Sometimes, weekly 60 or 90 minutes couples sessions aren’t enough to make the impact that you are needing for your relationship.  While ongoing couples counseling can be very beneficial (it’s how I work with many couples!), a private intensive can give you a much needed boost that briefer sessions simply can’t provide.

Why do a private, Couples/Marriage Intensive?

In these retreats, you are not with other couples.  This means that I am there for just you the entire time, and we can focus on your specific concerns and needs.  I do bring in “educational” material to provide some framework for the things I look for with any couple.  After all, we are all human and share similar experiences and challenges in our relationships. But we then tailor this to you and your relationship, and work toward resolving as many issues as we can in our time together.

You might consider this approach if any of the following apply to you:

• You are having the same arguments over and over with no resolution.

• You have become emotionally and/or physically disconnected.

• There has been a recent disclosure of an affair or emotional affair

• You are struggling with the question of whether or not to stay together, but are both willing to give it at least one more try.

• You have tried ongoing couples counseling and it has not been helpful.

• You are in a good relationship, but really want to make it the best relationship!  Perhaps you are empty-nesting, or experiencing some shift where you are wanting to move things to the next level.  

Exactly what happens in the retreat?

Every couple is different, and we will work on the issues that you want to work on.  But I do offer a structure that would include exploring the following, as is appropriate for you:

• What brings you in for help, and what are your primary frustrations/concerns?

  (Most couples have just a few “core issues”, but they come up over and over again!)

• How would you like things to be different?

• Your history together, as well as childhood influences that might be showing up in your relationship.

• Developing effective communication skills using the “Intentional Dialogue” method, giving you confidence to navigate conflict effectively.

• Learning to effectively ask for what you want/need from each other, and how to structure requests for behavior change.

• Learning your Love Languages, and how to identify what each of you really wants from the other.

• Exploring common couples concerns as needed.  These might include sex/sexuality, money, family, trust, affairs, parenting issues, time together, and so on.

• Integrate mindfulness
  - fostering awareness and intentionality for more love, joy, and harmony

• Explore key relationship themes
  - attachment styles, relationship stages, and the neuroscience behind connection

• Develop a “Relationship Vision” and skills for moving toward the future you desire.

• Reducing negativity (blame, shame, and criticism) and increasing loving and compassionate behavior.

• Develop Deep Listening and Loving Speech.

• Enhancing the positives—including planning time together, rituals, keeping the passion and romance alive.

Logistics and Cost:

You get to choose the length of time you would like to commit to this process.  I am flexible on my end, but suggest one of the following:

Two 5 hour days:     $3,000

Two 6 hour days:     $3,600

Three 5 hour days:  $4,500

Three 6 hour days:  $5,400

You are responsible for meals and accommodations.  The intensive will be held in the Carlsbad/San Diego area, which of course is a beautiful place to retreat.

If a marriage retreat seems like something you might be interested in, please call me for a consultation and we can discuss the details and logistics and hopefully schedule a time to meet.  303-717-5651

I would love to work with you, and give you the very best support that I can offer.