How to Strengthen Your Relationship: Expert Tips from Your Sunshine Coast Couples Therapist

The Art and Science of Love Workshop - 7 & 8 June 2025. At the Sunshine Coast Couples Clinic, we believe every relationship has the potential to thrive. Whether you're navigating everyday tension or looking to deepen your bond with your partner, we've got the tools, insights, and support to guide you.

Here's everything you need to know from our Sunshine Coast couples therapists, including workshop dates, practical advice, and therapy options to help you and your partner feel more connected.

Upcoming Relationship Workshop on the Sunshine Coast

The Art and Science of Love Workshop

Looking to rekindle connection or strengthen your relationship foundation? Our popular The Art and Science of Love Workshop is returning on:

• 7 & 8 June 2025

• Location: Mercure Sunshine Coast, 9 Florey Blvd, Birtinya QLD 4575

• Cost: $1190 per couple

Created by renowned relationship researchers Drs John and Julie Gottman, this two-day relationship workshop helps couples:

• Rebuild emotional intimacy and friendship

• Navigate conflict with care and clarity

• Explore shared values, goals, and dreams

You'll learn evidence-based strategies through guided exercises designed to deepen understanding and connection with your partner—all in a supportive and comfortable setting.

Whether you’re new to couples therapy, already attending sessions, or just want a relationship tune-up, this couples relationship workshop offers real, evidence-based skills to create lasting connection.

Buy your tickets now for the June relationship workshop—spots are limited and filling fast.

Can’t make it in June? Bookings are also open for the October couples relationship workshop, or you can join the waitlist to be notified on upcoming dates.

What Couples Walk Away With After Day 2

Couples leave Day 2 of The Art and Science of Love Workshop with so much more than tools—they walk away with a renewed sense of friendship, connection, and possibility in their relationship.

Here’s what you can expect to take home with you:

• A shared language around conflict, including how to recognise and break negative patterns before they escalate

• Skills for productive conflict conversations, so you’re not stuck in the same loops or sweeping things under the rug

• The ability to repair after conflict, creating a sense of safety and emotional recovery in the relationship

• Greater acceptance around unresolved differences, along with a mindset shift away from “fixing” everything toward embracing what makes you different

• Daily rituals to build intimacy, woven into the fabric of everyday life

• Clarity on your shared dreams and life direction, giving your relationship deeper purpose and vision

• A sense of momentum, with strategies in place to continue growing and practicing these skills over time

Most importantly, couples often walk away seeing each other—and their relationship—in a more positive, hopeful light.

The 20:1 Rule: A Game-Changer for Your Relationship

Did you know there's a magic ratio for happy relationships? According to Gottman Institute research, couples who maintain a 20:1 ratio of positive to negative interactions feel more connected, supported, and emotionally safe.

What does 20:1 ratio actually mean for you and your partner?

It means that for every one moment of tension, criticism, or disconnect, there are around twenty small moments of positivity—like affection, appreciation, laughter, listening, or simply turning toward each other with kindness.

These positive moments don’t have to be grand gestures. In fact, it’s often the small, everyday interactions that count the most: a warm greeting in the morning, a quick check-in during the day, or a “thank you” for something your partner did.

But this doesn’t mean avoiding difficult conversations or pretending everything’s fine. Conflict is a natural part of every relationship. The 20:1 ratio simply shows that when a relationship has a strong foundation of positive connection, it’s much more resilient when challenges do arise.

So instead of walking on eggshells, focus on building up the bank of goodwill in your relationship—through appreciation, curiosity, humour, and empathy. Those are the interactions that truly make love last.

4 Easy Ways to Increase Positivity in Your Relationship

1. Speak Your Appreciation

Notice the small things your partner does—and say them out loud. Regular appreciation nurtures warmth and connection.

2. Respond to Bids for Connection

Whether it’s a shared meme, a story from their day, or an invitation to go shopping, these moments matter. Noticing and responding builds trust and emotional closeness.

3. Communicate Like Best Friends

Use eye contact, gentle tone, and attentive listening. These basics go a long way in reinforcing your friendship.

4. Support Without Fixing

When your partner is stressed, hold space for their emotions. Don’t jump to problem-solving or criticism. Instead, validate their feelings and show empathy.

Why Positivity Builds Long-Term Strength in a Relationship

More day-to-day positivity doesn’t just feel good—it lays the foundation for a resilient, lasting relationship. Couples who stay emotionally connected:

• Give each other the benefit of the doubt

• Navigate conflict with more sensitivity

• Recover from arguments more easily

• Stay protective of their bond

It’s not about being a perfect partner—it’s about showing up with care, every day, even on the bad days.

Couples Therapy on the Sunshine Coast

If you're feeling stuck or need support breaking conflict cycles, couples therapy can make a world of difference. We currently have availability for:

• Weekly sessions with Karly Rubins (Accredited Mental Health Social Worker & Gottman Level 3 trained)

• Two Day Intensive Couples Therapy with Clinic Director Madonna Hirning

Couples Therapy can help with:

• Improving communication

• Healing emotional wounds

• Restoring intimacy

• Building tools for long-term connection

Ready to book your Sunshine Coast couples therapy? Contact Sunshine Coast Couples Clinic. You can also give us a call at 0406 211 587 or email us at admin@sccouplesclinic.com.

Why The Art and Science of Love Workshop Could Be the Best Investment in Your Relationship

Your relationship deserves the same care and attention you give to every other important area of your life. The Art and Science of Love Workshop offers couples a proven, research-backed way to rebuild connection, navigate conflict with confidence, and create a shared vision for the future—all in just two powerful days.

Whether you're looking to strengthen what’s already good or repair what’s been strained, this couples workshop is an opportunity to grow together in a safe, supportive environment.

Join us for the next workshop on 7–8 June, or secure your place early for the October couples workshop dates.

Browse our Relationship Workshops page to book your spot or join the waitlist for future dates.

We’re here to help you build the kind of relationship that lasts—and thrives.