The Relationship Bootcamp

Learn the essential skills to transform your relationship. An intensive two-day workshop from The Relational Life Therapy (RLT) Institute.

Next workshop: September 20-21, 2025. Save your spot now.

Join a powerful workshop in Annapolis designed to condense six months of traditional therapy, practices and education into one weekend.

For couples, individuals and mental health professionals looking to improve communication, understand their patterns, and learn how to handle conflict in ways that make your relationship stronger, healthier, and more meaningful right away.

Join the next bootcamp:

Saturday Sept 20 – Sunday Sept 21, 2025
The Graduate Annapolis, MD
9:30am – 5:30pm both days

Register Now for Early Bird Pricing!

Can’t join this round? Click here to stay updated on future bootcamps.

What we’ll do together

Build a relationship built on compassion and collaboration for lifelong intimacy.

In a small group setting, you’ll gain a wealth of practical skills you can use immediately to build healthier, more meaningful relationships, including:

✓ What gets in your way of the deeply satisfying relationship you want.

✓ How your self-esteem & boundaries intersect to create repeated patterns in your relationships. 

✓ How to ground yourself so you can effectively engage in challenging conversations.

✓ Healthy listening & responding skills to improve communication & de-escalate conflict.

✓ How to assert your wants & desires in a way that empowers your partner to meet them.

✓ Winning strategies to nurture your connection and cherish your partner.

More details

Who should attend?
What to expect
Do I need this?

Testimonials

  • Any couple that cares deeply for the other person in their relationship should take this course.

    B.J.

  • My wife and I bonded over things deeper than ever before.

    -Anonymous

  • Terry Real’s Boot Camp was life-changing for me and my husband. We’ve been together 30+ years so it’d be fair to wonder what would we possibly have to work on. My love-avoidant, grandiose man said this shifted our relationship to a deeper, more loving level; his love-dependent, grandiose wife agrees. The Boot Camp weekend opened up new ways to talk, to see ourselves and to love each other.

    — Sarah P., Portland, OR

  • My wife and I both found RLI’s workshop to be exceptional, and well worth the time and effort to fly to Boston. I would recommend it highly, particularly to couples having communication problems. RLI’s approach is unique, but common sense, so it is easy to understand and, hopefully, to apply.

    — A.M., Toronto

  • For therapists doing couples work, the Boot Camp is a great chance to see a compilation/distillation of RLT skills in action, plus a great way to do your own relational work. That last part was valuable beyond measure and has shaped my work as a therapist and partner in powerful ways.

    — Sarah P.

  • I have found that most couples really want a relationship that works for both people and they have no idea how to make that happen. Once they learn that implementing a set of learned skills can achieve their goal, the majority of couples are willing to do things differently. They become empowered to change!

    — J.G., Dallas, TX

  • Incredible. I have hope I had lost... I can now see my partner with new understanding and appreciation.

    -A.H., Crofton, MD

  • My wife was asking me for many years to attend a workshop like this and I kept putting her off. [Now), we are in a much better place, have tools to communicate better, and I'm more prepared and motivated to work on my relationship and to prioritize us.

    B.J.

  • Eye-opening and exactly what I wanted and needed. I feel more motivated and have a new perspective on my relationship.

    — E.A., Sykesville, MD

  • This workshop was clear, full of expertise and compassion from both leaders and participants. It’s a big commitment but more than worth it. I feel hopeful, refreshed, and have the strategies to break out of negative cycles. I no longer feel alone.

    — B.D., Baltimore, MD

  • I feel so much better about not being alone in my struggles. I now have less shame and feel stronger about addressing my weaknesses.

    — S.B., Clarksville, MD

  • This was a transformative experience. I feel more connected to myself and my partner, and more hopeful for our future together.

    — M.A., Annapolis, MD

  • I have more tools to create connection with myself and others.

    S.B., Richmond, VA

  • Enlightening. Absolutely recommend. There is no way you can leave this workshop without a better understanding of self and how to be a better partner.

    A.H.

  • I am more hopeful and optimistic. This workshop provides the foundational skills that all humans need before interacting with others!

    M.A.M.

  • Thought-provoking... touches on many facets of relationships and self that could benefit everyone. Deep, thoughtful, and encourages me to be better.

    -Anonymous

Terry Real, founder of RLY Therapy Model

“Intimacy isn’t something you have, it’s something you do. And you can learn to do it better.”

— Terry Real

Annapolis, Maryland:

The perfect retreat setting for your transformative bootcamp experience

The City, The Venue & The Experience

Meet Your Facilitators:

Katharine Petzold, Certified Facilitator for The RLT Relationship Bootcamp

Katharine Petzold, LCSW-C , Easton, MD

Katharine is a skilled therapist and facilitator passionate about helping individuals and couples build stronger, more fulfilling relationships.

Certified in Relational Life Therapy and with a warm, dynamic and engaging approach, Katharine creates a safe, supportive environment for participants to explore their relational patterns, learn new skills, and experience profound personal growth. You deserve to show up as your best self—your loved ones deserve that from you, too.

Learn more about Katharine

Risa Ganel, Certified Facilitator for The RLT Relationship Bootcamp

Risa Ganel, LCMFT, Columbia, MD

Risa facilitates Relationship Health through 2 Day Couples Intensives, Relationship Bootcamps and traditional weekly Couples Therapy and public speaking engagements. 

Her gifts blend wisdom with quiet strength and relationship science with empathic connection. She is skilled at being kind and fierce in the same breath, helping her clients connect to the truth to transform conflict into connection.

As a Maryland Licensed Clinical Couple and Family Therapist and a Certified Relational Life Therapist and Trainer for the Relational Life Institute, she sees couples and individuals in her private practice in Maryland. 

Learn more about Risa

Reserve your spot

The Relationship Bootcamp

Saturday September 20 – Sunday September 21, 2025
The Graduate Annapolis, MD
9:30am – 5:30pm both days

Special pricing for early bird enrollment

Limited Spots Available.

Through a partnership with The Relational Foundation, we have a few scholarship slots available on a sliding scale. Please don’t let finances be a barrier. Apply here.

Dual Registration - Early Bird Dual Registration - Early Bird
Dual Registration - Early Bird
$1,390.00

Early Bird Pricing - Individual Early Bird Pricing - Individual
Quick View
Early Bird Pricing - Individual
$795.00

Can’t attend these dates? Click the button below to be notified about future bootcamps!

Keep Me in the Loop!

The Agenda

    • Overview of Relational Living: Learn the core principles of living relationally to enhance mutual respect and connection.

    • Building Healthy Self-esteem and Boundaries: Understand the importance of self-worth and psychological boundaries to foster a supportive relationship.

    • The Relationship Grid: Use this tool to identify where you and your partner stand in your worst moments and how to move beyond this as a team.

    • Five Losing Strategies in a Relationship: Recognize and eliminate destructive patterns that harm your relationship.

    • Understanding Your Inner Adaptive Child and the Wise Adult: Learn to manage your inner adaptive child and embrace your wise adult for healthier interactions.

    • Understanding the Core Negative Image: Identify and address the negative perceptions that impact your relationship.

    • Five Winning Strategies for a Relationship: Implement effective strategies to strengthen and nurture your partnership.

    • Integrate the Feedback Wheel: Practice an effective way to have honest and open conversations about conflicts within your relationship.

    • Time Outs: Learn how to put a stop to escalating arguments in a way that is supportive of your connection, instead of eroding it.

    • Keep It Going After the Bootcamp: Develop a plan to maintain and build on your progress during the workshop.

Are you a therapist?

New! 11.5 CEs available for Therapists and Mental Health Professionals.
Details here.

Relational Life Institute (Relational Life therapy) - two day bootcamps

This is an authorized presentation of Terry Real’s Relational Bootcamp, using the skills and principles from his Relational Life Therapy (RLT) model. 

  • Saturday & Sunday October 19 & 20, 2024.

    Future Bootcamps to be announced. CLICK HERE to add your name and email address to our Priority List and be the first to be notified when future dates are announced.

  • Graduate Annapolis
    126 West St, Annapolis, MD 21401

    Nestled along the scenic Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis, Maryland, offers a serene and inspiring backdrop for your Bootcamp experience. This intensive, all-day event on both Saturday and Sunday is designed to help you dive deep into the work of building stronger, more connected relationships, and the city's historic charm, picturesque waterfront, and tranquil atmosphere provide the ideal environment for self-reflection and growth.

    Embrace the retreat atmosphere of Annapolis by unwinding in the charming historic district, recharging with a peaceful waterfront walk, or savoring local flavors at renowned restaurants featuring fresh Chesapeake Bay seafood.

  • Annapolis is easily accessible by car from Washington, D.C. (30 miles), and Baltimore (25 miles). Once you arrive, the compact downtown area is best explored on foot, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the city's charm.

  • Yes. You can self or valet park at bootcamp venue, Graduate Annapolis Hotel.

    Gotts Court Garage is also nearby.

    Street Parking may be available.(Please make sure to read ALL signs as there are limits due to residential area.)

  • Please arrive 10-15 minutes early each day to allow yourself time to get settled and familiarize yourself with the space. We will begin promptly at 9:30am each day.

  • Pricing for this event starts at $895/pp, however there are discounts available for those who register with a partner or friend, as well as "Early Bird Specials" that can save you up to $600.

    Sign up here to be the first to be notified when Early Bird Registration opens.

  • We welcome attendees from both near and far, therefore, we ask that you make your own travel and hotel accommodations. 

    Please visit our Annapolis page to learn about Graduate Annapolis Hotel (the site of the Bootcamp) and all the amazing accommodations available. We’ve done extensive research into hotels to provide you with a range of options when it comes to accommodations.

  • Relational Life Therapy (RLT) is Terry Real’s radical approach to couples therapy that breaks many of the rules of traditional couples therapy.

    Notably, RLT emphasizes the importance of people learning the ongoing skills they need to nurture and cherish their relationships long after their time in therapy is over. It’s these core skills you will learn in the Relationship Bootcamp to help you create meaningful relationships and keep the spark alive.

  • Terry Real, LICSW, is an internationally recognized family therapist, bestselling author, and sought-after speaker. 

    A former senior faculty member of the Family Institute of Cambridge in Massachusetts and a retired Clinical Fellow of the Meadows Institute in Arizona, Terry is renowned for his ability to save couples on the brink of divorce using the progressive approach he created, Relational Life Therapy. RLT equips people with the powerful relational skills they need to cultivate meaningful connections—to themselves, each other, and the planet as a whole.

    Via his esteemed training school, the Relational Life Institute, Terry has trained thousands of mental health practitioners in his RLT method to date, including the Certified RLT Facilitators running this workshop.

  • I'd love to answer any questions you may have! Please CLICK HERE or reach out to me via email or phone: klp@klptherapy.com
    410-819-2150.

Questions?

FAQs

Have additional questions? Please feel free to reach out to me HERE.

  • Yes—participation is essential for you to get the maximum knowledge and benefit from the experience. You may come alone or with a partner.

  • Yes- 11.5 CEUs are available. Find out more here: https://erenadigonis.ce-go.com/the-relational-life-therapy-bootcamp#

  • Much time, love, and energy is wholeheartedly put into each workshop. Not just during the event, but in the many weeks prior to each event. With this in mind, please note the following cancellation policy:

    • 6+ weeks notice: $50 fee per individual/$100 fee per couple

    • 4+ weeks notice: $150 fee per individual/$300 fee per couple

    • 2+ weeks notice: $275 fee per individual/$525 fee per couple

    • 13 days or less notice: no refund offered-no exceptions.

    • Registration and payment can be transferred to a future workshop (minus a 10% fee) up to 2 weeks prior to the event. Participants are limited to one transfer per registration (i.e. you cannot transfer more than once). Transfers will not be offered with less than 2 weeks notice.

  • While this bootcamp works best if you bring your partner with you as both of you can participate in the activities and strengthen your relationship, you can still benefit by bringing a friend, family member or coming solo.

  • Individuals, not currently in a committed relationship, who are looking to learn from previous relationships, and improve future ones are welcome.

    We call you Heroic Singles!

  • Yes - you are welcome to bring a friend of family member to take advantage of the Plus One discount.

  • This bootcamp isn't group or couples therapy. It's an educational workshop where you will have the opportunity to learn a new paradigm for relating.

    The primary focus is for you to learn the essential skills of relationality and identify how you show up in the relationship. You can share as little or as much as you wish about yourself and how you, personally, relate.

    The bootcamp is intimate with a maximum of 24 participants.

  • The weekend bootcamp is appropriate for all couples-from new relationships to couples married for many years. The only thing we ask is that you both come committed to being open minded to doing the work in the bootcamp.