TLDR: Gal and Liron's new workshop provided a lot of tools and insights into elements of our identities. When Chris and I took the first pre-marital course with the Couples Center our lives and relationships were changed for the better. We eagerly signed up for the new template-based course and it exceeded our expectations. I was excited to write a lengthy review of what we enjoyed about the workshop in hopes it could help others in their personal growth. Their phrase still resonates with me, "the best time to participate in therapy is when you don't have a lot of problems". We went into the first course intending to strengthen our current relationship. Little did we know we would uncover issues that we weren't aware of. Knowing these we were able to make changes that improved our relationship tenfold. Our goal in the 2nd workshop was to solve our problems by becoming aware of them. The couples center once again was a step ahead. We learned that as problem solvers, some of our parts won't be solved with a logical or analytical approach. We discovered the power of getting in touch with our emotions and not always be in our heads, which is a hard and abstract approach, but life-changing. We now understand why this was a level 2 of the first course as we went a lot deeper into what shapes us in both a positive and negative way. Just like the previous course Gal and Liron have built a comprehensive session with digestible tools we reference regularly. Each exercise was expertly laid out to make complicated ideas clear and was a stepping stone to a larger understanding. Even the most simple activity had the biggest impact on us. They also made some shifts to the structure so we had more time with one on one sessions with assistants, who did an excellent job of helping us process the material. Instead of just becoming aware of problems, we became aware of deep-seated parts of our whole and acknowledging that they are the makeup of our identity, beliefs, and reactions. Knowing this empowered us to be able to be mindful of decisions, rather than just living by spontaneous reactions. This awareness was especially important to do together as partners to increase our empathy and understanding of each other. Previously we discovered how autonomous we were and the impacts it had on our connection. This time around we acknowledged our problem solving and analytic nature, which might prove effective in our day-to-day responsibilities, but could often impair our emotional connections. It doesn't mean we need to stop solving problems, but to at least be mindful of that habit and check that it is appropriate for that situation. The Couples Center is a true gift and the work Gal and Liron are doing is fantastic. We love their passion for helping others and their psychology skills are terrific. We look forward to future workshops. Thank you. read more

My fiancé and I attended the "Love Made Simple" weekend workshop in Marin and couldn't recommend it more highly. We wanted to carve out some space for couples counseling before our wedding and realized it worked better for our schedule to do a retreat over the weekend vs. counseling sessions over several weeks. What we liked about it: - Mix of art and science - Gal and Liron bring a good balance of theory on psychology + intuitive reflection. They bring a lot of their personal experiences into the conversation, and I found that really engaging and applicable. - Get to know yourself - even though this was a couples workshop, a lot of the focus is on better understanding yourself and your underlying needs, communication and conflict patterns, need for connection vs autonomy, relationship with money, etc. - Framework for effective communication - they provide you a common language so you can resolve any argument within 5mins. - Diversity of attendees - there was a great mix of couples, some pre-marital, some who have been married for decades This was an incredible investment for us, and we only wish we took it earlier in our relationship. I've also applied a lot of my learnings to my other relationships at work, etc. read more

My wife and I attended the Couples weekend workshop. I was unsure what to expect. I found the workshop to be good with a lot of useful information, but the attention from the staff was incredible! The format was a combination of lecture, and activities for partners to due together. All of the activities related to what we were talking about, and the follow up after the activities allowed us to share our experiences and see that other couples were having the same experience too. The workshop included couples, and people who were pre-marital. The group was split part way through and Gal and several of the MFTs that were assistants worked with our group. Some of what was discussed was not easy. Some of it was rough to share, and some of it was rough to hear, but Gal and his team were on hand and available for helping us to work through some very complicated and emotional issues. They took the time we needed, and they were able to keep both of us focused on the most important element of the weekend - connecting to one another. We left the workshop after the second day feeling emotionally exhausted, but like we had made some major breakthroughs in understanding the challenges we were experiencing. Before we left, we asked Gal for contact information to see if we can continue working with this group as we work on improving the way relate to one another. If you and your partner are concerned about challenges, facing them head on, or struggling, I recommend making the investment of time and energy and talking to these people. Attend a workshop and listen to what they are saying. Based on my experience, it will help. read more

Just went to the Love Made Simple workshop this past weekend. Attending definitely ignited my relationship. My boyfriend and I learned a lot about eachother and had so much fun getting to know eachother again. We went on the pre-marital track and ganied some great information to help us plan our future moving forward. Gal and Liron really know their stuff and were very receptive to everyone's comments and questions. Great mix of people in the group. I was skeptical about being with other couples, but you do not notice anyone else when you are working with your partner. Looking forward to atrending more workshops on the future. read more

My husband and I attended the Love Made Simple workshop together and absolutely loved every minute of it. We were skeptical at first as we've never attended a workshop, retreat or counseling before but our initial nerves were reassured by Gal and Liron in the first few minutes. My husband and I have been together for 17 years and overall I felt our relationship was pretty good with some big bumps in a few areas. Gal and Liron helped us get to a place of connection where we are closer than ever and can communicate better. The Assistant counselors were great and kept checking in to help us progress. It was nice to feel the love and support from everyone in the room but also to see the passion in Gal and Liron as they lead each activity. I feel that this is more than a workshop but a chance for you to better understand yourself, your partner, you relationship with each other and your relationships with those around you. After the workshop, my husband and I used some of the tools to better understand our children and connect with them in a more productive way as well. I would say Gal and Liron have changed our lives for the better, they helped us get to a place of vulnerablity we didn't know existed and for that we will be forever grateful. Bonus: This workshop was more affordable than anything else we has looked at and even though it seemed like a lot of money to us, I believe it was worth every penny and more. The knowledge and value Gal and Liron brought to us is priceless. Thank you for everything! It was amazing! read more

My fiance and I took their weekend premarital workshop and loved it. It was exactly what we wanted: a quick workshop to focus on our relationship and expectations before getting married. Although we had signed up for a premarital-focused workshop, the weekend mostly focused on issues that impact all couples. Gal and Liron were fantastic- very understanding and sex-positive. I thought they did a great job of not making anyone wrong, and making sure no one felt judged. Before the workshop I had been a little unsure about getting married, but Gal and Liron gave me a tremendous amount of confidence. This was a great workshop and I would recommend it to anyone! read more

Me and wife attended the couples weekend workshop a few weeks ago and had a profoundly deep experience that assisted us in creating more space for healthier communication and better outcomes. It is so easy to let life muddle the true reason why we are in this to begin with - our deep love and connection. We were looking for a workshop that will help us bring the focus of our day-to-day back to us and ways to remind us to make the health of our relationship the priority. The Couples Center workshop, led by Gal and Liron, provided just that. In the weeks after we have managed to create every moment of communication, whether loving or challenging, an opportunity to deepen our relationship. What I also appreciated is that the workshop is created in such a way that it meets you where you are - whether it is the first workshop you are attending as a couple or you are seasoned workshop goers, each exercise is crafted in a way that allows you to take it where you want it to go. Any couple that is looking for tools to their deepen relationship and improve communication would benefit greatly from this investment! read more

The couples center is a great place to work on a relationship! As a therapist myself, I work closely with the center therapists, and I found them to be very professional, warm and caring. Each one of them is an expert in relationships, and can see beyond the issue presented. I highly trust their work, and will highly recommend this center to all couples! read more

Throughout the past few years I have seen different therapists. When I started working with Azizeh I realized what I experienced with my previous therapists was equivalent of putting band aid on a wound but not healing it. She, digged inside and dealt with root of issues that I was dealing with. I have been given tools and awareness to deal with my emotions and thoughts. I thank god for finding her because what I have learned in this short time is more profound and deep than what I learned in the previous years of therapy. I have gained self awareness and techniques to deal with my emotions and thoughts. read more

As a Therapist working in the Bay area, I'm constantly looking for extra resources for Couples . The Couples center has proven to be my go to place for Premarital therapy and for Couples who are looking for a week-end workshop to spice up their relationship. I have received excellent feedback from clients that have attended and they often can't say enough about how skillful, intelligent and helpful the therapy process was. If your looking to make significant changes in your relationship in a short time, the Couple's Center is an excellent place to start. read more

My husband and I met with Azizeh Rezaiyan at the Palo Alto office. Initially everything went well: phone consultation and emails were returned promptly and we set up a date and time that was given as available to us. We had a meeting at 2 pm on a Saturday. We arrived at 1:47 pm and tried to go in but the door was locked. We knocked and there was no answer, so we thought there was a session going on already and waited by some seats near the doorway. At exactly 2 pm, we went to knock on the door again with no answer and then from behind us, Azizeh shows up and tells us to hang on a moment outside while she sets the room up for us. We begin our session at 2:05 pm. Before we began, she warned us that she wasn't feeling well but didn't want to cancel. I honestly would've preferred her to cancel and reschedule because it seemed for most of the time, she was having us repeat things constantly and taking a lot of time making mistakes while jotting our histories down on her laptop. Her demeanor wasn't the best either; when my husband and I were speaking, she would be yawning. Also, I felt that she was judgmental; for example, my profession is a veterinary technician (ie. animal nurse) and I have been with this profession for over 10 years and it's pretty obvious I would have pets of my own, yet I was told that I was an animal torturer to my own cats for keeping them indoors...I'm not sure if this was in a joking manner, but it's still not appreciated when someone is trying to have a serious conversation. After the session, I had a sour feeling about what just happened, but I figured maybe she was having an off day since she did say she wasn't feeling well. I emailed her yesterday morning to discuss when she had any availability for another session, and have not heard anything back as of now (over 24 hours), whereas my previous emails were all answered within 2 - 3 hours. So I think this is a sign that we should move on. read more

I and my partner had a positive breakthrough in our communication sparked by the information learned in the Couples Center's "Love Made Simple" workshop, this month (i.e. January 2020.) And the tools given did and will continue to help us navigate our way back to each others heart, to strengthen our connection. We desperately needed a roadmap to keep "issues" in their proper perspective, (instead of letting our attachment to them, and misunderstanding about our respective triggers), form a barrier to loving. The experience Liron and Gal crafted was profoundly healing, and we are so grateful to them both! read more

Gal has been an integral part of my personal development. I could not have been more pleased with the progress we have made and continue to make within our sessions. Currently I live outside of the Bay Area, yet Gal has continued to show his immense value as a therapist through the use of Skype (online video chat) as a medium for our sessions. I feel that Gal has a intuitive approach to our meetings and is willing to truly connect and understand both what I want, and what I need to overcome personal obstacles and enjoy my experience in life. read more

My partner and I took their two-day couples workshop. I had two concerns going in 1) Would I be able to understand Gal and Liron even though they had accents? and 2) Would my partner, who is a very private person, be comfortable sharing intimate information within a group setting? Both fears were unfounded. Gal and Liron were very easy to understand. They were organized, spoke carefully and clearly, and both had good senses of humor. They were thoughtful in their responses to questions and it became obvious that they had a great deal of deep experience in the topic of couple's relationship dynamics. Everything was clear, and every exercise had a purpose. We both felt at ease very quickly. Additionally, we discovered that there was NO SHARING of private information in the group setting while working through the exercises. We listened to the lesson as a group and then would work through the exercises on our own and then share what we learned only with our partner. Sometimes a counselor was there to offer help in the discussion between me and my guy, but they were respectful to ask permission to join our conversation. As each exercise ended, we were invited to ask questions or make comments about what we learned, but we did not garner any real information about what the other couples were working through, nor did they know anything about our lives either. It felt very private. This allowed us to work through some very deep parts of our relationship without the fear of having to "explain" ourselves to the group. If you are considering the investment of time and money for this workshop, do it. You will be pleased with all that you learn about yourself and your partner. They have very practical ways of teaching connection and help you to really understand underlying issues and lifetime relationship challenges. It was worth every penny and every minute of the time we spent there. Your relationship is worth it! read more

Every couple has issues that they find difficult if not impossible to resolve. We get caught in our own baggage so that we can't relate to each other. We go round and round with the same arguments over and over. Couples counseling is the best solution I've found. I was doubtful at first, but quickly became a convert. The effect that a mutually agreed upon, neutral, third-party has on a conversation is truly amazing. They interrupt the usual patterns and give us an opportunity to see things from a different perspective. It is a great pleasure to be a client of Gal Szekely. He is impeccably professional yet warm and personable. Just being in his presence has a calming effect. I don't know how he does it, but he zeroes in on my blind spots. I always seem to leave our meetings with surprising new knowledge of myself -- things I never would have seen on my own. read more

I attended the couples workshop. My partner and I greatly enjoyed the workshop. Found it to be very beneficial and help us to communicate better. Would suggest to anyone, even if you think your partner and you communicate great you could come out of the workshop with a better understanding for each other. The work shop breaks down patterns of communication that happens in relationships and help you understand them better. Learning about the communication cycles helped us immensely see where we failed to communicate effectively. We found the 2 day work shop to be the most bang for you buck! read more

The couples center is a great place to go for therapy. I know some of the psychotherapist that work for them and they are very knowledgable and have an in-depth understanding of relationships, which informs all of their work with couples. Gal and Liron who run the couples center and offer great workshops and date night events for all couples are great facilitators and are very insightful about couples work. I highly recommend the couples center. read more

Founder of The Couples Center, Gal Szekely is a teacher and a colleague of mine. He taught me first at the Hakomi Method training (this is a powerful and very effective body-mind psychology method) and he made an excellent immediate impression on me. I then felt so thrilled to find out that he was teaching a couples' therapy class at my school, the California Institute of Integral Studies. I took that course with him and was even more impressed with his teaching style, his excellent therapeutic skills and knowledge, and his practical ways to deepen and train therapists to work with couples. Gal is a walking encyclopedia when it comes to couples' therapy. He was able to incorporate and weave together a wide variety of couples' therapy approaches and models into a one coherent, powerful and extremely effective therapeutic work model. Gal brings the same level of professionalism to The Couples Center. It's not easy to find therapists that are experts in relationship and couples counseling and that makes The Couples Center a really valuable resources for couples. I would highly recommend contacting them if you need some support in your relationship. read more

I have been very blessed to have the help of Gal in my life. I began working with Gal at a time in my life when I was experiencing difficulties in my relationship with my wife and with myself, however at the time I did not realize I had issues with myself. My work with Gal began with couples counseling. Gal created a very non-judgmental atmosphere that allowed my wife and I to feel very comfortable with sharing our most personal issues. Having a compassionate counselor to coach us through our issues we were able to communicate effectively with our known problems and discover a number of obstacles that we each unknowingly brought to our relationship. The profound growth my wife and I experienced while working with Gal prompted us to begin seeing him in one-on-one sessions. We did this because we were both so excited at our growth that we wanted to work with Gal on issues that effected not just our relationship, but every aspect of life. Gal and I have met every week for almost 2 years, and after every session I have felt as though I have gained a better understanding, compassion, and love for the person that I am. My rewarding journey through couples counseling and individual therapy was made possible by the mind body awareness that Gal coaches. With Gal's nurturing mediation instruction, I began experiencing a deep spirituality that has helped me transform how I feel about myself and how I interact with the world. With his continued coaching I mediate regularly on my own, and find that I have a better understanding of myself after each session. The gains I have experienced while working with Gal took tremendous effort on my part, however I could not have accomplished them without the tools, guidance, and loving care Gal provided. I will be forever grateful to Gal for his help... read more

My husband Dave and I took a one day Exceptional Couples workshop with Gal and it was wonderful. It was a totally safe space and the experiential exercises were simple and yet incredibly powerful. More than worth what we paid for it and we look forward to doing more in the future. Highly recommended! read more