hold me tight
Hold Me Tight in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario in September 2026
This September couples are invited to join a Hold Me Tight Workshop, in a cozy early-fall atmosphere perfect for reflective, bonding-focused work.
In beautiful Niagara on the Lake
Saturday, September 26, 2026 from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Sunday, September 27, 2026 from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
This could be fully covered by the benefits offered through your insurance provider.*
*For specific details, please reach out to your insurance provider.
Details and Pricing
Contact Information: Rise Up Center for Emotionally Focused Therapy, Coaching, and Consulting
Telephone: +1 (365) 880-3457
Website: https://riseup-coaching.ca/couples-therapy-niagara
Email: info@riseup-coaching.ca
Registration Fee: $CAD 850 per couple
Early Bird Fee if you register before June 06, 2026: $CAD 750 per couple*
(includes refreshments)
*Maximum capacity is 8 couples
Meet your Facilitator
Reem Abdul Rahim, Registered Psychotherapist
“ My name is Reem Abdul Rahim, Registered Psychotherapist. Working from an emotionally focused therapy orientation, I support couples in learning a novel dance and working together to break the negative cycle of arguments, as they also begin to learn about and share their deepest fears and needs, in a corrective emotional experience.
I am trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and am a certified practitioner of Humanistic Neurolinguistic Psychology (HNLP). I have a Child Psychology Diploma, in addition to my MA, and am the author of the book: Coach Inspire Empower, Change your Focus Change your Life.
I have been facilitating workshops since 2009, bringing over a decade of experience to my role as a trainer. As a designated Registered Professional Trainer, I am committed to delivering high-quality, engaging, and impactful training sessions.”
Hold Me Tight Couples Workshop Agenda
Overview
Welcome to the Hold Me Tight Couples Workshop, a transformative experience designed to foster deeper connection, understanding, and love, within your relationship. Through guided conversations and engaging activities, you'll discover new ways to bond, communicate and celebrate your unique love story.
In this workshop you can expect a series of interactive discussions, reflective exercises, and activities all aimed at strengthening your emotional bond with your partner. You'll explore themes of attachment, understand patterns in your relationship and learn practical tools to foster lasting intimacy and romance.
Day 1: Introduction: A New Light on Love
Day one kicks off with “A New Light on Love”. Through understanding and practicing emotional responsiveness, on day one we will shine a new light on love, exploring a revolutionary perspective on connection. We'll discuss the dilemma of “where did our love go?”, and how losing connection affects relationships.
You'll be introduced to the concept of emotional responsiveness, the key to a lifetime of love. We will delve into the demon dialogues and learn to recognize and break negative patterns. .
The Seven Transforming Conversations. Recognizing the Demon Dialogues, Conversation 1
Next, we'll dive into the first of seven transforming conversations, recognizing the demon dialogues. We will identify the negative cycles and patterns that disrupt your connection. By recognizing these dialogues, you'll learn how to interrupt them and shift towards more positive and constructive communication.
Finding the Raw Spots, Conversation 2
Finding the raw spots will delve into sensitive areas that trigger emotional reactions. By identifying these raw spots, you'll better understand your emotional responses and create a path towards deeper intimacy. This segment emphasizes the importance of sharing your raw spots with your partner in an open and honest way. By practicing vulnerability, you'll learn to communicate your feelings effectively and foster deeper empathy and connection.
Revisiting a Rocky Moment, Conversation 3
In conversation 3, revisiting a rocky moment, we focus on the power of repairing past hurts. Inspired by Deborah Blum’s words, “It's fixing mistakes that matters - even just the willingness to try again”, you'll learn to revisit and feel past conflicts transforming them into opportunities for growth and renewed connection.
We will work on deescalating disconnection by recognizing how your actions impact your partner. We will also delve into understanding how fears drive your partner's behavior. Through guided practice, you'll learn to approach these sensitive topics with empathy and a willingness to understand and support each other.
Day 2: Hold Me Tight – Engaging and Connecting, Conversation 4
“When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.” – Billy, age four, defining love, as reported on the Internet
In conversation 4, engaging and connecting, we will dive into what it truly means to feel loved and cherished. We will explore how love makes you feel safe and valued. This conversation includes discussions like, “What am I most afraid of?”, and “What do I need most from you?”
Forgiving Injuries, Conversation 5
“Everyone says that forgiveness is a lovely idea, until they have something to forgive.” – C.S. Lewis
In conversation 5, we will explore the complex journey of forgiving injuries. We will examine how small incidents can lead to a big fallout and learn the six steps to forgiveness. Through practice, you'll gain insights into releasing resentment and moving forward together.
Bonding Through Sex and Touch, Conversation 6
“We waste time looking for the perfect lover, instead of creating the perfect love.” - Tom Robbins
In conversation 6, we will explore bonding through sex and touch. We will discuss what the sealed-off sex, solace sex, and synchrony sex mean, and how these dynamics affect intimacy. We will also address resolving sexual issues and you will reflect on your intimate relationship with your partner to deepen your connection.
Keeping your Love Alive, Conversation 7
“Anyone who's bored in marriage just isn't paying attention.” - A colleague's husband.
Conversation 7 dives into keeping love alive. We will cover crucial sections like, danger-point detours, celebrating moments of connection, and marking moments of separation and reunion with rituals. We will also delve into safety first, creating a resilient relationship story, future love stories and wrap it up through play and practice.
some of the love our couples wanted us to share with you
June 2025 Hold Me Tight Event, Niagara Falls with Reem Abdul Rahim
“Wonderful. Very good learning and a rare opportunity to connect, to plant new seeds of connection and openness Thank you for putting this together.. We had a mini vacation. Great venue, nice touches [folders, notebooks, candles, petals, flowers, slides esthetics, choice of songs]. Appreciate your vulnerability with singing in front of this group. I loved how you sometimes invited to share with each other instead of with the group; good option where there is no volunteers. Thank you!”
“I believe the Hold Me Tight workshop is a program that every couple would benefit greatly from. I think it would bring healing to individuals, couples, families and the world! I appreciate the safety created by being precisely on time! I appreciated the mid-session washroom breaks very much! Reem is very empathetic, earnest, caring, and professional, creating safety throughout the workshop.”
"Would love my friends to come - will see if interested. What stood out to me about the music/singing experience is Reem’s vulnerability going up and singing - great role model. Such a beautiful gesture, bringing singing in, loved the “let's try it” attitude - see what happens. Inspiring to me, one so planned and cautious.”
"What stood out to me about the music/singing experience is the choice of songs and music in general helps us relax and feel emotionally connected. My overall impression of the workshop is that it is so helpful and offers a safe place to self reflect and dig deeper into my own fears and at the same time understand and be open to hearing my partner's fears. Thank you for your kindness and appreciation."
"I think it was really worthwhile. We will buy the book and workbook to keep working. Thank you so much for the experience!"
"Great overall impression. Helped us open up, Thank you for everything you do."
“Well thought out and planned. Reem is very intelligent, knowledgeable, approachable, sensitive and caring. Well worth the time and cost. Conference hall clean and food excellent. Will invest in the workbook.”
“What I enjoyed the most as a couple is, we were made to look deep at our demon dialogues. Absolutely feel a deeper connection and understanding of my partner's needs. My overall impression of the workshop is that it helps get couples to own core needs and vulnerability. I suggest a follow up 1-2-3 years out on what's worked and what hasn't worked.”