DESIGNING INTIMACY: Blueprints for Lasting Connection
6-Week Course
Design a Relationship That Functions, Endures, and Evolves—By Intent, Not Chance
Most couples rely on instinct, chemistry, or repetition of inherited patterns. Those inputs are structurally insufficient for long-term relational stability. This course replaces assumption with architecture.
A complete relational system integrating communication, emotional intelligence, sexual bonding, shared values, and lifestyle design into a coherent, repeatable model.
Your Relationship Is Worth Learning How to Love Well
A lasting relationship is not one in which two people simply remain together.
It is one in which they continue to know one another, choose one another, delight in one another and create a life that belongs uniquely to them.
Designing Intimacy™ is an invitation to build that life deliberately.
WHO THIS IS FOR
- Couples with intact commitment but inconsistent execution
- High-functioning individuals whose relationship lags behind other life domains
- Partners seeking precision, not general advice
- Individuals willing to replace reactive patterns with designed structure
WHAT THIS IS NOT
- Not therapy
- Not crisis intervention
- Not unstructured discussion
- Not personality-based compatibility speculation
This is a structured educational and applied model.
COURSE STRUCTURE (6 WEEKS)
Derived from the full curriculum framework
The Carlile Blueprint integrates ten relational domains:
- Emotional needs (male/female distinctions)
- Self-knowledge and purpose
- Shared values and commitment
- Friendship systems (communication, recreation)
- Emotional intimacy (empathy, repair, disclosure)
- Romantic bond (touch, time, sexuality, rituals)
- Happiness architecture (gratitude, humor, trust)
- Sustained attraction (novelty and arousal)
- Lifestyle design (family, environment, time use)
This model is visually represented in the course materials.
Wk | Theme | Core Content |
1 | The Blueprint for Lasting Love | What intimacy requires; relationship assessment; emotional needs; what each partner needs to feel loved |
2 | Knowing the Person You Love | Family scripts; personality; needs, values, roles, purpose and dreams |
3 | Becoming Best Friends | Communication; listening; dialogue; appreciation; domestic partnership; friendship and shared experiences |
4 | Creating Emotional Safety | Emotional intimacy; conflict; anger; repair; apology; forgiveness; empathy and trust |
5 | Keeping the Lovers Alive | Affection; languages of love; sexuality; chemistry; romance; novelty; pleasure and play |
6 | Designing Your Life Together | Home, family, lifestyle, rituals, community, shared purpose, future vision—and completion of the Couple’s Blueprint |
Your 6-Week Course Includes
- Six live 90-minute classes
- The Designing Intimacy™ course workbook
- Relationship self-assessments
- Weekly couple exercises and conversations
- Communication and dialogue practices
- Romantic and intimacy exercises
- Creation of your personal Relationship Blueprint
- Track changes in communication, conflict, and connection
- Optional individual couple consultations with Heather
TIME COMMITMENT
- Weekly session: 90 minutes
- Partner work: 1-2 hours per week
- Total: ~ 3 hours/week
MEASURABLE OUTCOMES
- Reduction in reactive conflict cycles
- Increased emotional clarity and articulation
- Defined shared values and decision framework
- Established communication protocols
- Improved sexual and romantic engagement
- Completed written Relationship Blueprint
EXCLUSIONS (NON-ELIGIBLE CASES)
- Active infidelity without disclosure
- Ongoing abuse (emotional, physical, coercive)
- Untreated severe psychiatric instability
- One partner unwilling to participate
DELIVERY FORMAT
- Live or virtual cohort
- Structured workbook and guided exercises
- Optional private consultations
INSTRUCTOR
Heather Carlile, MA, LPC-S is the creator of Designing Intimacy: Blueprints for Lasting Connection—a systematic approach to understanding why intimacy breaks down and designing relationships capable of sustaining deep connection over time. 30+ years clinical and relational systems development. Creator of The Carlile Theory of Practice. Mentoring a Generation: Seven Capacities for Living with Purpose & Power.
Most couples attempt improvement through conversation alone.
Conversation without structure produces repetition.
Structure produces change.
Apply or Register Now
Limited 10-couples cohort size to maintain execution fidelity.
Tuesday Evenings
September 15 – October 20, 2026
7:00–8:30 PM Central
Tuition: $595 per couple
Optional private consultations $195/hour.
A functional relationship is not found. It is built.
Designing Intimacy™ is an educational relationship-development course. It is not a substitute for couples therapy, mental-health treatment, crisis intervention, or services addressing domestic violence or abuse.
Is this all there is?