“Love Honor and Negotiate”™ is a workshop Norma and Phil Barretta created a few years ago and, as every good workshop should do, it evolves and improves every time it takes place.
Moreover, the Barrettas have a gift for making people aware of their potential and what they almost forget to consider because they take for granted. It just took place in Bari, in the heart of Southern Italy. We, as usual, translated and besides having a very good time, we learned a lot.
Norma and Phil were the difference that makes the difference. 61 years of togetherness, they have jointly worked as therapists for more than 40 and have spent three learning with Milton Erickson; last but not least, they attended the first trainer's training Bandler and Grinder gave more than 35 years ago.
The "Love, Magic and Alchemy" project couldn't have a better start.
The workshop featured several interesting aspects. Addressed mainly for therapists, counselors and family mediators, it emphasized the division of the marriage (which could easily be extended to a relationship in general) in three phases, from falling in love and settle down to having fun passing from evolution and renewal of vows. Thus it was possible to talk about negotiation, a topic that otherwise could sound like a mere exchange of trade-offs after a betrayal or during a separation or divorce.
An important part of the workshop was left for demonstrations, which were extremely real, even because real couples attended the event. They clearly showed how passing from a phase to the following one needs a clear realization, complicity and harmony in the couple.
It was, in short, the best possible start for the "love, magic and Alchemy" project.
