When Chris and I first attended a Getting the Love You Want workshop, we weren’t there as psychologists. We weren’t there to tick a professional box.
We were there as a couple, in marital trouble.
Two life partners who wanted to strengthen our relationship, communicate better, and stop tripping over the same old arguments.
Chris was there with his trademark dry humour, a bit tense but wholeheartedly showing up for us. That weekend changed everything.
For me, it opened up a new way of seeing and being in love. For Chris, who holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and brings over 40 years of wisdom to his work, it was a refreshing shift: to sit not as the professional, but as a husband, a partner, a learner.
That first workshop didn’t just help us. It inspired us. And it planted a seed that has grown into one of the pinnacles of our lives together.
🎉 The Milestone We’re Celebrating
Fast-forward years of training, study, and supervision, and here we are.
I’ve completed my final faculty assessment and written a full workshop manual, becoming a certified Getting the Love You Want Imago workshop presenter.
This milestone isn’t just about credentials. It’s about completing a circle: from sitting in the chairs as participants, to standing at the front of the room as leaders.
Chris’s Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology gives him the grounding wisdom that couples instantly feel safe with. I bring the spark, energy, and structure that help people lean into the process. Together, we’re more than the sum of our parts — a partnership that lives this work in our marriage, and now gets to share it with you.
❤️ Why Imago Matters Today
Relationships aren’t easy.
We fall in love, we fuse, and then differences surface. That’s when many couples get stuck in the “power struggle” you know it – circling arguments, silence, withdrawal, resentment.
Imago offers a way through.
With its structured dialogue process, couples learn to:
- Slow down and truly listen
- Validate each other’s feelings (even when you disagree, Yes)
- Cross the bridge into your partner’s world with empathy
- Move from blame, criticism, to curiosity
- Reignite the safety and playfulness of love
This isn’t theory. It’s practice. Couples feel the shift in the room, in real time.
💬 What Couples Say
“We came in barely talking. We left holding hands with hope again.” – L & A, Sydney
“It felt like hitting the reset button. We laughed, cried, and remembered why we chose each other.” – J & M, Melbourne
“I was sceptical, but this workshop exceeded every expectation. Chris and Philipa create such a safe and inspiring space.” – K & T, Canberra
🔮 Looking Ahead – 2026 I Imago Workshops
With certification complete, we’re preparing to launch our Getting the Love You Want workshop retreats program in 2026.
We’ll only run a handful each year. They’re intentionally small and intimate, so every couple feels supported. And yes — they sell out fast.
Imagine it: two days away from phones, kids, and work. Just you and your partner, guided by two psychologists who live this work every day. A reset, a reconnection, a chance to find each other again.
Would Bali in June be an option – we are taking expressions of interest.
✅ Be The First to Know
If you’d like to be the first to hear when 2026 dates open, join our priority list today.
👉 Join the Priority List for 2026 Workshops
2026 Getting the Love You Want Couples Workshop, 7 & 8 March
We’re thrilled to announce that our first Getting the Love You Want workshop of 2026 will be held on 7 & 8 March in Crows Nest, Sydney Australia.
Unlike group therapy, this workshop is just for you and your partner. You’ll work privately together on structured dialogues, exercises, and reflections.
You never have to share anything with the group unless you genuinely feel moved to. Couples often tell us this gives them both safety and freedom, they’re not put on the spot, yet they feel the collective support of others on the same journey.
Over two transformative days, you can expect to:
- Discover the hidden roots of recurring conflicts (the “why” behind your arguments)
- Practise communication skills that turn criticism into curiosity
- Move through the “power struggle” stage into conscious, intentional partnership
- Reconnect with empathy, affection, and playfulness
- Leave with a practical toolkit to keep your love strong long after the weekend ends
❓ Quick answers couples ask
What is the Getting the Love You Want workshop?
It’s a two-day Imago Relationship Therapy program created by Dr Harville Hendrix and Dr Helen LaKelly Hunt. Couples learn how to move from conflict to connection using dialogue, empathy, and relational tools.
Who will be leading the May 2026 Sydney workshop?
It’s facilitated by Philipa Thornton, psychologist, with trusty assistant husband, Chris Paulin, who holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and over 40 years of experience. Together, we bring both professional expertise, lived partnership, and fun.
Do we have to share with the group?
No. You’ll work privately with your partner. Sharing is optional — only if you feel moved to.
Where is the May 7–8 workshop held?
In Sydney, at a comfortable, welcoming venue designed for safety, learning, and connection.
✅ Reserve your place early
Our next Getting the Love You Want workshop will run on 7 & 8 May 2026 in Sydney.
These weekends are intentionally small, intimate, and sell out quickly. If you’d like to be the first to secure your spot, join our priority list today.