Frequently Asked Questions

  • A Couples Weekend offered by Jim & Linda Brooks


    • How do I know the workshop, A Couples Weekend, is for us?


      A Couples Weekend is for couples who want to improve their relationship, regardless of whether or not they are currently having problems. In other words, any couple can benefit.
    • What kinds of skills will we learn?


      You will learn a wide variety of relationship-enhancing skills, like positive rituals to nourish your relationship regularly. Probably the most important skill you will learn is to recognize recurring patterns that you and your partner fall into when you are under stress, and how to help each other equilibrate when you are emotionally triggered. You will also learn how to communicate difficult subjects effectively in a clean and non- shaming way. In addition, you will learn how to express anger in a healthy way. For all the details, see our A Couples Weekend page.
    • Is the workshop open to both heterosexual and homosexual couples?


      Yes, A Couples Weekend is open to all couples, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
    • When and where is the workshop offered?


      The workshop is offered in venues around the country and internationally. See A Couples Weekend details for more information.
    • What is the fee?


      The cost of a non-residential workshop held is $750 per couple. On occasion the fee might be slightly higher, depending upon the venue being used.
    • Can I attend this workshop alone?


      No, the workshop is intended to teach couples skills they can use at home. They practice using these skills in the workshop. We believe that couples' work is best done together.
  • Couples' Coaching


    • What is the purpose of your couples’ coaching program?


      Our intention is to teach couples tools that they can use on their own at home. Each couple is unique with issues specific to their relationship. We always begin by asking each partner what he/she wants to get out of the coaching session. We then tailor the coaching session to address the needs of the two people involved.
    • Is your couples' coaching program open to anyone?


      Yes. Regardless of whether you are happy in your relationship or are struggling, whether you are in a new relationship or have been together a long time, you will gain practical tools to enhance your relationship.
    • Is your couples' coaching open to both heterosexual and homosexual couples?


      Yes, our couples coaching program is open to all couples, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
    • What methodologies do you use?


      We use a wide variety of powerful approaches, depending on the needs of the particular couple. These include tools we teach on our Weekend Workshop, Voice Dialogue, Shadow Work, relationship education, and Imago dialogue, amongst others.
    • Do we need coaching if we have already taken the A Couples Weekend?


      Most people find that A Couples Weekend is all that they need. They leave the workshop well equipped to successfully navigate the challenges of their relationship. However, some couples find that coaching subsequent to the couples' retreat is a wonderful way to solidify and enrich the skills learned during the workshop.
  • Shadow Work®


    • What's the difference between Shadow Work and psychotherapy?


      Psychotherapy is generally intended as an on-going relationship between therapist and client to work on acute or chronic psycho-emotional issues. A Shadow Work session is a once-off, powerful way to re-script an old pattern. Shadow Work is primarily intended for personal growth and transformation. Some therapists, however, find Shadow Work tools useful in the context of doing therapy.
    • How often do you recommend I do a Shadow Work process?


      A Shadow Work session is usually complete within itself, and most people experience resolution and a sense of completion with each session. However, new issues tend to arise in our lives, so from time to time people may want to do another Shadow Work process on a different issue.
    • Is it better to do Shadow Work in a group or individually?


      Each of these options has its own merits. In a group you have the advantage of role players who can visually depict the internal landscape of your psyche for you. Additionally, you have the powerful support of the group to help you make the shifts you are after.

      An individual session affords you the opportunity to work in depth on a private issue that you don’t feel comfortable sharing with others. Because it is a much longer session than a group process, it also enables you to explore the different aspects of your issue in more depth.