Marriage can be a wonderful, transformational experience. Even the healthiest of relationships, though, can experience difficult periods where the possibility of divorce is very real. When disagreements seem unsolvable and communication breaks down, it’s easy to lose hope. However, marriage retreats can provide couples who are struggling an opportunity to hone in on their issues and reconnect.
Table Of Contents
What Are Marriage Retreats?
Do Marriage Retreats Help Couples Considering Divorce?
How To Find A Marriage Retreat
Should I Do A Marriage Retreat Through A Church Or A Therapist?
How Much Do Marriage Retreats Cost?
The Bottom Line
What Are Marriage Retreats?
Marriage retreats are designed to give couples the chance to focus on their relationship and the problems they may need to address. Many times, marriage retreats will take place somewhere outside of the home so that couples can escape everyday interruptions in order to allow for greater opportunities for connection and communication.
There are many different types of marriage retreats, from weekend trips to week-long intense programs. Typically, they consist of a mix of workshops, therapy sessions and partner-focused activities designed to promote understanding and connection. (Doss et al., 2009)
Do Marriage Retreats Help Couples Considering Divorce?
Yes, for a couple that is about to file for divorce, marriage retreats can be really helpful. The majority of couples who participate in marriage retreats reported notable changes in their relationships. These retreats provide a secure environment where couples can reestablish trust, work through underlying difficulties, and develop their communication skills (Lalonde, 2014).
The significant influence marriage retreats can have on troubled marriages has been shown by studies. Marriage retreat participants reported significantly higher levels of marital satisfaction soon after the retreat, according to a thorough study (Nguyen, 2020). What’s even more heartening is that many couples claim that these changes persisted over time, showing that they weren’t just transient.
Photo by: Jasmin Wedding Photography
How To Find A Marriage Retreat
Selecting the ideal marriage retreat is crucial for its success. If travel is difficult for you, start by looking for retreats in your region or those that provide virtual possibilities. Regardless of whether you’re looking for a religious retreat, a secular program or a particular therapeutic method, find programs that suit your requirements and interests.
Spend some time thinking about the goals you have for the retreat before you start looking. Are your main goals to strengthen your emotional bond, restore trust or enhance communication? By making your goals clear, you’ll be able to focus your search and select a retreat that meets your needs.
There are many different types of marriage retreats, from long-term residential programs to weekend sessions. Think about the format that might work best for your interests and timetable. A weekend retreat, for instance, can be more feasible if you’re short on time, but a longer program might offer a more immersive experience.
Marriage retreats may make use of a variety of therapeutic modalities. Some may combine mindfulness exercises or couple’s therapy techniques, while others may concentrate on communication skills. Look into the many methods that different retreats employ and select one that works for you and your partner.
Speaking with former attendees can give you important information about the quality and success rate of a marriage retreat. Check social media, third-party review sites, and retreat websites for endorsements and reviews. Pay attention to comments about the program’s substance, the retreat’s facilitators, and the experience as a whole.
ALL IN offers a sort of marriage retreat called a Deep Dive. A Deep Dive is a private program that offers couples assistance in identifying roadblocks in their relationships and coming up with a plan to make change. A therapist can help couples customize a plan that targets the particular problems and the goals that a couple has. Working with an experienced couple’s therapist can provide couples with individualized advice and support.
Should I Do A Marriage Retreat Through A Church Or A Therapist?
Whether you choose to go on a marriage retreat offered by a therapist or a church is a matter of personal preference and conviction. For couples experiencing a crisis, both alternatives provide invaluable tools and support.
Couples who have a strong religious faith may find solace in the spiritual counsel and lessons that church-based marriage retreats frequently provide in their programs. These retreats could also be more reasonably priced, or depending on the church’s resources, provided without charge.
Alternatively, therapy or counseling-led marriage retreats usually emphasize therapeutic interventions and evidence-based practices. Couples looking for a more secular approach or specific knowledge in handling relationship problems may find these retreats appealing.
Finding a retreat where you feel at ease and supported while resolving your marital issues is ultimately the most crucial element.
How Much Do Marriage Retreats Cost?
The location, duration, and facilities provided are just a few of the variables that can significantly affect the cost of marriage retreats. Weekend marriage retreats typically cost between $500 and $2000 per couple; lengthier retreats or those hosted at upscale locations may cost more than $5,000.
It is imperative to take into account the retreat’s value in proportion to its price. Even though some retreats might appear pricey up front, the long-term advantages of making an investment in your relationship can easily offset the cost. Many retreats also provide payment plans, early registration discounts, or scholarships for low-income couples.
Be sure to account for extra costs when estimating the cost of a marital retreat, including airfare, lodging, food, and any extracurricular programs or therapy sessions. Let the retreat organizers know just how tight your budget is; they might be able to make accommodations that are more flexible.
The Bottom Line
To sum up, taking a marriage retreat gives a couple a glimmer of hope amidst the storms of conflict in their marriage. The effects of a well-selected marriage retreat can last for years, whether it’s through regaining lost intimacy, picking up good communication techniques or facing obstacles with renewed fortitude.
Even though making the financial commitment could feel overwhelming, there are incalculable benefits to a rekindled relationship and a renewed sense of connectedness. Couples set out on a transformative journey towards a future brimming with love, understanding and steadfast commitment as they bravely move towards healing and progress.
References
Doss, B. D., Rhoades, G. K., Stanley, S. M., & Markman, H. J. (2009). Marital Therapy, Retreats, and Books: The Who, What, When, and Why of Relationship Help-Seeking. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 35(1), 18–29. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1752-0606.2008.00093.x
Lalonde, T. E. (2014). The Significance of Marriage Intensives: A Multi-Perspective Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Couples’ Post Intensive Experience. Liberty University. https://www.proquest.com/openview/879b810ce1c4124947b8e8c4e43eee54/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750
Nguyen, H. T. K. (2020). Evaluating the Impact of Marriage Renewal Workshop on Marital Satisfaction, Communication, Conflict Management, and Forgiveness: A Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis. Loyola University. https://ecommons.luc.edu/luc_diss/3809/
Written By: Dr. Wasif MD
Edited by: Madison Vargas, BS
Medically Reviewed By: Dr. Kyle Zrenchik, PhD, LMFT
Published : 04/17/2024
Disclaimer: ALL IN Therapy Clinic aims to improve people’s lives. We do this through providing effective mental health counseling by passionate professionals. Inspired by this, we write content for your own education. Also, our content is researched, cited, reviewed, and edited by licensed mental health professionals. However, the information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Additionally, it should not be used in place of the advice of a qualified healthcare provider.
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