Private Workshop (1:2)
💞 Private Marriage Prep 101 Workshop – A Personalized 1:2 Experience
This private version of Marriage Prep 101 gives you and your partner the full curriculum in a customized, one-on-one setting with Michelle Joy, MFT.
It’s ideal for couples who want focused attention, flexible scheduling, or space to explore specific topics at their own pace — without a group format.
Sessions are available virtually via Zoom or in person in Santa Cruz.
✨ Flexible Scheduling
📅 Dates: Offered year-round by appointment
🕙 Time: Flexible — one full day (7 hours) or more commonly, two sessions of 3.5 hours each
📍 Location: Online via Zoom or In person – Santa Cruz, CA
💰 Tuition: $1,297 per couple
Includes:
- Private, personalized instruction for two
- Comprehensive Marriage Prep 101 workbooks for each partner
- Live teaching and coaching with Michelle Joy, MFT throughout your session
- Instigator of Love Dialogue Card Deck
- Personalized Enneagram Relationship Profile
- Certificate of Completion
🌟 Why Couples Choose the Private Option
The Private 1:2 Workshop offers everything in the Marriage Prep 101 curriculum — with the added benefit of tailored support and pacing just for you.
Working with couples one-on-one allows Michelle to directly observe your communication patterns, highlight your strengths, and teach targeted tools for conflict repair and emotional connection.
The personalized guidance you receive in this setting simply isn’t possible in a group format — every conversation and exercise is designed to meet your relationship where it is.
Couples often choose this option when they:
- Prefer a more intimate, confidential setting
- Want to address specific challenges or questions unique to their relationship
- Need flexible scheduling to fit busy lives or travel plans
- Are blending families, healing past relationship pain, or navigating big transitions
💫 What You’ll Learn
The Private Workshop covers the same research-based foundation as the group programs, adapted specifically to your needs.
You and your partner will:
- Deepen communication and emotional understanding
- Strengthen repair and conflict-resolution skills
- Identify repeating patterns that keep you stuck
- Clarify shared goals and expectations
- Explore personality dynamics through the Enneagram lens
- Create your personal Marriage Bond™ vision
🌿 What to Expect
- A relaxed, private environment where you can talk openly and explore real-life issues
- Guided teaching, partner dialogues, and personalized coaching throughout the day
- Opportunities for deeper feedback and insight tailored to your dynamic
- Flexible scheduling — complete it in one day or two shorter sessions
- Optional in-person sessions in Santa Cruz, where many couples turn their experience into a rejuvenating weekend getaway by the coast
Before your workshop, you’ll receive a welcome packet containing:
- Two comprehensive workbooks
- A few thoughtful touches to share together
- Details and logistics on how to make the most of your time
The Private Workshop combines structure with personalization — a blend of teaching, reflection, and meaningful dialogue designed to help you leave with clarity, confidence, and tools you can use for a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the private workshop different from Marriage Prep 101 group sessions?
You’ll cover the same curriculum but receive fully personalized coaching and pacing. There’s no group component — it’s just you, your partner, and Michelle.
Can we focus on specific issues?
Yes. This is your time. Michelle tailors the session to the topics most relevant to you — from communication and conflict repair to rebuilding trust or navigating future goals.
Do we need to be engaged to attend?
No. The Private Workshop is open to seriously dating, engaged, and married couples who want to strengthen their relationship or prepare for deeper commitment.
Is this therapy?
It’s educational and coaching-oriented, not therapy. However, Michelle brings over 20 years of couples-therapy expertise, blending practical tools with insight and compassion.
💌 After You Register
Once you request your private session, Michelle will be in touch to schedule your date(s) directly. You will receive a detailed informational email and short questionnaire to help Michelle tailor the workshop to your goals. You will also receive a welcome packet that includes a sweet treat for 2, preparation tips and reflection questions.
🌺 Invest in Your Relationship
If offered as standard hourly sessions, this level of personalized time and coaching would be valued at nearly $2,300 — but the Private Workshop offers a comprehensive bundled rate for couples ready to do this deep work together.
Whether you’re newly engaged, newlywed, or in a long-term partnership, the Private Marriage Prep 101 Workshop offers a focused, personal way to strengthen communication, deepen connection, and create the relationship you truly want.