What Makes a Good Marriage Retreat?

If you’re thinking about attending one of my, or any other Marriage Retreat, you might be wondering how to tell if it’s a good one. What actually makes a good Marriage Retreat? What should you look for or which questions should you be asking?

First and foremost, you’ll want to choose a competent, experienced Retreat leader.

Look for a therapist who has advanced training in working exclusively with couples. Most Marriage and Family Therapists will see a couple, but that doesn’t mean that they are actually trained to do so. Look for certifications beyond the degree and license of the professional.

Remember to ask about the Facilitator’s years of experience. While beginners have enthusiasm, it takes years of experience to become a therapist who can expertly handle a crowd and hold a safe space for multiple couples simultaneously.

Ask yourself what you’re hoping to achieve at a Couples Retreat.

Is your relationship in crisis? Are you extremely private? If so, working with other couples may not be for you. In this case, you might consider working with a  Couples Therapist one-on-one until you have worked through the crisis and are ready to incorporate some basic skills to improve communication and rebuild trust.

If, however, you’ve noticed that you’re simply arguing more than before or have lost that loving feeling, you should consider a Retreat. In a good Couples Retreat, you will have the opportunity to deepen your connection and grow your relationship while relaxing and having fun.

A good Couples Therapist will manage the Retreat so that you have a combination of individualized attention and learning from the group. Look to her to create a safe and intimate setting where everyone has the chance to do their own work and to witness the work of other couples. There should be a lot of support and guidance, usually in the form of trained assistants.

At a good marriage retreat, you can expect to:

• Learn effective communication skills that will take you deeper into your love and commitment as a couple
• Resolve conflict that has been getting in your way with one another
• Remember why you got together in the first place
• Get positive energy and support from the other couples in the group
• Receive expert coaching by the Retreat Leader
• Relax and have fun together in a beautiful and calm setting away from home

Couples who have participated in a Marriage / Couples Retreat often say that the experience transformed their relationship. If you choose a well-trained and experienced Therapist, you can expect to learn about yourselves and each other, pick up new communication tools, practice new relationship skills, meet some new people and feel completely pampered in a beautiful setting. What’s not to love?

Click HERE for information about my next Couples Retreat.