Events
At Melissa Kester LMFT, we believe that strong relationships are built on skills, and skills can be learned. That's why we offer live, structured workshops designed to give couples and individuals practical tools for navigating conflict, deepening connection, and communicating more effectively. Our events are grounded in evidence-based approaches, including the principles of Relational Life Therapy, and are led by Melissa Kester, LMFT, and fellow Certified Relational Life Therapists who bring both clinical expertise and genuine warmth to every session. Whether you're in a stuck pattern with your partner or simply want to show up better in the relationships that matter most, our workshops offer a supportive space to learn, practice, and grow together.
Relational Wisdom Bootcamp
Virtual Workshop for Couples & Individuals
Starting November 2026
Sundays 7–9 pm EST
We do not enter relationships alone.
We bring the ways we learned to protect ourselves.
We bring what we witnessed about conflict, closeness, power, vulnerability, and repair. Under pressure, these protective strategies can take over—leaving us caught in the same argument, defending the same positions, and becoming further removed from the connection we are trying to protect.
Relational wisdom helps us recognize what is happening between us and gives us another way to respond.
What you’ll learn
Throughout the four weeks, you will practice skills that support meaningful relational change, including how to:
- Recognize the conflict cycle you keep repeating—and interrupt it sooner
- Identify common relational “losing strategies”
- Communicate with more clarity and less defensiveness
- Learn relational “winning strategies”
- Build your repair toolbox
- Nurture relational accountability without shame or scorekeeping
- Practice these skills through guided exercises designed to help you bring them into your everyday relationships
You will leave with a clear relational framework—and practical tools you can continue using long after the workshop ends.
Who this workshop is for
This workshop is for:
- Couples who want healthier conflict, deeper connection, and more meaningful repair
- Individuals who want to strengthen how they show up in romantic, family, co-parenting, friendship, or professional relationships
- Anyone tired of becoming trapped in “me versus you” and ready to learn a more relational way forward
You do not have to be in crisis to benefit.
You only have to be willing to look honestly at the patterns you bring into relationships—and practice something new.
The workshop
The Relational Wisdom Bootcamp is a live, interactive virtual workshop held on Zoom.
Each weekly session combines relational teaching, guided reflection, practical exercises, and opportunities to practice the skills being introduced. Participation is encouraged, but you will never be required to disclose personal details beyond your level of comfort.
Format: Live virtual workshop via Zoom
Duration: Two hours per week for four consecutive weeks
Time: Sundays, 7–9 pm Eastern Time
Includes: Eight hours of live relational teaching, guided practice, and workshop materials
Investment: $350 per individual | $700 per couple
Eight hours of live relational learning—at a fraction of what it could cost to learn these skills through private sessions.
Couples should complete two registration forms—one for each partner.
Upcoming workshops
November (2026) - 1, 8, 15 & 22
January 17, 24 & 31 and February 7
February 21 & 28 and March 7 & 14
April 4, 11, 18, 25
All workshops meet live on Sundays from 7–9 pm Eastern Time.
Your Facilitators
Melissa Kester, LMFT, CRLT, CGE
Melissa is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Relational Life Therapist, Certified Grief Educator, and founder of Madison Marriage and Family Therapy.
Tanya Schecter, RCC, CRLT
Tanya is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Certified Relational Life Therapist who brings warmth, clarity, and relational insight to the learning process.
Together, Melissa and Tanya create a structured and supportive environment in which participants can examine longstanding patterns without being reduced to them. Their approach is practical, direct, compassionate, and grounded in the belief that relational skills can be learned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this workshop only for couples?
No. This workshop is for everyone. We focused on bringing skills to participants that they can apply to ALL their relationships.
Is this therapy?
No. This is a psychoeducational workshop, not psychotherapy.
It can complement individual or couples therapy, but it is not a substitute for personalized clinical care. Participation does not establish a therapist-client relationship with either facilitator.
Do I have to share personal details in the group?
No. The workshop is skills-based, with guided practice and optional opportunities for reflection. You will not be asked to discuss the private details of your relationship.
We DO ask all participants to be on video and try to stretch into sharing even a little.
What if I miss a session?
Make-up sessions are not available. However, you will receive the workshop materials and exercises so you can continue engaging with the content at your own pace.
What if we are in a high-conflict place right now?
While we cannot go into the details in the workshop, the workshop will teach you relational tools that you can use right away. Many people arrive feeling stuck in painful or repetitive patterns. The workshop offers tools for de-escalation, accountability, repair, and clearer communication.
However, if there are active safety concerns, coercive control, or violence within the relationship, individualized clinical support may be more appropriate before participating in a group workshop.
We inherit relational patterns. We are not required to keep repeating them.
Relational wisdom is not something we are simply born knowing.
It is something we can learn. Something we can practice. Something we can bring home to the relationships that matter most.
Space in each workshop is limited.
$350 per individual | $700 per couple
Questions? Contact Melissa at melissa@madisonmft.com.
This workshop is informed by the work of Terry Real and the principles of Relational Life Therapy. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by Terry Real.