We're here to guide couples as they co-create relationships grounded in respect, friendship, and equality.
Whether you're preparing for the future or enriching your relationship in the now, find a program that is right for you and your partner.
You build your relationship.
We'll supply the tools.
our story
Our journey began with an alarming discovery – an enormous gap in opportunities and services that we couldn't ignore: the absence of non-faith-based relationship education and support available to the couples of North Texas.
We want to fill that gap.
We believe all individuals have a right to learn about cultivating healthy and fulfilling relationships, regardless of race, religion, culture, lifestyle, sexual orientation, gender identity, etc.
What we do
We offer relationship and marriage education from a social-constructionist perspective using evidence-based practices and curricula. We take pride in being social scientists and relationship experts.
Our combination of education and experience allow us to remain at the forefront of relationship education while understanding the common themes present in all relationships. We strive to offer multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural, and inclusive education that is respectful of the needs and experiences of all our clients.
Read more about our Evidence-Based Practices.
Our Vision
We are committed to being leaders in revolutionizing family life education by bringing it in to the 21st century, and we strive to passionately pursue solutions that fulfill the needs of the couples and families we serve.
We believe in healthy relationships and fulfilling marriages for ALL; therefore, we provide inclusive spaces for couples from all backgrounds to learn and to build community.
Our duty is to help couples build great relationships that are founded in friendship, intimacy, mutual respect, and equality.
Meet the experts.
Payton Birlew, M.S., CFLE, Certified Facilitator
Co-Owner & FoundeR, coach
Payton is dedicated to modernizing relationship education by making it accessible and inclusive. She believes in the constantly-evolving construct of marriage and the value of people creating lives together in the pursuit of fulfillment and friendship. Supporting couples as they determine their relationship destiny is her greatest passion.
She graduated in December 2017 with a Master's degree in Educational Psychology with a concentration in Family Science. Payton is a Certified Family Life Educator and a certified facilitator of the PREPARE/ENRICH relationship education program. She has been working with couples since 2018.
Payton lives with her mini-me and two dogs; she finds joy in rock climbing, using relationship theory to analyze reality dating shows, and laughing at inside jokes with her partner. Her “day job” is teaching Human Development and Family Science at the University of North Texas.
Based in Denton, TX.
Email: payton@haveandhold.co
Phone: (940) 435-1659
Michelle Larva, M.S., CFLE, Certified Facilitator*
Co-Owner & Founder, coach
She's passionate about empowering couples to create their story and construct their own partnership. Michelle is a visionary in reshaping the modern ideology of marriage, and deeply believes in the importance of independence and equality in intimate relationships.
She graduated with her Master's in Educational Psychology: Family Science in 2018. Michelle completed her thesis on religious and nonreligious couples' sexual health educational needs prior to marriage. She’s a Certified Family Life Educator, certified facilitator of the PREPARE/ENRICH relationship education program, and is currently in a PhD program.
Michelle lives with her cat and hubby (together for 10 years); her “day job” is working on completing her doctorate!
*Not currently taking clients.