• Relationship Skills Bootcamp
  • Services
    • 2-Day Couples Intensive
    • Weekly Couples Therapy
    • Sex Therapy
    • Individual Therapy
    • Community & Courses
      • Women’s Relationship Intelligence Community
      • Calming Your Fear of Conflict
  • About
    • About Risa Ganel
    • FAQs
    • Speaking
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • SCHEDULE CONSULT

8894 Stanford Blvd STE 103, Columbia, MD 21045 | Offering in-person sessions in Columbia, MD & on-line therapy for Maryland & Virginia residents

(410) 440-1413
Together Couples CounselingTogether Couples Counseling
  • Relationship Skills Bootcamp
  • Services
    • 2-Day Couples Intensive
    • Weekly Couples Therapy
    • Sex Therapy
    • Individual Therapy
    • Community & Courses
      • Women’s Relationship Intelligence Community
      • Calming Your Fear of Conflict
  • About
    • About Risa Ganel
    • FAQs
    • Speaking
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • SCHEDULE CONSULT

   (410) 440-1413

Join The Relationship Intelligence Community

➡️For couples and singles who completed the Relationship Skills Boot Camp and want ongoing, expert-led support, not another quick-fix relationship tip

Keep Your Love Story Growing through Practical Tools, Live Support, and a Community that Cares

Join the Relationship Intelligence Community with your partner and meet monthly with Certified RLT Practitioners Risa Ganel and Katharine Petzold for live coaching, targeted practice, and a like-minded circle that makes healthy communication your new default, with one membership that covers you and your partner

Join the Relationship Intelligence Community

What you want in your romantic relationship isn’t complicated.

And you have taken the first step toward your goals by attending one of our Relationship Skills Boot Camps.

You want to feel close and supported. Loved, not for what you do or fix or give, but for who you are. You want to laugh together, share the load, and build something meaningful with your partner. And when life throws its inevitable curveballs, you want to know that you will always have someone in your corner that you can trust. Someone who won’t shut down or walk away when things get hard.

However, the daily reality can feel very different.

You might..

  • Replay the same arguments over and over, even when you both want things to get better.
  • Avoid certain topics because they often lead to disagreements, causing you to stay silent and start to feel alone.
  • Speak up, only to be misunderstood, shut down, or accused of making a big deal out of nothing.
  • Try to listen, but feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or unsure how to respond without escalating the situation.
  • Feel like you’re growing in different directions, and don’t know how to get back to each other.
  • Know things are “okay,” but quietly ache for something deeper, warmer, more emotionally alive.

If you’ve already taken the important first step and attended a Relationship Skills Boot Camp, you know what’s possible when communication starts to shift, even just a little. Then this community is for you.

One thing is true. You want to keep growing together.

And you’re ready for something real. Something that lasts and provides you with the tools to thrive, not just survive.

And the truth is, no one ever really taught you how to do this.

Most people grow up seeing couples navigate conflict in unhealthy ways. Oftentimes, they weren’t taught how to express their needs without guilt, set boundaries with love, or repair a rupture with real accountability.

So when things get hard in your relationship, you might blame yourself or your partner.

You might wonder why it feels so challenging to stay close. Or whether you’re the only one struggling with things that seem small, but feel overwhelming.

And here is the thing… you’re not the only one.

What you’re facing, whether it’s lingering tension or emotional distance, isn’t a personal failing but a gap in relational skills.

And those skills can be learned (some of them you have practiced in the Relationship Skills Boot Camp).

Because the truth is that strong, connected relationships don’t happen by luck. They happen through practice.

It’s not about getting it perfect. It’s about knowing what to reach for in the moment and having a space where you can keep practicing, reflecting, and learning as you go.

Real change doesn’t come from just knowing better. It comes from having support as you do better, until it becomes your new way of relating.

And that’s where lasting transformation begins.

Many couples experience major breakthroughs in therapy, the Relationship Skills Boot Camps, and quiet moments of courage.

But here is what also happened next.

Life crept back in. Work got busy. Patterns returned, and the momentum began to fade.

Those same couples would ask:

  • “How do we keep this going?”
  • “How do we stay on track once we’re back in real life?”
  • “Is there somewhere we can keep learning, keep practicing… together?”

That question stays with us because we know what’s at stake.

We’re Risa Ganel and Katharine Petzold, licensed therapists, relationship educators, and co-facilitators of the Relationship Intelligence Community.

Between us, we’ve walked with hundreds of couples and individuals

through the messy, beautiful, and sometimes heartbreaking work of growing closer. And we’ve done this work in our own lives, too.

We created the Relationship Intelligence Community because we believe something is missing in how most people are taught to “do” relationships.

There are plenty of books, plenty of podcasts, and plenty of passive advice.

But what people truly need is a place to practice and receive coaching.

A place to be seen without judgment, to ask honest questions, try new ways of showing up, and to do it with skilled guidance and a compassionate community alongside you.

That’s what this space is for.

This is where real intimacy is built—not through perfection, but through presence, practice, and a willingness to try again.

Because the couples we see aren’t broken.

They’re often deeply loving, highly capable people who were never shown how to stay connected through conflict.

And this online community is here to change that.

It’s not therapy or a group lecture.

It’s a space to continue becoming the kind of couple you meant to be, supported by experts who walk alongside you, and surrounded by others who care just as much as you do.

The Relationship Intelligence Community is the perfect place to build upon the lessons learned from the Relationship Skills Boot Camp so that you and your partner can grow closer together.

Here is What You’ll Experience Inside the Relationship Intelligence Community

This isn’t another relationship book gathering dust on your nightstand.
This is where you come to practice the skills that make love last with real people, real support, and real progress.

Each month, you’ll join a live, one-hour online session led by Risa Ganel and Katharine Petzold, both seasoned Relational Life Therapy (RLT) practitioners who’ve guided hundreds of couples and individuals through powerful transformation.

Inside the Relationship Intelligence Community, you'll:

  • Learn core relationship skills grounded in the paradigm of Relational Living (RLT), created by world-renowned therapist and author, Terry Real.
  • Watch real-time coaching and practical demonstrations. No fluff, just tools you can use right away.
  • Ask questions (live or anonymously) and receive thoughtful, specific guidance.
  • Connect with others committed to growing, not just surviving, in their relationships.

These monthly calls are where insight becomes action.

Think of each call like open office hours, where you can join other couples to ask us questions, practice skills, and learn how to navigate real-life challenges more clearly, compassionately, and confidently. All you need is a stable internet connection, and you can join from anywhere.

And depending on when you join, you may also participate in special guest calls where we will invite experts to present for the RIC community.
Whether you’re attending solo or with your partner (one membership includes both of you), this is a safe, skill-centered environment where you can continue to build what matters most. Because strong relationships aren’t built in a breakthrough. They’re built in the days, weeks, and moments that follow.

Here are Some of the Things You’ll Gain Inside the Community

  • The exact language to use when setting a boundary, without starting a fight.
  • Practice staying grounded during tough conversations, instead of reacting from old patterns.
  • Clarity on the subtle habits that slowly erode connection, and how to replace them with habits that deepen it.
  • Gentle but direct coaching that helps you shift out of blame and back into collaboration
  • Encouragement from others who are doing the work too, so you never feel like you’re the only one.
  • Bonus calls with relationship experts to deepen your relational learning.
  • The emotional confidence of knowing you can handle hard moments and get closer because of them.
  • And most importantly, the feeling of coming home to a relationship where you feel seen, safe, and cherished.
woman speaking to therapist

If you’re dealing with issues in any of your relationships — with your partner, your children, your friends, your colleagues, or even yourself — there’s a place to finally get real actionable advice that can help!

Introducing… the Women’s Relationship Intelligence Community

with Risa Ganel.

But Don’t Just Take Our Word For it, Here is What Other Couples Have Shared After Working With Us in the Relationship Skills Boot Camp.

  • Risa helped my husband and I get to the point where we realized that we either need to stop talking about our marriage and actually fix it, or end things. We hit rock bottom at one point, but somehow we pulled each other out of the weeds. Slowly, we started liking one another again, and fell back in love. We ended up moving to a wonderful new house and recently had a baby and he is the love of our lives. So, I guess this is an overdue thank you. You are an incredible therapist, and I will never forget the snowy afternoon that I called and you asked if I just wanted to talk for five minutes. I can’t express how much that meant.

    S.S.
  • “This was exactly what I needed, I just didn’t know it! I knew I had conflict with my husband and by the second class I realized this was going to be different than I thought. It opened things up for me in a way I never would have guessed. This is just the beginning of my journey!”

    A.L.
  • Risa delivered on everything she promised. I have clarity and tools to improve my marriage and I am so grateful.

  • “I learned that keeping silent was colluding with the dysfunction around me. Risa gave me permission to speak up in my personal life. It was empowering. What I have inside is of value and deserves to be shared and heard. I don’t have to worry about what others think. I’ve always measured what others think before saying anything and silenced myself, how ridiculous! At work I could speak up but not at home. I walked away identifying what held me back, the way I handle conflict was destructive and that’s all I ever knew how to do, so I avoided it and then it boiled over. It was easy for me to talk about what I DON’T want, but after this class I know what I do want and have skills to do it differently.”

    B.D.
  • Risa has been positive, professional and knowledgeable about every issue that I have brought to our sessions. Her approach to our work together has been realistic, kind and compassionate. She communicates in a warm and direct manner, asking the right questions and providing valuable insight at just the right times. She is a gifted and genuinely caring professional, and I feel lucky to have her on my side. I have learned so much and have benefited tremendously from our time together.

    R.N.
  • We’ve worked with Risa for 13 sessions now and if we hadn’t gone to counseling with her, we’d be living separate lives. I don’t think about divorce anymore. I’m wearing my wedding ring again, too! I’m so glad my husband didn’t give up on us and that we have worked with Risa.

    D.W.
  • Risa’s care for us was palpable, and I felt really heard and understood.

  • “Sharing experiences and hearing others ask questions who have the same struggles as I do was extremely helpful. I became more confident and felt more secure in starting to speak up for myself with my husband.”

    T.P.
  • “Even though I’ve been in therapy, I realized there is so much to each piece that having support and practicing with others gave me more confidence. Now I can speak up for myself more instead of saying everything is fine when it’s not.”

    Class participant
  • “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.
  • “… I no longer felt as frustrated. I came to appreciate who my husband is and how he is different from me. We learned to respect one another’s ideas and opinions and I was reminded of all the positive reasons I married him. I no longer think about divorce and am much happier overall. And our sex life improved dramatically! Working with Risa really helped save my marriage.”

    — S.M.
  • “The couple’s work that you do is so valuable — we are relating now in a wholly new and expansive way. It’s what each of us knew we were missing but could not have found on our own. Thank you so much!”

    — Tod
  • This was a fantastic 2 days. You shed light on our relationship and my part in it in ways I’d never looked at them before.

  • “For therapists doing couples work, the Bootcamp 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.
  • “My wife and I both found RLI’s workshop to be exceptional and well worth the time and effort. 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.
  • “I recommend working with Risa to all of my friends. If you are ready to be held accountable and hear it like it is, she is the BEST.”

    Husband of couples therapy client
  • “Terry Real’s Bootcamp 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 Bootcamp weekend opened up new ways to talk, to see ourselves and to love each other.”

    — Sarah P.
  • “I was made to feel comfortable right from the start, which made it much easier for a guy like me to talk about our problems. Working with Risa opened our lines of communication, and we no longer got overly emotional when we talked about difficult subjects. We learned to manage our time better and now have more time to care for our relationship.”

    — K.B.
  • I was made to feel comfortable right from the start which made it much easier for a guy like me to talk about our problems. Therapy opened our lines of communication and we no longer got overly emotional when we talked about difficult subjects. We learned to manage our time better and now have more time to take care of our relationship.

    K.B.
  • “I used to feel like there was no hope and that nothing would change. I’m more at peace because I know there are ways to make changes that come from within me!”

    A.L.
  • The examples Risa gave, the handouts, and the visuals, and the role plays were all super helpful.

  • Risa was calm, respectful, honest and kind. My only wish is to have more time with her.

  • After 10 sessions with Risa, I no longer felt as frustrated. I came to appreciate who my husband is and how he is different from me. We learned to respect one another’s ideas and opinions and I was reminded of all the positive reasons I married him. I no longer think about divorce and am much happier overall. And our sex life improved dramatically! Therapy with Risa really helped save my marriage.

    S.M.
Yes! I want a Relationship Breakthrough!

Start Showing Up for Each Other in a Way You Never Have Before

This is your space to rebuild trust, deepen intimacy, and grow stronger together.
When you join the Relationship Intelligence Community, you’ll receive:

Monthly Live Coaching & Practice Sessions

Each online session is grounded in Relational Life Therapy (RLT) and designed to help you build healthy relational habits through real-time learning and guided practice. Each month focuses on a core skill like boundaries, emotional safety, conflict repair, or intimacy, so you’re never left wondering what to work on.

Personalized Support Without the Therapy Room Price Tag

Bring your real-life challenges and receive compassionate, actionable insight that helps you break old patterns and create connection in the moments that matter.

Real Connection With a Growth-Oriented Community

This isn’t just another Zoom room. It’s a circle of people who care deeply about showing up better in their relationships. Whether you’re joining solo or with your partner, you’ll be surrounded by others walking the same path.

One Membership Covers You Both

Come alone or together. Your membership includes access for both you and your partner, so you can grow at your own pace, side by side.

Bonus Calls with Relational Experts

In addition to your monthly sessions, you’ll also be invited to exclusive bonus calls featuring special guest experts in the field of relationships, communication, and emotional intelligence.

These guest sessions provide fresh perspectives and practical tools from therapists, coaches, and educators who specialize in helping individuals love better, lead with clarity, and reconnect with their purpose. 

But that is not all…

Since this will be the first cohort for the Relationship Intelligence Community, and you have completed the Relationship Skills Boot Camp, you will be able to join at a special “founders rate” that is locked in for as long as you maintain your membership. After this cohort, prices will go up. 

You can lock in your founder’s rate at:

$36/month

Billed monthly. Cancel anytime.

$360/year

Billed annually. Best value, with additional savings and bonus access.

This is where real change happens. Join now and start creating the relationship you always knew was possible, while locking in your founder’s rate.

Yes! I want a Relationship Breakthrough!

Still Have Questions?

What if I’m not in a romantic relationship right now?

You’re still welcome. The skills we teach aren’t just for romantic partners—they’re for every kind of relationship, including the one you have with yourself. You’ll build emotional clarity, communication confidence, and boundaries that serve you in friendships, family life, dating, and beyond.

Do I have to attend with my partner?

Not at all. Many people join solo, either because their partner isn’t ready, or because they want to grow individually first. One membership includes access for both of you, but you’ll never be pressured to participate in a certain way. Everyone is welcome here.

Are LGBTQ+ couples welcome?

Absolutely. We are committed to creating an inclusive, affirming, and respectful space for all individuals and couples, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. Love is love, and the tools for healthy communication, connection, and repair are universal.

What if we’re doing okay? Do we need this?

That’s actually the best time to build new habits. This is a place to build relational maintenance, growth, and momentum. If you want to feel more connected, more playful, more emotionally grounded, this is for you. The Relationship Skills Boot Camp was a great place to start building better relational skills, but it is the first step in a much deeper journey.

What if I can’t make the live sessions?

We get it. Life is busy. That’s why we’ll offer access to session replays while your membership is active. You can still learn, reflect, and grow at your own pace.

How long are the sessions?

Each live online session runs about one hour and includes teaching, demonstration, and time for questions and reflections.

Will my privacy be protected?

Absolutely. You’re welcome to participate at your own discretion during Q&A. And what happens in the community stays in the community. We are committed to creating a safe and respectful space for everyone who joins.

Is this therapy?

No. Like the Relationship Skills Boot Camp, the Relationship Intelligence Community is not a substitute for therapy and does not replace individual or couples counseling. It’s a guided educational and experiential space designed to build relational skills. Think of it as an ongoing workshop where you implement what you’ve learned.

Is there a refund policy?

Yes. We want you to feel confident joining. If, for any reason, the community doesn’t feel like a fit, you can request a refund within 30 days.

Join the Relationship Intelligence Community

$36.00 USD every month until canceled

Join the Relationship Intelligence Community

$360.00 USD every year until canceled

Join the Relationship Intelligence Community

This is where real change begins, not just for your relationship, but for how you present yourself in every meaningful relationship.

Founding member pricing is available for a limited time. Join now to lock in $36/Month or save even more with $360/Month.

Join The Relationship Intelligence Community

Ready to Create the Relationship You’ve Always Wanted?

The truth is, relationships don’t thrive solely on love.

They thrive when you have the skills to communicate clearly, repair quickly, and support each other through the messy middle of real life.

Whether you’ve been together for 6 months or 16 years… or you’re building something new or rebuilding something that’s been strained…

You don’t have to do it alone.

And you don’t have to wait for a crisis to make lasting change.

When you join the Relationship Intelligence Community, you’ll gain:

  • A consistent space to practice staying connected—even when things get hard
  • Live monthly sessions with two experienced RLT therapists who care deeply about your growth
  • Practical, actionable tools you can start using right away
  • The chance to ask questions and get personalized support
  • A welcoming, supportive community of people who are doing the work too
  • A shared membership for you and your partner, because you grow better together
  • Bonus calls with relationship experts to help you stay supported between sessions

Risa Ganel & Katherine Petzold

Co-Facilitators for the Relationship Intelligence Community

P.S. You don’t need to have it all figured out to take the next step. You just need a space that honors your effort and supports your growth.

Join the community today to lock in your founder’s rate and start building the kind of connection you’ve always wanted.

Join The Relationship Intelligence Community

Risa Ganel

Risa Ganel

Co-Facilitators

KPetzold.

Katherine Petzold

Co-Facilitators

Contact Us

  • 8894 Stanford Blvd STE 103, Columbia, MD 21045
  • 410-440-1413
  • info@togethercouplescounseling.com

Connect With Us

Areas Served

Arlington, Annapolis, Columbia, Ellicott City, and throughout Maryland & Virginia

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