Geeky Hearts is an innovative 8-part training series that brings together the evidence-based power of the Gottman Method and the immersive world of geek culture to support clinicians in guiding couples through meaningful relationship transformation. Designed for post-doctoral and master’s level mental health professionals, this series explores how fandoms, storytelling, games, and other geek artifacts can be strategically woven into therapy to deepen relational insights, promote healing, and build connection.
Each episode of the series parallels a key component of the Gottmans’ Sound Relationship House theory, connecting over 40 years of research from the “Love Lab” with practical, culturally-relevant interventions that speak directly to clients who identify with geek communities. From cosplay couples navigating conflict resolution to gaming partners rebuilding trust, Geeky Hearts equips clinicians with tools to understand and honor their clients’ unique relational languages.
Clinicians will learn how to cultivate trust, commitment, and emotional intimacy using the 3 Cs of Connection, Communication, and Conflict Management—through the lens of comic books, TTRPGs, sci-fi/fantasy fandoms, and more. Special attention is given to building and repairing Love Maps, enhancing shared fondness and admiration, and transforming conflict into collaborative problem-solving. The series also includes assessments, interventions, and screening tools that blend clinical rigor with imaginative engagement.
Whether you’re guiding partners through co-op mode or helping clients navigate boss-level emotional battles, Geeky Hearts offers a refreshing, research-driven approach to relationship therapy that speaks to the hearts of those who thrive in fandom spaces.
What Clinicians Will Learn Across the 8 Parts:
- Foundations of the Gottman Method & Geek Culture Integration
Understand the Sound Relationship House, the role of Love Maps, and how geek artifacts like character sheets, player backstories, and fandom parallels can enhance trust-building.
- The Science of Love: 40 Years in the Love Lab
Dive into the Gottmans’ longitudinal research, and examine data-backed relational dynamics through the lens of pop culture case studies and narrative therapy techniques.
- The 3 Cs of Healthy Relationships: Connection, Communication, Conflict
Explore foundational communication and conflict-resolution skills through TTRPG decision-making, co-op video games, and group storytelling techniques.
- Shared Fondness and Admiration: A Geek-Centric Approach
Learn to assess and strengthen admiration within relationships using fandom-based metaphors and positive reinforcement systems pulled from gaming mechanics and pop culture.
- Building Love Maps with Lore and Character Bonds
Use geek storytelling tools to map out partner knowledge, personal histories, values, and stressors in engaging, imaginative ways.
- Turning Toward Instead of Away: Co-Op Play in Real Life
Explore repair attempts and responsiveness using metaphors of party support systems, companion characters, and real-time response strategies.
- Creating Shared Meaning: Geek Rituals and Relational Worldbuilding
Learn to co-create shared rituals and values using fandom traditions, cosplay, movie nights, and shared storytelling.
- Final Bosses: Navigating Gridlock and Deep Conflict Through Narrative Resolution
Use advanced Gottman techniques and geek-themed experiential exercises to help couples overcome gridlocked issues, transform conflict, and rewrite shared stories.
Learning Objectives
Identify the seven levels of the Sound Relationship House Theory
Demonstrate at least two interventions for building Love Maps using geek culture
Identify the three C’s of engaging in a healthy relationship
Identify the seven levels of the Sound Relationship House Theory
Demonstrate at least two interventions for building Love Maps using geek culture
Identify the three C’s of engaging in a healthy relationship
Identify bids for connection and when bids are “missed” in a relationship
Identify two evidenced based interventions that are effective in increasing bid recognition in a relationship
Identify two ways to use geek culture to increase individuals turning towards one another in a relationship
Identify two valid screening tools to assess the level of positive perspective in a relationship
Identify two evidenced based interventions that are effective in increasing positive perspective in a relationship
Identify two ways to use geek culture to increase positive perspective in a relationship.
Identify two valid screening tools to assess the level of unhealthy conflict in a relationship
Identify two evidenced based interventions that are effective in increasing conflict management
Identify two ways to use geek culture to increase healthy conflict management in a relationship.
Describe and identify Gottman’s four horsemen
Identify two valid screening tools to assess the level of support provided for partners life dreams in a relationship
Identify two evidenced based interventions that are effective in increasing support for life dreams in a relationship
Identify two ways to use geek culture to increase support for life dreams in a relationship.
Identify two valid screening tools to assess the level of shared meaning in a relationship
Identify two evidenced based interventions that are effective in increasing support for life dreams in a relationship
Identify two ways to use geek culture to increase support for life dreams in a relationship.
Identify two valid screening tools to assess the level of shared meaning in a relationship
Identify two evidenced based interventions that are effective in increasing support for life dreams in a relationship
Identify two ways to use geek culture to increase support for life dreams in a relationship.
Course Instructor:
Wendi “Nicki” Line is a licensed mental health counselor with extensive training in clinical sexology and addiction combined with experience counseling in the inpatient and private practice settings. She is Kink Aware, Poly Friendly, and works with the LGBTQ+ communities. Wendi is the Vice President of the Sanctuary Center and an instructor at the International Academy of Collaborative Counseling and Coaching Education (IACCCE)
Disability Accommodations
It is the responsibility of the Individual to contact Geek Therapeutics to request disability accommodations at Hello@geektherapeutics.com.
Geek Therapeutics is committed to helping each student reach his/her academic potential and to providing every student equal opportunity to participate in and engage with the course. In keeping with this commitment, effort has been made to develop accessible learning materials that provide equal access. Please contact Geek Therapeutics immediately if access to course materials is restricted due to a disability so the issue(s) can be resolved in a timely manner.
Continuing Education Credits:
Psychologists: Geek Therapeutics is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Geek Therapeutics maintains responsibility for this program and its content
Counselors: Geek Therapeutics has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7042. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Geek Therapeutics is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
Social Workers: Geek Therapeutics, #1769, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. Geek Therapeutics maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 05/19/2022 – 05/19/2025. Social workers completing this course receive 1 continuing education credits.
Play Therapists: Geek Therapeutics has been approved by APT as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, No. 21-649. Programs that do not qualify for APT credit are clearly identified. Geek Therapeutics is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
Other Professions: This activity qualifies for the specified number of hours of instructional content as required by many licensing boards and professional organizations. Save your course outline and certificate of completion, and contact your board or organization for specific requirements. Completion of the course(s) with a post-test score of 80% or better is required to receive continuing education credit; there is no partial credit.