Spring Retreat: May 10-11, 2025 Fall Retreat: October 4-5, 2025
9 AM - 5 PM (both days) | Rate: $875 per couple
Join us for a transformative experience designed to help couples deepen their emotional bond, nurture relationships,and build lasting love through the evidence-based methods of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).
Emotional Connection: An opportunity to learn and practice relational techniques to communicate effectively, strengthen your relationship, and experience deeper intimacy.
EFT-Inspired approach: A retreat grounded in the principles of Emotionally Focused Therapy, offering a path to lasting connection.
Intimate Setting: A small group limited to six couples to ensure personal attention and deep connection.
Private Time with Your Partner: Powerful, therapist-supported couples exercises conducted privately to deepen trust and understanding.
This Program is for Couples Who Want to:
Understand their interactional patterns and emotional needs
Overcome obstacles when addressing conflicts
Experience deeper intimacy
Begin the process of repairing relationship injuries
Couples Testimonials
A wonderful weekend of growth, improved understanding, and connection with my partner."
"I would recommend this workshop to any couple who wants to stay together in the long run."
"This workshop gave us the tools to heal hurts and sent us on our way feeling positive, with a roadmap for solving problems."
Hold Me Tight® Retreat FAQs
Why Choose the Hold Me Tight® Couples Retreat? The Hold Me Tight® Retreat is for couples ready to deepen their emotional connection, address relational challenges, and renew passion. Grounded in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), this evidence-based approach fosters trust, understanding, and secure attachment. Whether you need help overcoming communication barriers or simply want to reconnect, this retreat provides tools for meaningful, lasting change.
What is Included? The registration fee covers participation for both partners and includes:
Two full days of structured workshops
Workbooks and program materials
Snacks and beverages
Meals and lodging are not included. A list of recommended local dining will be provided.
Where is the Retreat Located? The Hold Me Tight® Retreat takes place in a private guest house in Barnstable, MA, a peaceful location within walking distance of the ocean. This small-group setting, limited to six couples, offers an intimate and supportive environment. We encourage you to explore accommodation options on beautiful Cape Cod and ensure you carve out time for relaxation and rest both before and after the workshop.
Where Can We Find Lodging? There are many lodging options on Cape Cod. The closest hotels in the Barnstable area are:
Courtyard Cape Cod Hyannis
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Cape Cod Hyannis
If you prefer rental properties, we recommend using Airbnb.com and WeNeedaVacation.com:
What Can We Expect? The two-day retreat consists of 7+ guided conversations using a blend of:
Presentations
Video demonstrations
Group discussions
Private couples’ exercises
All educational presentations take place in a group format, while couples' exercises are conducted privately. A facilitator and supporting therapist will be available to provide guidance during these exercises, but couples can also choose to complete them independently.
Who Can Attend? This program is designed for committed couples and dating partners looking to:
Strengthen their bond
Enhance emotional connection
Overcome negative relational patterns
Learn Relational Techniques
How is This Program Different from Therapy? The Hold Me Tight® Retreat is a structured relationship enrichment experience, not therapy. While professional guidance is available, participation in group discussions is optional. To learn more about this program, you may refer to Dr. Sue Johnson’s book, Hold Me Tight: 7 Conversations for a Lifetime of Love.
Who is Facilitating the Hold Me Tight® Couples Retreat? The Hold Me Tight® Couples Retreat is led by Lana Emelyanov, LICSW, an experienced group facilitator and EFT-certified couples therapist. An assisting EFT therapist is also available for the private portion of the program.
Can Participants Receive Continuing Education Credits? Yes! Participants in helping professions, such as psychology, counseling, or social work, can earn continuing education credits for the Hold Me Tight® Couples Retreat. The National Marriage Seminars of America awards 12.5 APA-approved CEUs for our program. To obtain CEUs, you must attend the full workshop, sign in and out each day, and pay the $39.99 CEU Certificate Fee upon program completion to the National Marriage Seminars of America. The payment link will be provided during registration. Please check with your local licensing board to confirm CEU acceptance.
Do You Offer Private Hold Me Tight Programs? Yes! If you prefer a one-on-one experience, Private Hold Me Tight Couples Intensives are available. Both private and small-group retreats offer a focused, distraction-free opportunity to invest in your relationship.Learn about Private Intensives.
Other Questions? If you need more information, feel free to schedule an initial consultation: