Hold Me Tight with Horses

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Hold Me Tight® is a registered trademark of Sue Johnson Inc.

Strengthen your relationship at our Hold Me Tight couples retreat—based on Dr. Sue Johnson’s proven method. Experience powerful growth through guided sessions and unique horse-assisted activities.

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During this workshop you and your partner will :

• Learn about the science of love and attachment

• Learn how to identify and correct negative cycles of couple interaction

• Learn how to become more open and responsive with one another

• Learn how to fix relational mistakes and create a secure base

***Note; within the HMT curriculum there are 7 conversations. During this weekend retreat, we are extremely unlikely to cover them all

"The most functional way to regulate difficult emotions in love relationships is to share them."

-Sue Johnson

Hold Me Tight with Horses

September 26 & 27, 2026

10am-4pm

Cost $475 per person

Early Bird $437.50 per person

*Early bird rate is available until 1 month prior

**Participants must attend as a couple

Future dates: Spring 2027

This workshop will be held largely outside, integrating ground work with horses intermittently. Please dress appropriately.

**Please it is required that you attend with your partner.

***This group is facilitated by a Registered Psychotherapist and MAY be covered by your group benefit package

We're ready, sign us up!

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Register Now

More Information

Saturday Agenda (10am-4pm)

We’ll kick off the weekend by exploring the science behind love—looking at its impact on our health, its powerful role in human survival. Together, we’ll start to spark curiousity about your own emotions and your partner’s, and how these shape the dynamic between you. We’ll work to make sense of the things that may feel confusing or unclear. This will be the most content-rich portion of the weekend, designed to lay a strong foundation for the rest of our experience. We’ll also review basic horse safety, as we plan to spend time getting to know, interacting with, and connecting with the horses—weather permitting.

Saturday Continued

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from both horses and practicing psychotherapy, it’s that things unfold in their own time. Often, we need to slow down in order to truly move forward. While we plan to cover Conversation 1: Demon Dialogues and Conversation 2: Raw Spots from the Hold Me Tight curriculum, we’ll remain flexible and adjust the pace as needed.

As we explore how romantic partners tend to respond to each other when things get difficult, you’ll have the chance to engage with the material as a group (sharing is encouraged but never required), practice a new way of communicating with your partner—supported by a psychotherapist—and connect with the horses to deepen and enrich your experience.

Lunch and snacks will be provided.

Sunday Agenda
(10am-4pm)

We’ll pick up where we left off on Saturday, beginning with space for reflection and discussion about the previous day’s experiences. We’ll then move into Conversation 3: Revisiting a Rocky Moment and Conversation 4: Hold Me Tight. If time allows, we’ll also explore Conversation 5: Forgiving Injuries.

Any conversations we aren’t able to fully cover during the weekend will be supplemented with materials and outlines for you to take home. At the very least, we’ll provide a brief overview of each one.

As with the earlier sessions, the day will include key concepts and discussion, opportunities for play and practice, horse demonstrations, and hands-on interactions with the horses.

Lunch and snacks will be provided.

Then What?

Looking for a little extra support? For some of you, this might be just what you need! Others may opt for traditional couple's therapy sessions right here at the farm or I can connect you with fantastic referrals (also see Helpful Resources). We also offer intensive day-long or weekend sessions just for couples, available at Matatoa and other locations around the province. Don't hesitate to reach out for more details—let's make this journey together!

More Info

this is a psychoeducational group facilitated by a Registered Psychotherapist. It MAY be covered by your insurance plan-please verify with your benefits plan to avoid surprises
This group will be held predominantly outside, weather permitting. If forced indoors, we will be inside a barn. Please dress appropriately for the weather.
If you are allergic to horses, hay, dogs, or cats, this may not be the group for you.
No prior experience with horses is necessary-all activities take place on the ground, no riding is involved.
This is a structured, supportive environment where participation is always voluntary. You’ll have guided discussions, one-on-one time with your partner, and a chance to explore powerful relationship concepts—at your own pace.

Payment Information

Payment is required either at the time of registration (not for waitlist-you will be given an opportunity to accept or decline once dates are established) or at least three weeks before the event. An invoice will be provided, and prompt payment is appreciated. If needed, we can issue a receipt for your payment. However, receipts for insurance purposes will only be available after you attend the group.
If you cancel with more than one week’s notice, you will receive a refund minus a $100 non-refundable deposit.
Cancellations made with less than one week’s notice are non-refundable.
A maximum of 8 couples are able to attend this group