Couples retreats are also called couples intensives but most people might have heard about couples gateways that sound like an easy way to sort relationship-related problems. Yes, it is true that couples therapy retreat vacation packages sound like the perfect blend of a short vacation or break away from daily life and couples counseling to reignite the spark that once made a relationship healthy. Despite the emergence of many popular couples intensive therapy retreats throughout the country, some people can be overwhelmed by the amount of information published about such programs and may have little clarity in terms of what different relationship experts can actually do for a couple that is really struggling. Before a couple chooses a couples relationship retreat, it is better to understand a bit more about such relationship rehab programs and the type of therapies on offer. Read ahead to gain more clarity.
It is hard to define the must-haves in couples intensives as there are no industry or clinical standards that define the services. However, there are some best practices that are associated with a couples therapy getaway. For starters, the retreat should insist on merely traveling or activities like outdoor excursions. Just spending some time together is not the sole aim of a couple's relationship retreat. There has to be a certain degree of clinical help. This does not mean using medications or prescription drugs. The program on offer should have couples retreat counseling as an integral part of the schedule. If someone searches for a “couples counseling retreat near me” and comes across a program that is designed as a staycation or a couple’s vacation, they must inquire more—couples retreats are not about creating a vacation itinerary and forcing the couple to spend some time together. A few more things that couples contemplating a retreat should make a note of:
A couple needs to have a clear perspective when investing in a couples therapy getaway. Many believe that couples therapy retreat vacation packages guarantee pleasure and happiness but this is not always the case. Couples often need to reflect upon the state of their relationship and the future relationship goals. The couple should be clear about their expectations from the time spent in retreat. Some common things that couples should talk about to identify their retreat goals:
Once the answers become clearer, defining any couple's relationship retreat-related goals gets easier. Answering such questions also makes it easier for couples to narrow down their search queries. Some retreats do not have an intense, counseling-based approach. Some have seasoned therapists aboard. Others might plan a more vacation-like retreat and some retreat programs might have a group participation model that does not award too much personal attention to a couple’s unique challenges. A bit of discussion upfront helps to clarify the expectations.
There can be two extremes among couples evaluating a couples therapy getaway. Some might feel that it sounds too similar to a planned vacation while others might question the utility of the entire exercise altogether. Couples need to understand and reach a middle ground. Activities that are an inherent part of couples therapy retreat vacation packages can seem more like playtime and indulging in a bit of fun. This might include some spiritual experiments or something as conventional as yoga. When deciding on a couples retreat, couples should realize that the idea is to create an environment that helps them relax, open up, communicate, work as a team, and do the little things together that they have not been doing for some time. Yes, there is a big role for couples retreat counseling but having some fun along the way is a part of the package and in fact, it could create better outcomes. Deciding against joining a couple's intensive therapy retreat because it seems like a holiday is not the best decision. When in doubt, it is always a good option to call up the facility and ask them about the therapy, counseling, and guidance besides the roleplaying and outdoor exercises that have been mentioned.
“I recommend Dr. Hamilton. He’s highly knowledgeable, compassionate and has a wonderfully gentle sense of humor. I’ve heard nothing but good things about him from others as well” - Janet Johnston
When it comes to choosing a couples therapy getaway, assuming that any amount of money is worthy of being spent to repair a relationship can be a reckless decision. If the couple needs to take out a loan against their credit card or constantly worry about meeting the payments for the retreat, there is every chance that the peace of mind needed to indulge and participate in the retreat will be compromised. Couples should be mindful of their spending—it is hard to think of an insurance program that will cover the costs of a couple’s retreat. When comparing the costs, relook at the type of accommodations on offer and things like meals and other planned activities. If there is room to get a slightly customized retreat minus a few activities but at a cost that can be easily met, there is nothing wrong in trying to negotiate a better deal.
Unfinished issues from past relationships and deep-rooted problems with parents are among the possible reasons that can take a toll on the relationship between a husband and wife. However, things do not need to turn ugly or head towards divorce if timely help is sought, and help is readily available in the form of many of the good couples relationship retreats. An Affair of the Heart is one such retreat that caters to couples of all types and age groups. Couples can learn to communicate more effectively, find easier ways to solve their problems and settle resentments to rediscover the more lovable aspect of their marriage.
