I have gone back and forth about posting this review. But it is important that in a workshop setting where so much trust is needed that the leader speak to look and treat each person in the workshop with respect, whether or not they can get away with being disrespectful or unkind because they are the leader at the front of the room, or the leader walking around to smaller groups. I see that other people have been singled out by Alison in a workshop in this way. And she also did this with me. Staring people down, embarrassing them, singling them out. This is not okay. And it is not okay that when this is pointed out Alison dismisses this as the person being singled out was too sensitive or shouldn't have been there. It was like she was saying I'm the leader so we're just going to make it somebody else's fault. And by the way. We weren't side talking. Didn't see much of that. We were simply doing the exercise. Alison may be determined she doesn't care, but not being mindful of the power you have as the leader at the front of the room, or when you call people up or walk around to the group, your words and comments and stare downs and taking any excuse to go into a disrespectful tone or way or interacting with people who came there to learn for you and participate in what was said to be and assumed to be in a safe space. I would give details, but from some of the ways Alison was commenting about customers, students and clients that wouldn't be a god idea. I would just say the leader snapping at someone, or staring them down, or giving a snide look or comment to a customer or attempting to put them down or single them out it's not okay. Do not know what instinct was driving that moment. But approaching me, putting me down singling me out. It didn't sit right with me. Seeing Alison do this to someone else and double down on it and justify it. It just wasn't okay. This wasn't a moment where she gets to turn it around and say the student should have been different and oh it was some lesson for them to learn while she had no responsibility for any of it and her actions and attitude were perfectly okay. They weren't okay. This may not have come up in a virtual workshop or Alison wouldn't have been able to single someone out in this way virtually or in an online group. But in the room live, and in a corner of the group, in a moment when the exercises are going and her doing something like that is not going to be fully noted and acknowledged, this where Alison singling me out in an uncomfortable way did happen. Good content. Other nice people. But Alison singling people out, putting them down, embarrassing them, or making them uncomfortable. This is not okay. And then finding ways to dismiss that this what happened, or dismiss feedback about it, and always put it on the customer. That is not okay. read more

Alison was so eager to talk to, and get to, the man waiting to ask a question, that she barely listened to the women asking questions, and kind of hurried them along. She was bouncing in her seat barely listening until eventually she just went directly to the man who had a question, skipping over all the women, out of turn. Then she took a deep breath and relaxed, as if that is what she had been waiting for. And, unlike the women before him, who she hurried along, she gave the man her full attention as he hemmed, hawed, repeated himself, gave his story, and went in circles. There is a lot of really good information in this program, so far. There really is. But we all here interested and trying to learn. There were people who had the courage to raise their hands who just got skipped over. And it is important that this time and attention is respected for everyone who shows up. If you put in the time show up, and pay attention, and learn the material yes not everyone's questions can get answered. But if you get skipped over, or watched everyone get skipped over, it can feel like what are all the rest of us here for. read more

I attended the "Celebrating Men, Satisfying Women'" Workshop a few months ago back in July, and it was life-changing. I used to be so much more sensitive and irritable towards the men AND WOMEN in my life, and despite the emphasis on men it really helped my relationship with other women and myself as well. Now that I'm aware of how men and women communicate differently, I have so much more patience and compassion for people. I know how to listen to people and give them what they need and help them feel better about themselves and their lives. This is not a cheesy exaggeration, the workshop really teaches you how to have the patience to listen to people- and enjoy it! Just a tiny example, after I learned that a lot of men can take up to a minute or two (or five) to plan out their answer to my question, instead of thinking it through out loud like women do- I stop feeling "ignored," or "dismissed," and I feel like I'm listened to now. I pretty much never get in arguments with the men in my life anymore and I don't get irritated when a woman is taking a while to process her answer out loud. This is all based on neuroscience. People who reject the information are usually those who are not open to it or insist on their own low opinions of the opposite sex. And then wonder why they're always so disappointed with people. The experience of a workshop is incredible and cannot be contained in any book! (I know bc I've read their books! [and listened to their audiobooks] They're great to but the workshops are the meat and potatoes). It will be one of the best decisions you can make to go! I'm going to my second workshop the Queen's Course next week and I'm so excited! So what are you waiting for go sign up lol (& NO I don't work for them or coach or whatever that other person said lol) read more

The course has a lot of good. But, I don't get why it's not okay for anyone, who has done the necessary courses and understands the definition, to acknowledge that someone in their lives is an unhealthy man or woman (a person who attacks innocence instead of protecting it); when Alison herself refers to her mother, in the courses, as an unhealthy woman. Why doesn't Alison have to honor her own request to not "accuse" anyone of this in the courses or groups? It undermines what she is saying. Others have also had the painful experience of being raised by an unhealthy parent, just as she has, or encountered an unhealthy person. But while Alison can freely state this about her mother, as if it were a fact, (which I'm not disputing) others can't even acknowledge a similar experience in their own lives, without getting cut off, deleted, or told that they don't really know what happened. Acknowledgment is part of healing. If attacking innocence is unhealthy when a woman does it, or when a man does it with other males, it is the same when a man does it with a woman or girl. If a man attacking innocence, is justified or explained, as his way of trying to be protective, couldn't the same be said of a woman, or a mother? It seems like a dug in double standard. I understand the caution with the label. It's just the double standard that I find frustrating. Also, there is no safe way to ask this question or give this feedback directly without getting excluded or shut out. There's not even a way to give Alison's team, anonymous feedback and be sure it's anonymous, or else I might have done that instead. This would sometimes be helpful, for the reason stated above. read more

I attended Celebrating Men, Satisfying Women in June 2009 and it transformed my relationships with all men! At that time, I had been dating someone for over a year. After the first day, he and I took a long walk and I practiced the new listening skills I learned that day. In 2 hours I learned more about him than I had learned in the year I had been dating him! I was amazed at how easy the information was to apply in my life and how effective it was. Before taking this workshop, I had a very tense relationship with my father and we typically couldn't talk for 5 minutes before we were yelling at each other. After this workshop, I called my father and we talked for an hour. When we got off the phone, he felt respected and loved. We have an amazing relationship now and I am thankful that I can provide him the respect he deserves! Since taking the first workshop, I have taken almost all the workshops PAX offers and each one provides me with a new understanding of men, women and myself. I now understand how to create partnership with men. I HIGHLY recommend every PAX workshop. I have spoken to so many men and women who have saved their marriages by going to a PAX workshop because they now have a better understanding of each other. And, my romantic relationships have been so much better. I used to dread dating. But, now, I enjoy dating and looking for the guy for me. Definitely glad I found PAX and look forward to taking more workshops as Alison introduces her new research. read more

I have learned so much valuable and practical information from the 5 PAX workshops I have participated in. They're called workshops because the participants will work during the course of the class, as opposed to passively sitting and listening. These workshops are for people who want more fulfilling relationships with the opposite sex and with their own sex. These workshops are for people who are interested in seeing how they've been contributing to the current situation and learn more effective behaviors. A person who puts in the work and commits to the new information will see unbelievable improvements in the relationships that mean the most. In addition to learning more about men and the way they think, communicate, and behave, I learned a lot about the way women think, communicate, and behave. I experienced a lot of healing. Understanding that there are scientific, biological, and physiological reasons why men and women do what they do made it possible for me to see my relationships in a new light. In addition to being able to more effectively communicate with the men in my life (both romantic and platonic relationships, as well as familial), I have a new appreciation for the wonderful women in my life. PAX has really opened my eyes to see more beauty in the people in my life. Alison Armstrong is a big fan of men and women getting satisfaction from their relationships. Her workshops aim to celebrate men and to satisfy women. Alison Armstrong's work is easy to understand and can be immediately implemented. Results can be seen quickly once a person consciously takes steps to be more effective. My relationships have become more peaceful, less fraught with tension and impatience, and more satisfying. PAX keeps a finger on the pulse of the scientific community, scouring books and research for additional findings. The courses are always being reevaluated, revised, updated, and improved; new material is always being integrated. Additionally, the material is informed by interviews of thousands of men and women over more than 20 years. PAX workshops would benefit any man or woman who wants to have more satisfying relationships in their life (more passion? more understanding? more freedom to express needs and desires?). I am not an employee of PAX. This is an unsolicited and voluntary review. read more

I was initially introduced to Allison Armstrong and PAX iin 2000 and flew from Chicago, IL and the Bay Area, CA to attend and learn directly from Allison. Since then I have reviewed all of her programs three times and volunteer as often as I can. My skills with men have increased, I feel more confident as a women and I have made many great friends. I recommend you get her books, and CDs and plan to take the first course this year. You will receive so much value! read more

I attended my first PAX workshop in 2006, and it completely changed my life -- for the better! Years of therapy couldn't match the value and simple depth of Allison's teaching. I owe so much to PAX for helping me recognise an amazing man when he came into my life... for being happily married to my husband who thinks the world of me... and for our beautiful daughter. My husband still brings me flowers every week after nearly 5 years of marriage! If you are open to adopting a new point of view that will only benefit you and everyone around you, then you have to go! read more

I highly recommend these courses, books and audio books. I originally read these books when I was going through a divorce (after 12 years of marriage). I planned on using the new found info to date again. Which i did but i also used it on my soon to be ex husband to try and have a civilized relationship for the sake of our three children. What happened next amazed me. My ex became more receptive & giving! He says the same about me. I teach my children everything I've learned and I'm confident they will not go through the disappointment and heartache I have. read more

PAX Programs have impacted my life so critically I can say my life has never been the same since! It has helped me to be more understanding with men and women, my husband, children, and co-workers. Amazing, insightful and fun learning! I can't get enough! read more

I have been a huge fan of the PAX Programs since 2007, and they're just getting better and better! This is truly transformational work, for men and women alike. Anyone who has ever been confused or frustrated by the opposite sex would benefit from the insights and wisdom that these programs provide. While the Live workshops are sensational, you can get a lot of great tips and insights from visiting their website and clicking on Free Stuff, there's a wealth of information that won't cost you a penny. Anyone who is skeptical or negative about such things, has absolutely nothing to lose, and a world of wisdom to gain! read more

I have attended 2 different programs and about to attend my third. I have learned techniques that provided immediate improvement in my communications with men at work. That made me even more successful as a program manager. Next I will learn about Men and Marriage. I am learning so much about myself and men. It's like a graduate course in being a grown up, a happy grownup. read more

PAX is an amazing place to get a new point of view regarding how men and women relate to each other. It teaches communication skills in a way that builds people up and draws out the best in them. I have seen many couples who were on the brink of divorce come through the programs and end up reconciling. I have also seen many women who were unknowingly alienating men or attracting the wrong men, not only have an abundance of great men show up in their life, but also were able to identify and correct the behaviors that they were unknowingly exhibiting that we're bringing out the worst of men. The results are astounding! As for me, the information was a great tool in my dating life and it became an amazing foundation in my marriage. The partnership skills not only helped create space for more romance in my marriage, but they apply to other areas of partnership in my life too. It also really helped me create a much better working relationship with both men and women. As for the people who claim that the information is pseudo science--PAX doesn't claim to be derived by scientific analysis--although there are MANY scientific studies that support the information that they teach. The information was created by thousands interviews of men and women for decades. Because PAX isn't trying to be a scientific formula that fits every human being, there is space for individuality and tools for learning what works in your own unique situation. It is so helpful that marriage and family therapists often apply to license the information to use in their own practices. You can't lose anything by checking it out because PAX guarantees their work by a money back guarantee. Most people never want it because there is so much to learn and it just keeps helping more and more. read more

I was introduced to Pax Programs through a friend of mine at work, his wife was one of the instructors. I went to the first course Celebrating Men Satisfying Women to learn a few things: 1) I'm a single mom raising a son, so much to learn to communicate well with him as well as help him with his relationships with women; 2) I'm in a relationship and trying to find the right way to communicate, in my marriage there wasn't a lot of that happening; 3) I'm a career woman who works with a lot of male executives, how can I communicate with them more effectively. Day 1 was great, day 2 the light bulb went on. It was a pretty cool feeling. I immediately bought the entire course - so glad I did. Men & Sex was not really teaching me anything I didn't know, but by day 2 I realized that we were doing a lot of work to close some chapters that were possibly holding us back. I am attending the Celebrating Women: Regarding Ecstasy & Power (aka Queen Course) this weekend, and I've been waiting for it, I've heard so much about it, I know it's going to teach me how to balance some stuff. While I'm not married, or getting married, I am excited for the Men & Marriage course in Nov that I'm signed up for. The BIG excitement for me is going to be going to the Understanding Women with my boyfriend in the new year. He's a little worried about it, but I think we'll be in a good place by then. I think that Alison and her team have done a lot to prepare for these teachings and that people, like with anything, will only get out of it what they allow themselves to get out of it. I've read some of the reviews (from the men) that were pretty negative - I can see where they were coming from, because my boyfriend has been a little hesitant, but if you go into this with an open mind, heart & soul you can heal and be the woman you want to be, for you as well as for the men in your life. It's been a great program for me! I would highly recommend it. read more

I have get this off my chest as I am angry at this organization and the way they handle things. I believe the first course I took about Understanding Men was really good. So good in fact that I signed up for more courses and bought a "package". which gave me a slight discount for attending 4 more courses. The next two courses I took I felt were lacking but nonetheless I planned on completing the courses I paid for. The reason I am writing this negative review is they charged me $238 extra for not attending one of the workshops. . I was called into work and could not go and knew I would not be refunded (the course was paid for already. approximately $800) . But to then go ahead and charge my credit card an extra $238 for not coming??? What is up with that? If I buy a ticket to a play or concert and then don't go, sure I wont get a refund but to be charged more for not coming, there is something seriously wrong with that. Talking to customer service, all I got was that is their policy. Not helpful at all. I would not recommend this to anyone. I feel ripped off. read more

PAX courses completely transformed my life. I have taken many transformational courses and nothing else made as much difference as Celebrating Men, Satisfying Women. I not only learned about men, but also learned about myself and other women. I feel everyone should take all their courses to end the unnecessary confusion and frustration in our relationships. read more

I have been a relationship coach since 1997, and have pursued anything that I have felt would not only teach me more, but would be worth encouraging my clients to do. I learned about PAX a few years ago, and did their flagship course, "Celebrating Men, Satisfying Women" in May of 2010. I was blown away by the information, and by the compassion and humor with which it was delivered. I left feeling that any woman who wanted to have an extraordinary relationship with the men in their lives would be well-served to do the workshop. I've supported many women to participate since then, and have heard nothing but whole-hearted praise for the workshop, and wonderful reports about the results women have experienced with men since the course. So gratifying for me! read more

Few things in life stand out for me next to my faith in God and parenthood that when thoughtfully pursued have the power to transform a life...forever. So I was skeptical when I signed up for PAX Celebrating Men Satisfying Women workshop several years ago with the promise that this weekend would transform my relationships with all men...forever. Last weekend I reviewed Celebrating Men, Satisfying Women with my best friend and her daughter in San Diego and it allowed me the opportunity to gratefully reflect. Well...starting with my father who had reclused into alcoholism, I was able to reconnect with him on 2 hour drives to the VA hospital over a two year period by listening, PAX style with men, and he became my best friend. Next, my students, middle school boys in particular, transformed from distracted, disruptive and off-task to fellow adventurers with Lewis and Clark and amazing providers of classroom assistance by employing newfound PAX knowledge on the affects of criticism, appreciation and inspiration on men. My 21 year old son ends every conversation with me with "I love you Mom." I recognize my son has grown into a man and PAX has helped me through the transition of mothering to respectful influence and cheerleader in his life thanks to what PAX calls the "Queen Course". This is precious to me and so very different than what was my life with men prior to investing my heart and mind into understanding men. My friendships with men are a treasure. I'd like to list the men in my life by name who have my back, who believe I am a gift to others, who have even been there in minutes when I've had a flat tire or needed help moving something heavy or who trust me with the stuff men don't share unless they feel safe with you. There's much more... I am passionate about my faith in God and motherhood has been my greatest joy of life so far. Next to those two things I would list PAX as making the greatest difference in the quality and depth of all my relationships with men and women, transforming them...forever. PAX delivered. Kim C. San Diego, CA read more

My experience this past week with Alison Armstrong and "Celebrating Men, Satisfying Women" 2 day workshop was a dismal disappointment. It was run like a reform school with Alison playing the role of the warden with a whip. 15 minutes late, absolutely no excuses, one must reschedule. Leave early and miss the pumping of her other courses and you are not allowed in the workshop the next day and again must reschedule. No exceptions. Her "course manager" is her heavy. She keeps track of who goes in and out of the room to the minute and delivers the news that a participant must "reschedule". The reason given, "you missed vital information and can not continue with the workshop." I left 40 minutes early because of a prior commitment. My friend that I had encouraged to participate stay until the 7pm closure. She had flown from Toronto to San Francisco to share this experience with me. She said that the last 30 minutes amounted to nothing more than pumping Alison's other courses. The course manager threatened to "call security" if I would not leave the room when I arrived for day 2. The first hour of the course day 1, Alison spent precious time telling us what the course would not give us and reviewing a list of rules for staying in the workshop that she would"hate us" for breeching and would "kick us out of the workshop". Leaving early was not on her list. Alison asked those present to raise their hands if they were repeats. 1/4 of the participants hands went up. No doubt they were "offenders" that had been "rescheduled". My friend and I told the course manager that leaving early was not mentioned or I certainly would have spoken to someone about my prior commitment at the onset. The manager insisted that it had been listed even though the list from Alison's flip chart was hanging on the wall sans such a statement. Alison also stated that the workshop would include swearing. "If my husband, Gary, is an asshole, that's what he'll be called" was her caution. I can't see how such language will improve communication between men and women nor is it professional. I choose not to reschedule as it was apparent that Alison does not value the time of her clients nor does she treat them with the respect that goes along with "empowering" women. I would deem her abusive. Also, the purpose of the workshop was supposedly to help with communication between men and women. It was apparent to me that there had been more than one important communication breakdown between her staff and clients, all females, not giving me high hopes! I told the manager that I was not leaving until I got a credit for my workshop fee and that I wanted something in writing. I left with a hand written note guaranteeing me a full refund with in 5 to 6 weeks. I've marked my calendar to alert Am Ex if that doesn't happen. Alison may have some valid information to share but it appears she needs psychological help with her control/ego issues. Because 2 women sitting next to us had very bad and apparent colds, my friend and I moved our chairs. Alison informed the group that the chairs would be returned to their prior position at the break. In a nutshell, Alison is not a person of light. The workshop seems to be "all about Alison". I can not be reimbursed for the day out of my life wasted or the emotional upset my friend and i experienced. I would not recommend taking Alison's course to my worst enemy. Beware. read more