Transform your Marriage with a Private Couples Retreat
When stress increases and couples become disconnected, they can quickly begin to feel lonely, distressed, and hopeless. Due to the stress associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, couples across the nation and the world are experiencing a relationship crisis. While divorce rates have soared, many couples are seeking help to repair and improve their relationship. Weekly couples’ therapy is effective for some, but it may take months or even years to create the safety and security that couples long for with one another. A new trend in couples therapy leverages the benefits of sustained and intensive approaches, allowing for deeper changes in a shorter period of time. Intensive couples’ therapy, often lasting 12 to 18 hours over two to three days, can be more effective for some at creating lasting change.
As an experienced psychologist trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples, I recognized the transformative nature of intensive therapy for couples as a result of leading educational couples’ retreats. This realization led me to offer group couples retreats and 2-day private couples intensives to dozens of couples, and eventually to establish Maine Couples Retreats. The goal of Maine Couples Retreats is to offer couples a unique opportunity to experience their dream while also completing intensive couples’ therapy. Maine is the ideal location for many couples, well known for its relaxed and romantic environment with a natural landscape that helps people escape from the hustle and bustle of their busy and chaotic lives. Couples work with me to design their ideal retreat, with some desiring to come into our private office, and others preferring to meet with me on location in their retreat property or hotel.
Intensive private retreats present a unique opportunity to learn about yourself and your partner on a much deeper level. Couples learn to have conversations with one another that reveal new levels of awareness and safety, resulting in a deeper and more satisfying emotional and sexual connection. Being away from home supports the work, without the stresses of family life, preparing meals, and old and tired routines that create distance and loneliness.
The only requirement for a couples retreat is that you and your partner are in a relationship and you both want to improve and you are willing to engage in deep emotional work together (I realize this sounds scary or even unappealing to some, but trust that a skilled therapist can make all the difference). You don’t have to be legally married or living together to explore the benefits of a couples’ therapy retreat. While the benefits are powerful for many couples, intensive retreats are not for all couples. Couples who are in relationships with ongoing affairs, abuse of any kind, and active substance abuse are encouraged to consider alternative therapy first.
How Private Couples Intensive Retreats Work
Private couples’ intensive retreats are great for couples who want to prioritize their relationship and restore their connection in an environment free of daily stress. A romantic getaway coupled with deep work with a top relationship expert can give couples the connection and momentum they need to return to their lives with a renewed and secure bond.
Maine Couples Retreats offers private intensives for two to three days. Intensives are private and designed specifically for the individual couple who benefits from the undivided attention of a top relationship expert. An alternative to private intensive retreats include group couples retreats. Group couples’ retreats are offered several times a year and focus on relationship enhancement in an educational and experiential format. Typically, five to ten couples join together to learn from relationship experts and receive individualized and private coaching throughout the weekend. Educational couples’ retreats take place in a private, warm, and beautiful setting, enabling you to work with a skilled therapist to enhance your relationship and learn tools to continue to improve your connection. Group retreats may include discussions, lectures, guided conversations, and exercises. Many couples combine a group retreat with romantic vacation experience as well.
Prior to committing to a group retreat or private intensive retreat, I meet with couples in person or remotely via video conferencing to complete a 90-minute assessment and consultation. This process is critical in helping you recognize and clarify your goals, as well as ensuring that a retreat is a recommended option and that you are confident and comfortable working with me.
During your couples retreat, you will learn new ways of communicating that will help you deepen and strengthen your relationship, increase intimacy, and repair past and future your conflicts. Private retreats are structured to focus on your unique needs, and may focus on repairing past hurts, premarital therapy, or healing after a betrayal or affair. Group retreats, however, are designed to help different couples with common struggles. In addition to the deeper levels of emotional connection that come from engaging in a couples intensive, you will enjoy outstanding recreational opportunities in Maine, fine dining, and quiet time in the serenity of your retreat destination.
Is Couples Retreat a Good Option for You?
Common reasons for seeking out a couples’ retreat including ongoing conflict, feelings of disconnection and loneliness, sex and intimacy issues, recovery after an affair, empty nest challenges, midlife changes, communication problems, and alternative to divorce. Intensive couples’ retreats can help repair and strengthen your connection, deepen your bond, increase sexual desire and pleasure, and lead to deep and meaningful personal and relationship growth.
If you enjoy meeting new people and you feel comfortable in a group retreat setting, you may select an intimate couples’ retreat that includes a group of five to ten couples. However, if you prefer a more private and personalized retreat experience, an intensive retreat may be the best fit.
Many couples consider a retreat as an enhancement and “booster” to their regular weekly couples counseling or online counseling sessions. With the expert guidance of a skilled and experienced couples’ therapist, you can take a deep dive into your relationship without distractions or interruptions that may occur in shorter weekly sessions. At Maine Couples Retreats, we also assist in suggesting and arranging special activities for you and your partner such as a romantic meals, spa experiences with couples massage, couples yoga sessions, chartered group or private ocean cruises, and a variety of recreational and outdoor activities. Adding experiences to your intensive therapy helps you restore your relationship, experience joy with one another, and have fun together.
Conclusion
In summary, an experienced relationship therapist who specializes in retreats will guide you to understanding yourself and your partner in ways that lead to transformative and lasting changes. You will learn new ways of understanding yourself and your partner, leading to changes in communication that foster a deeper connection. A successful couples retreat will help you deepen your feelings of connection and intimacy, allowing you to truly relax and have fun together…creating memories and changes that will last a lifetime.
No matter how close you and your partner are, sometimes the stress of everyday life can lead to negative patterns that destroy your bond. A couples’ retreat is a perfect way to step out your busy life and focus on your most important relationship and the source of your well-being. The serene and natural environment in Maine helps support your need for relaxation and facilitates the safe and secure relationship you long for with your partner. You will leave with a deeper connection and the tools you need to trust the loving feelings created during your retreat. This unique and special opportunity to rekindle your love will create feelings of safety and security in your relationship and your life.