to the respect,
humility, reliability, and sacrifice that produce solid marriages
and secure kids.


420
Marriage & Family Wellness: Corporate America’s Business?
Jeff Fray, PhD, Julie Baumgardner, MA,
Stephen Judah, PhD, Matthew Turvey, PsyD
Research makes the case: employees with healthy
marriages are more productive. Learn what HR executives
say they need and how marriage educators can deliver.
Corporate examples.

501
How to Improve Your Marriage Without Talking About It!
Pat Love, EdD, Steven Stosny, PhD
Learn an approach that combines brain research and
a set of brief behaviors guaranteed to strengthen marriage.
Best of all, men can do it without feeling they have to behave
like women.

504
Who Am I and Who Are You?
Scott Stanley, PhD
Learn how to use personality testing like The Primary Couples
Personality Tool to build understanding and acceptance in
marriage. Covers myths, research, and strategies for teaching acceptance.

506
10 Great Dates for Black Couples – TOOB
Rozario Slack, DMin, Angela Slack, MD
This program combines fun dates and marriage skills
– and appeals to men! Based on the proven insights of the
Arp’s 10 Great Dates program. Teach in your church or community.

507
Married Sex for Men
Michael Metz, PhD, Barry McCarthy, PhD
Ten things men need to know to deal with the common
problems – low desire, porn addiction, erectile dysfunction,
premature ejaculation, etc. – to build a healthy, pleasurable sex life.

602
Secrets of Happily Married Women
Scott Haltzman, MD
Help wives become energized and find contentment
in the face of the challenges of balancing feminist ideals,
traditional roles, work, self, kids, and well-intentioned
advice about having it all.

607
Hot Monogamy – TOOB
Pat Love, EdD, Kathleen McFadden, CLE
The death of passion often heralds the end of a marriage.
Proven techniques help couples restore this vital energy.
Pragmatic strategies presented with humor and clinical savvy.

702
African American Marriage Enrichment – TOOB
Lorraine Blackman, PhD
Learn tips for teaching this program that addresses
the specific issues facing African American couples.
Perfect for church, school, community, and private
practice settings.

707
The Marriage Garden – FOOB
Wallace Goddard, PhD, James Marshall, PhD
Easy to teach, innovative, flexible, FREE (!) and based on
new discoveries in positive psychology and Appreciative Inquiry.
Includes commitment, nurture, and communication activities.

713
Life Puzzle: A Coaching Model – TOOB
Ann Kramer, EdS, Bridget Brennan, MA, CFLE
Help couples tackle seemingly insurmountable, chronic
problems by defining their Self - their own shape and edges,
and then put the pieces together for a true and lasting intimacy.

717
The Business of Love
John Curtis, PhD
Apply 9 proven business "best practices" to create 21st century
marriages built to last. Visioning, logos, job descriptions & performance
appraisals, mergers, etc. Great appeal to men & dual career couples.

802
Why Talking Is Not Enough: 8 Loving Actions
Susan Page, MDiv
Transform your relationship by replacing the same
old, round and round frustrating conversations with
easy-to-learn loving actions. For women only.

803
Win Your Wife’s Heart Forever
Scott Haltzman, MD
If we can build skyscrapers and land on Mars, we
can also figure out how to succeed at marriage.
Eight Secrets From Happily Married Men on how
to win – and keep – the prize. For men only.

804
How To Avoid Marrying A Jerk – TOOB
John Van Epp, PhD
Great marriages begin long before the wedding.
Learn the 5 keys to successful mate-selection, and how to
avoid the "love is blind" attachment-syndrome.
For singles, or single again.

805
The First Dance: Wedding Planning - TOOB
Bill Doherty, PhD, Elizabeth Thomas
Engaged couples often face complex, conflicted couple
and family dynamics. Learn how to plan a “family-systems”
wedding that will lay a solid foundation for life-long marriage."

806
The Mother-In-Law Conundrum
Leanne Braddock, MEd, MA
Research and conventional wisdom say the mother-in-law
relationship is critical to happy marriages. Brainstorm and
add your own tips to those gathered from 1,000+ mothers
and children about how to get it right.

807
Marital Sex As it Ought to Be
Barry McCarthy, PhD
When it's good, it’s great. When it's bad or non-existent,
it's a bummer. Learn what it takes to have great marital sex
– intimate and erotic – and how to prevent and resolve sexual problems.

808
101 Things I Wish I Knew When I Got Married
Charles and Linda Bloom, MSWs
Learn simple but invaluable lessons – about vulnerability, privacy,
motivation, myths – to make love last and how to integrate the
lessons into a new or seasoned marriage.

811
PAIRS: Skills for Couples
Michele Baldwin, MSW, DeWitt Baldwin, MD
Whether you’re dating, engaged, married or remarried,
learn PAIRS skills guaranteed to kick your relationship
up a notch. Easy, enjoyable, and transforming – you’ll
use them ‘til death do you part.

812
Surviving Your Adolescents: 13 - 18 Year Olds – TOOB
Tom Phelan, PhD
There are times you must keep quiet as they push
toward independence and times you must take charge.
This step-by-step approach will help end the hassles.
Single parents & stepparents also welcome.

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