You are made for love.
Not the wimpy, fragile kind that shatters at the first sign of imperfection. You are made for the robust kind of love that looks at pain in the face and finds a way to overcome.
Our Marriage Survival Training is for couples who know that marriage is hard and want to learn skills that will help them overcome life’s challenges together. It’s for couples who are willing to do whatever it takes to get past the rough spots and to build the kind of marriage that nurtures and heals.
Join us for a 2-day Christian marriage intensive where you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the kind of love we all long for and take steps toward reliably giving that love to each other through all the mountains and valleys of your lives.
While we did pre-marital counseling with a pastor at church and watched/discussed a 4-part video series on marriage…this is the first “marriage education” we’ve done since actually getting married and moving in together. It’s been hugely valuable and helpful…. We will definitely recommend this course to other couples.
– Anonymous
About this Intensive
Learn new concepts through experiential activities, discussions, and short lectures in a safe community with other couples. Connect with your partner during one-on-one practice times that hone your skills for navigating conflict and deepen your emotional bond. Gain a broad foundation to help you know which areas of your marriage need to level up.
Led by licensed Christian therapists Esther I. Wei, LMFT, and Joy Wong Liu, LMFT, our unique training integrates the robust findings of modern psychological research with the unshakable truths of God’s Word.
You’ll leave the training with…
- A road-map for understanding your marriage
- Tools for conflict, comfort, and connection
- A deeper understanding of your own internal world and that of your partner’s
- A plan for strengthening and protecting your marriage
- A vision of the work God is doing in your lives
Cost:
- $375 per couple
- Ask about our discount for couples in full-time Christian ministry and for alumni of previous trainings
Please note that this course is designed for both partners to participate together.
Upcoming Trainings:
Save the Date! May 17-18, 2025 – Albany, CA
Where:
Church on the Corner
1319 Solano Ave, Albany, CA 94706
When:
Day 1 – Saturday, May 17, 2025,
9:00am – 5:30pm
Day 2 – Sunday, May 18, 2025,
1:00pm – 5:30pm
Cost per couple:
$300 Super Early Bird
$330 Early Bird
$375 Regular Registration
To Register:
Contact Joy at 510-999-6380 or joy@live-deeply.com
Registration closes Friday, May 9, 2025.
Stay Informed
Join our mailing list to stay informed about upcoming trainings. Or contact Joy at 510-999-6380 or livedeeplylovedeeply@gmail.com if you’d like to bring our Marriage Survival Training to your church or community.
About the Instructors
Esther I. Wei, LMFT
Esther I. Wei is a Christian Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT #78450) with a private practice in the San Francisco Bay Area. She focuses on treating individuals and couples to improve their relationships and to facilitate trauma recovery. Esther graduated from the Developmental Model of Couples Therapy under Ellyn Bader Ph.D. at The Couples Institute. She integrates trauma-informed approaches to healing as an EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) Certified Therapist, a TIST (Trauma Informed Stabilization Treatment) Certified Therapist, and as a Certified HeartSync Minister. Esther also provides member care services for missionaries through GoLiveServe.org (Mountain View, CA) and is affiliated with the House of Hope Healing Center (Fremont, CA). She received an M.A. MFT with highest honors and Addiction Studies Certificate from Western Seminary in 2008. Esther’s varied professional experience includes architectural engineering, corporate event planning, and nonprofit management. As a second-generation Taiwanese-American, Esther was born in Brooklyn, NY, and grew up in Livermore, CA. Esther has been happily married to Charles since 2005.
[Photo Credit: Di Starr]
Joy Wong Liu, LMFT
Also a Christian Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Joy Wong Liu (LMFT #53681) loves to help others grow more deeply into God’s love. She met her husband Anthony in graduate school at Western Seminary, and the two share a private practice in Berkeley, California. Joy is trained in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy as well as Levels 1 and 2 Gottman Method Couples Therapy. She has additional training in Prepare-Enrich, EMDR, and the Therapeutic Spiral Model, a clinical form of psychodrama for the treatment of trauma. A drama major at Stanford University, Joy enjoys using drama therapy techniques with individuals and groups. She also has led mental health workshops for local counseling centers and church groups, including the Bay Area Sunday School Convention.
Esther and Joy have been collaborating on a graphic novel marriage handbook since 2018. This workshop is a synthesis of some of the key concepts from their shared research and expertise.
[Photo Credit: Swirl of Grace Photography]
What Attendees Say…
“Every Marriage”
I think every marriage whether young or mature can benefit from this program. It helped me and my spouse discuss difficult topics in loving ways and reconnect.
— J. Sun
“Defense Wins Championships”
As it’s often said in sports, “defense wins championships.” If you can spot problems earlier and have the self-awareness to recognize them then you can start to work on them. The tips they’ve compiled to help married couples can help defend against a marriage breaking apart.
— PBQ
“Helped me focus”
Before this class I would always take what my wife said personal and look for ways to turn her feelings into what I can do to make it about me. This class has helped me focus solely on her feelings and to work on that – without bringing my insecurities into the conversation.
— Anonymous
“A Common Language”
Joy & Esther did a great job leading the marriage seminar for our group. They were well organized, prepared, easy to talk to, and did an amazing job leading us in effective discussions/topics to strengthen our marriage. I enjoyed the group activities and connection it spurred between me and my spouse. Thank you both! This gave us a common language and clarity for how we can work on a stronger marriage in the future, leading to Mature Love (stage 5 of marriage).
— T. L.
“Grateful”
This could be a yearlong course given how important and rich the concepts are. Grateful that we could join for the 7 week session and it has certainly enriched and strengthened our relationship, even after 32 years together!
— “Safe for you.”
“What they don’t teach you in school”
This class is all about what they don’t teach you in school and what your parents didn’t or couldn’t teach you but you need to know.
— “Typical Husband”
“A++”
The Marriage Intensive was highly beneficial for understanding the different aspects of marriage with a background in Christianity. The various discussion points were applicable to all stages of marriages and backgrounds. A++
— Anonymous
“Improve in Communication”
The skills and practice in listening and speaking was helpful in guiding us to openly talk about our feelings with our spouse, in a safe manner. I recommend this to married couples, especially those that want to improve in communication.
— Anonymous
“A Healthy Foundation”
I enjoyed this training because as a new married couple it allowed for us to build a healthy foundation. We were able to learn each other’s modes and to connect with each other on a deeper level. Practice times gave us the chance to apply what we had learned and work through any conflicts we may have had.
— MH
Our Graphic Novel Marriage Book
Esther and Joy have been working on an epic graphic novel marriage guide since 2018, along with illustrator Mason Tong. If you’d like to ride along on the journey, please follow our instagram account @marriagemangaproject.