UPLIFT Program

After years of working with couples, Dr. Shelley Sommerfeldt created the UPLIFT program based upon several evidence-based approaches such as Family Systems Theory, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Gottman Method, and Emotionally Focused Therapy.

UPLIFT stands for:

U—Understand the root causes of disconnection

P—Promote personal accountability

L—Learn healthier communication skills

I—Inspire lasting change

F—Foster an intentional relationship

T—Transform your love and intimacy

The UPLIFT Program will teach you skills, strategies, and how to use certain tools to help you rebuild intimacy and connection. Through the UPLIFT Program, you will learn how to:

• Recognize and understand the deeper reasons behind your disconnection

• Manage emotions with greater calm, clarity, and confidence

• Open emotionally and feel safer being vulnerable with your partner

• Communicate in healthier and more productive ways

• Navigate conflict with empathy and curiosity instead of blame

• Forgive past hurts and release lingering resentments that block closeness

• Practice gratitude and appreciation to strengthen emotional bonds

• Reignite physical affection and intimacy in meaningful, comfortable ways

• Maintain lasting change through simple, consistent relationship habits

• Use guided tools that you will encounter in later chapters like:

  • Weekly Relationship Check-In to stay connected

  • Talk It Out Guide for resolving conflict

  • Creating a Shared Purpose to keep love intentional every day

You can read more about the UPLIFT program in Dr. Sommerfeldt’ s debut nonfiction book, The Journey Back to Us: A Couples’ Guide to UPLIFTing Love and Restoring Connection. The book is currently available for pre-order and can be found anywhere books are sold.