The Building Strong Families Masterclass
7 Principles to Strengthen Your Parenting & Partnering
Enroll now for the Limited Introductory Offer of only $99 for the first 100 students! (Full price will be $199).
-
This marriage has been saved…
“Awareness changes everything. There IS hope for our relationship! We were heading for a divorce before tonight. We will try to use appreciation as a core strategy. Thanks a bunch, Jonathan!”
—Kelly and Richard V. -
Amanda has hope!
“Finally, a message of HOPE for families. Instead of another list of all we’re not doing well, which just leaves me discouraged and depressed, I can see the strengths our family already has, and I’m encouraged and motivated to build on them! I’m actually excited!”
—Amanda G. -
This couple is making time
“Jonathan is enthusiastic! He taught us effective ways to evaluate and improve our relationship. We are right now rearranging our schedules to ‘take time to make time’ and have more meaningful activities in our marriage and with our children.”
—Josefina & Michael C. -
Young couples are learning early...
“The honesty! Thank you for presenting different aspects of marriage and for showing that, yes, marriage is challenging but that it is still worth it. I wish all of my engaged friends could have come!”
—Kelsey A., graduate student
Stop struggling!
Learn how to improve your relationships, decrease conflict, and increase connection with your partner and your children.
GREAT Relationships don’t just happen…
They are CREATED!
Strong Marriages and Strong Families don’t wait or hope for things to get better—they get to work on CREATING the relationships they want.
CREATE! Don’t wait!
In over 30 years as a Marriage and Family Therapist, no one has ever said to me, “I’m so glad I waited this long to have a better marriage, happier family, or greater connection with my children.”
We all wish we had learned these relationship principles much earlier: before we got married and/or when the kids were little.
Of course, like going to school before getting your first job, the best time to learn is BEFORE you need it. We teach everyone basic math and how to drive a car, so we can all be “on the same page.” Unfortunately, when it comes to marriage, family, and parenting, society doesn’t teach this in any clear, systematic way, so we’re all on the same page.
So, while the best time is to learn it BEFORE you need it, THE NEXT BEST TIME to learn it IS NOW.
Along those lines, many complain that marriage and children didn’t come with a manual… true. However, libraries, bookstores, and Amazon are chock-full of marriage and parenting manuals, so we could just read those, right? True.
But to be fair, there are a LOT of those books, and they don’t all agree. Some are research-based, while others are just someone’s own experience and opinions, and some are better than others. Which ones do we go with, and which do we ignore?
There is just SO MUCH, and most people don’t know where to start.
That’s where I come in.
I’ve done the reading for you. My name is Jonathan Sherman, LMFT, and for over 30 years as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and family life educator, I’ve read hundreds of books and combed through thousands of professional journals and research articles. I’ve attended hundreds of professional conferences. I’ve worked with thousands of marriages and families. As a speaker, I’ve taught over 500 relationship workshops to over 50,000 people. I’ve done the learning for you. I’ve compiled the best of the best information here for you.
The Building Strong Families Masterclass is simply the best foundational work you can do for your marriage and your children. The principles and practices taught in this course will permeate every facet of family life, and any other books or classes you take on relationships, marriage, and parenting will build off of this base. Even your own learning in "the school of hard knocks" will be enhanced by the principles you learn in this masterclass.
Wherever you are in your relationships, The Building Strong Families Masterclass is the perfect starting point, mid-course correction, and/or strong finish for your family’s success.
Don’t wait. CREATE!
Enroll now for the Limited Introductory Offer of only $99 for the first 100 students! (Full price will be $199).
What You’ll Learn
and Get Out of
This Masterclass
This is a “build on what you do have” vs. “beat yourself up about what you don’t” course.
The Building Strong Families Masterclass is strength-based, not problem-based. You’ll feel inspired, uplifted, and encouraged. This isn’t another depressing list of “look at all the things others are doing that we’re not.” Who needs more of that tear-down? Yeesh.
Instead, this is an encouraging approach of “Hey, look at what we ARE doing already that IS working... and hey, cool, look at what others have done that we can also bring into our family, too. ”
The Building Strong Families Masterclass is all about the Three Es:
Educate.
Encourage.
Empower.
What is AACCCTS?
In this fun, upbeat, informative, and research-based masterclass, you will learn the 7 most common “ACTionS” or behaviors the research repeatedly demonstrates that strong, resilient families and marriages engage in, as well as how to build on the strengths your family already possesses. The 7 Principles to Strengthen Your Parenting and Partnering are:
Appreciation
Affection
Commitment
Creative Coping
Communication
Time Together
Spiritual Wellness
These 7 principles apply to all aspects of family life,
including marriage and relationships with our children. Within these seven primary principles are innumerable ways to increase our commitment, communication, connection, and compatibility in our marriages. This masterclass will provide many ideas and strategies you can use to assess your strengths in these areas and encourage growth where needed.
The PROBLEMS facing families seem overwhelming...
Our society doesn’t teach us how to do emotions or relationships well. We don’t ever learn the tools we need to succeed. There’s a reason why the marriage satisfaction statistics and divorce rates are so grim.
Monkey see, monkey do.
We are “monkey see, monkey do.” If we don’t see good examples and models, then we don’t know how to create them in our own relationships.
The Building Strong Families Masterclass solves that problem:
We’ve studied what strong families DO. We can pass on their knowledge. If we can see it, then we can do it.
So, what are the problems?
Marriage problems:
Divorce rates are high (and get higher with each next marriage: first marriages 45%, second marriages 60%, and third marriages 75%), and marital satisfaction rates are low (only 25% of married couples report being happily married). Ugh!
The good-sounding myth that “If we love each other enough, and if we’re good enough people, it will just work out” just doesn’t match the reality of the numbers.
Parenting concerns:
Studies found that of all the things parents worry about, they worry about mental health and bullying the most.
Fortunately, that same research shows that STRONG FAMILIES are the greatest protective factor for kids against mental health and bullying.
Also, fortunately, the research shows us that two simple yet crucial things are the greatest solutions to conflict, communication problems, affairs, and divorce:
Education (WHAT do we need to know that we just don’t know), and
Intervention (HOW do we apply that with our personalities, circumstances, strengths, and weaknesses?)
This Masterclass is all about both:
WHAT do we need to know, and
HOW do we apply it?
This Masterclass teaches us how to strengthen our couple relationship and our parenting relationships with our children to protect and prepare them for the difficulties they face in the world.
Thankfully, the SOLUTIONS
are stronger than the problems...
All of us share these fears:
Your children are NOT going to LEARN HOW TO HAVE A STRONG MARRIAGE AND FAMILY from SOCIETY.
And they are NOT going to learn this from their PEERS.
And it’s not built-in knowledge. Just look at the numbers on high divorce rates and low marital satisfaction rates. We clearly don’t “just know how.”
Fortunately, the solution is:
They are going to learn it in their HOME from YOU.
That’s both a lot of pressure (oh boy, do I know!)
And it’s also the greatest opportunity to lead our families well and set our children up for the best lives we can.
We all want:
A STRONG(ER) marriage, and
A STRONG(ER) family.
Of course, who doesn’t?
So, what ARE strong families?
The MYTHS are that:
Strong families are perfect.
Strong families have it all figured out.
The FACTS are that:
Strong families aren’t perfect.
Strong families don’t have it all figured out.
Strong families have problems. All kinds of problems.
The difference is that strong families get back up, stick it out, and figure it out.
Strong families are fortified by adversity.
Strong families overcome, grow, and develop.
Strong families love each other, spend time together, and are there for one another.
YOUR family is probably stronger than you’re giving your family and yourself credit for.
IMPROVE your relationships, decrease conflict, and increase connection with your partner and your children.
DISCOVER why thousands of individuals, couples, parents, and families have attended the Building Strong Families with “Double A-Triple C-T-S” workshop. Now you can attend…
AND you’ll get MORE! Way, WAY MORE: You’ll get what most live attendees didn’t get in the 90-minute workshops: Content. Lots and lots of content! ALL the content Jonathan has curated not only for this workshop but also for the families he’s helped in his office.
This Masterclass is:
Content-rich.
Engaging and interesting.
Research-based.
Field-tested 30+ years.
Practical and useful.
You are NOT “just” buying and taking a course. You ARE investing in:
A GREAT relationship,
A HAPPIER marriage,
A BETTER relationship with your kids,
A LEGACY for generations.
Find out how to supercharge your “ACTionS” in the Building Strong Families Masterclass.
What’s in The Building Strong Families Masterclass?
This Masterclass is a research- and evidence-based guide for the person, partner, and parent who wants to achieve GREATness in their family life.
Build your family with the right tools and blueprint for success:
Here are just some of the highlights of the secrets you will learn how to improve and enhance your family relationships:
Lesson 1: The Strong Family Concept & Making Change Stick. Learn:
Why a strengths-based approach works better than focusing on dysfunction
How to Make New Changes Stick in Old Systems
The Strong Family Inventory
Lesson 2: Appreciation. Learn:
The Oil in the Engine
The 30-Day Experiment
Lack of Appreciation and Connection (For example, did you know that no one has ever entered my office complaining, “I am SO sick and tired of the constant appreciation, recognition, understanding, and being seen for who I am! I’m done!” But sadly, I have heard the exact opposite every day of my career. People are starved for appreciation, hungry for connection, and thirsty for understanding.
The Grass is Greenest Where It’s Watered
The 5:1 “Magic” Ratio
Lesson 3: Affection. Learn:
Love Languages and Operator’s Manuals
Ways to Show Affection
How the People You Love Feel Loved
Lesson 4: Commitment. Learn:
Vision, Mission, & Purpose
Developing a Family Identity & Mission Statement
Creating Your Own GREAT Relationship Brand
Lesson 5: Creative Coping. Learn:
The Power of Perspective
The Family Problem-Solving Process
How to Find the Hidden Compliment in the Complaint
The 10 Rules for Fair Fighting
Lesson 6: Communication. Learn:
Why Communication Is Both the Most AND Least Important Trait.
Why Communication Skills Break Down into Thirds.
What Is Your Communication Goal?
Communication Strategies
Lesson 7: Time Together. Learn:
The Time Equation
The Importance of Peak Experiences and Continuous Time
The Purpose of the Task
The Power of Being There
The Relationship Over Task Dynamic
Lesson 8: Spiritual Wellness. Learn:
The One Common Trait All Strong Families Have Regardless of Religious or Non-Religious Affiliation.
The Strength to Do What Is Right When We Don’t Feel Like It
Clarifying What We Value
As you learn and put these principles into practice, watch as your family life transforms with:
Less complaining
Less contention
Less fighting
Greater appreciation
More enjoyment
Greater sense of purpose and unity
Enroll now for the Limited Introductory Offer of only $99 for the first 100 students! (Full price will be $199).
YOUR Pace,
YOUR Learning Style,
YOUR Family Type
This interactive, upbeat, informative, and real-life practical Masterclass is designed for all attention levels and learning styles.
Are you a quick skimmer or a deep diver?
Zip right through it, or take it slow. Like there’s no one right way to do family, there’s no one right way to learn.
This Masterclass packs in a lot of value in a short amount of time.
Each video lesson is 5-20 minutes. You can work on the worksheets and activities with your partner, your children, and/or yourself as you’re able over whatever timeframe works best for you and your family.
Read it, watch it, listen to it.
You do all or part: read the book, do the exercises, and watch and/or listen to the videos.
Thoughtfully curated and carefully crafted for leaders of busy families.
You are the leader of your family. And leaders need tools, strategies, and support they can use in the moment they need them. The Building Strong Families Masterclass provides just that.
For all families from all walks of life:
For over 30 years, the 7 Building Strong Family Principles have been field-tested with real-life families in every setting imaginable:
The Building Strong Families Masterclass is my most popular and most requested workshop. Over the past 30 years, I’ve developed, improved, and expanded it. I’ve done the research. I’m in the trenches with families every day. I’ve been around the block. I’ve presented it over a hundred times to thousands of people in such settings as these:
Youth groups,
Parenting classes,
Support groups,
Church groups,
Marriage retreats,
Community groups,
Professional therapy conferences,
Corporations and companies,
Government agencies,
Prison groups,
Adult and youth inpatient and outpatient addiction recovery programs,
Abuse recovery groups,
Community mental health programs,
Domestic violence treatment programs,
Online trainings,
And thousands of my clients in countless sessions.
As you can see, these settings are varied and diverse. Regardless of the setting, The Building Strong Families Masterclass is a universal program because families are universal. In fact, it is currently being translated into Chinese to reach many more families around the world.
This Masterclass is beneficial across the continuum from the most dysfunctional family to the most functional family and everyone in between. It doesn’t matter where you and your family are on the spectrum: it’s never too late to start doing (and feeling) better today!
The lessons are practical, and the format is simple and easy to follow. You can take them at your pace, bit by bit over time or rapidly in a few days.
Why this Masterclass is better
than the live workshop:
You simply get a LOT more!
Due to the time constraints of a live 90-minute workshop, I am limited in what I can share. There’s only so much you can pack into that short amount of time. For 30 years, I’ve collected evaluations for all of my workshops. The most common “complaints” are “I wish it was longer” and “I wish we had more time.” Those are nice complaints.
Now, for the first time, I’m able to present the 90-minute workshop, PLUS the full extended course with ALL the bonus material regular time-limited workshops just don’t allow. Since you can take this Masterclass at your own pace, you get access to so MUCH MORE content than the regular workshop.
What’s Included?
7 Lesson Modules that go with the Building Strong Families Workbook filled with:
7 Video Lessons from the Live Workshop Presentation, separated into bite-size lessons, with
7 Reading Assignments from the workbook (the PDF workbook is included free, and if you like,you can also buy the paperback workbook on Amazon).
18 Bonus Videos: excerpts from key interviews related to the Building Strong Family Principles
38 Worksheets and Activities to help you put what you’ve learned into action with your family.
Online Bonus Section containing the curated content I’ve carefully collected in my presenter’s files for each of the 7 Principles that there’s simply never time for in the live workshops. You now have access to a treasure trove of over 200+ resources culled from 30 years of speaking and clinical experience. This is the stuff that workshop participants never get, including:
61 Vids: Family-based TV commercials and PSAs, skits, talks, TV and movie clips
81 Articles: From my GREAT Relationships Blog, and other articles
10 Audio: Music videos, clips, podcasts
12 Stories, poems, cartoons, and quote collections
7 PDFs: Worksheets, inventories, articles, reminder sheets
40 Recommended reading and other media
4 Misc: Activities, course evaluation results, pictures
Egads, that’s a lot!
You don’t need to read, watch, or listen to any or all of them. Remember, this is a “go at your own pace” course. Some people love to dive deep into each little bit, while others prefer to skim. The main thing is that they are there for you for as much as you want or not anytime you want.
A download of your PDF workbook
You can follow along in your 287 page Building Strong Families workbook on your screen as a PDF or buy the paperback on Amazon. Most students find the paperback easier to refer to and take notes in. Then most students use the PDF to easily print out as many copies of the various worksheets as needed for themselves and their family members.
Unlimited access to the Masterclass – forever.
Watch any time and on any device. You can watch or listen to the Masterclass videos from your mobile device, computer, or tablet.
You’re free to learn at your own pace.
Your progress is automatically marked as you take the Masterclass. Revisit lessons whenever you want.
Plain and simple, this Masterclass will help you improve your relationship by teaching you the principles and practices that make families strong and resilient in trying times.
Even if you don't have much time, even if you aren't sure how to begin, and even if you have struggled in the past in your relationships, this Masterclass was developed in the trenches of therapy and, as a result, was designed for real families with real struggles.
The Building Strong Families Masterclass will teach you simple and practical ways to think and act differently in your family to build the strongest family possible.
Enroll now for the Limited Introductory Offer of only $99 for the first 100 students! (Full price will be $199).
But you don’t have to take my word for it.
These mindsets and strategies have helped THOUSANDS and THOUSANDS of individuals, couples, and families from all walks of life.
-
Professionals teach this program…
“I enjoyed listening to your presentation—it was excellent. I do family preservation and have been using your Building Strong Families materials in my programming. I enjoy this program. Families like it, too.”
—Lisa Fowler, SSW, Case Manager -
Hope and encouragement are infectious…
“Wow! We heard you speak last night and ended up dragging 17 people with us for tonight’s presentation! Our group really needed this workshop. Thank you!”
—Thomas and Evelyn M. -
This man gets that it’s more than communication…
“It was great! I was impressed about how communication is not necessarily the ‘fix-all’ solution, but how there is more to making relationships work—such as mindsets, intentions, and skills.”
—George T., Program Director -
A great marriage seems possible!
“I love the practical ideas. I feel excited to try the ideas out. It seems possible to have a great marriage! Thanks.”
—Maria S.
AND it works at work!
Relationship skills transfer from home to work and back again. I’ve taught a modified version of this workshop, Building Strong Teams, in the corporate sector:
“Personally and professionally applicable. A stronger family helps employees show up happier and more productive… and those employees take that good feeling back home. I’ll have my CHRO contact you to present your Building Strong Teams version of this to our team.”
—Samantha L., CEO
“I’m taking this to my work family. I plan on thanking staff, clients, and vendors more often.”
—Diane K., Business Owner“I love that these topics apply not only to me professionally but also personally. Relationship success is key in all realms of life!”
—Team Lead
“I love that these principles are not only applicable to me personally but also in my professional life. Relationship success is key in all realms of life!”
—James T., Executive“Appreciation! Doing better at this will change my relationships at home and with my team at work!”
—CFO“Great tools and skills to practice in personal and professional life. I want to try and use this model, especially at home.”
—Business Owner“I found what you said extremely helpful. I will apply it in my home and work. Thank you.”
—Financial Advisor
100% 30-day money-back guarantee.
I am confident this is the best family strengths course on the market.
If you don't love it, I'll refund you. It's as simple as that.
Meet Jonathan and
The Sherman Family
The Building Strong Families Masterclass is taught by someone who’s researched and tested these ideas for over 30 years with real families in every situation imaginable.
Hi there. I’m Jonathan Sherman, LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist). As a Relationship Strategist and speaker, I have guided families to improve their partnering and parenting so that they can get along better, cooperate as a team, develop connections, save marriages, and raise happy, well-adjusted children.
Bottom line: These Strong Family principles and practices have been tested in the real world and work in the real world.
I have given over 500 presentations, workshops, training, and classes.
Over 50,000 people have attended my workshops.
I’ve had the great honor to work with over 10,000 clients in thousands of individual, couple, group, and family therapy sessions.
Over 35,000 people subscribe to my weekly emails on how to create truly GREAT Relationships.
I have written hundreds of articles and am completing several books and online courses in The GREAT Relationship Mastery Series.
My podcast, “Relate GREAT! with Jonathan Sherman & Friends,” is reaching an even larger audience.
Personally, I have used these principles and practices in my own life as a husband and father, trying to figure it out with my own family.
I grew up with the best and worst of both worlds: there was gentleness, love, security, and connection in one home, while simultaneously, there was abuse, affairs, narcissism, gaslighting, and divorce in the other. Trust and trauma. What a contrast! Origin stories, am I right? There’s often a reason therapists become therapists.
Fortunately, practicing this in my own life has helped me navigate 30+ years of marriage with my best friend, Kara, as we raised our four children, who now have their own families. Gratefully, Kara and I made it through raising a family—and we all actually still love each other. Whew!
We live in the Rocky Mountains of Utah with our dog, Ginger, where I wrench on vintage VWs, and Kara, with her horticultural knowledge and artistry, masterfully transforms our landscape and garden into a beautiful sanctuary.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
From the moment you join, you get immediate access to all Masterclass lessons and bonus content. See the descriptions above and below for a full list of what’s included. The Masterclass layout is incredibly easy to use, so you’ll be learning effortlessly in just a few minutes.
-
This Masterclass has been designed to deliver the maximum amount of value in the minimum amount of time. It depends on how much you get into it: Some want a quick overview, and others prefer a deep dive. Either is okay, depending on your pace and learning style. The lesson videos are about three hours. The workbook readings and worksheets will depend on how much you choose to do. The Online Bonus content contains over 200 resources you can browse lightly or scour thoroughly. Whichever approach you take, the Masterclass and Bonus Content have been cut up into short lessons that are five to 20 minutes or less. You can easily refer back to any lesson or topic whenever needed.
-
The Building Strong Families Masterclass is a completely self-directed online course, so you can start and finish when you want. Likewise, you decide the pace at which you want to learn. If you want to dive into everything right now, you can. If you want to learn bit by bit, you can do that too. Either way, you'll never lose access to the Masterclass content.
-
There’s nothing to keep up with. This is a go at YOUR pace and learn in YOUR style course specifically designed to accommodate different learning styles. You can read through and watch every single item or skim through and skip around as lightly or as thoroughly as you like.
-
No problem. Every Building Strong Families Masterclass purchase is protected with a no-questions-asked, 100% money-back guarantee within 30 days of the original purchase. It's a risk-free investment on your end.
-
The Masterclass includes everything you need. The full workbook is included as a PDF, which you can read and print worksheets from.
Many students also like having a physical copy of the workbook as well, as they find that it’s easier to work from, however, it is not required that you get it. If you would like it, you can purchase it separately as a paperback book on Amazon here.
Enroll now, and you'll instantly receive:
7 content-rich video lessons,
broken up into 7 sharply focused modules.
18 Bonus lesson videos
that can be watched or listened to as audio while you do other things.
38 downloadable worksheets
to help you put what you learned into action.
Online Bonus Section
With over 200+ encouraging examples of strong families in action, resources, ideas, and inspiration.
Unlimited access
to the Masterclass. View it wherever and whenever you like.
100% money-back guarantee.
If you don't love it, I'll refund you. It's as simple as that.
$99 Introductory Offer for the first 100 students!
Enroll in the Masterclass Now
for Only $99!
(The regular price will go up to $199)
That’s a small investment
for knowledge, mindsets, and skills that will serve you and your family for a lifetime.
Our Building Strong Families Alumni Are Living Proof.
Is this course right for you? Take a look at the results other individual, couple, family students like you achieved.
-
This husband and father committed to action!
“Everything covered was amazing! I am ready to put the 30-Day Experiment to good use.”
—Dr. Robert C. -
Easy to follow and practical.
“My wife and I thought the whole course was excellent. It was easy to follow along and practical. We will be using these steps at home—specifically by creating a Family Mission Statement and being more appreciative.”
—Joseph and Kiara W. -
Flooding her family with Appreciation!
“Great presenter! Fantastic information. I plan on practicing flooding our family with appreciation. Doing better at this will change our home!”
—Tessa M. -
Enlightening!
“Feelings don’t make great relationships, ACTS do! It was enlightening to learn that appreciation, commitment, and creative problem-solving must be learned before communication skills. Awesome!”
—Dad and husband
-
This husband and father plans to “put the oil in the engine!”
“Reminded me what it takes to be a good husband and father to be respected, and to earn respect, from my wife and children. I plan on ‘putting the oil in the engine’!”
—Thomas W. -
"Less is more!”
“Jonathan provides a lot of information while encouraging a ‘less is more’ approach, focusing on doable small changes.”
—Leticia H. -
Elizabeth is enhancing existing strengths
“While our marriage is wonderful, this gives me the tools to make sure that it continues that way. Tons of good information. Thank you!”
—Elizabeth J. -
"Nothing great self-maintains!”
“Jonathan’s enthusiasm is infectious! I loved the idea of developing a Mission Statement for our family. I will remember, ‘Nothing great self-maintains.’ Wow!”
—Jennifer A.
Break the Chain.
Leave a Legacy…
Too many families I have worked with have struggled with patterns of abuse and dysfunction that have been passed down from one generation to another... and another... on and on. We call that “intergenerational transmission.”
However, my strong family clients and students decided to do something: to learn what they needed to learn about healthy relationships and how to break that intergenerational chain. They chose to leave a different legacy for their children. And they have done just that. You can, too.
I’m not selling easy answers. I am selling better answers.
Taking this Masterclass doesn’t mean you’ll learn everything and change everything quickly. There are no quick fixes, but there are better ways and smarter solutions. We don’t need to spend another day burdened by the weight of old habits and patterns that were passed down to us and just don’t work.
The bottom line: Give yourself the chance to learn how to build strong family habits that will last a lifetime and bless your family for generations.
This is the time to leave what hasn’t worked behind.
Get Started Now!
Enroll in the Masterclass Now for Only $99!