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A Story of Healing in Real-Time
During the retreat, one of the attendees, Claire revisited
a traumatic childhood memory - molestation by a trusted
family friend. As she shook and sobbed, her husband
Bruce sat silently, heartbroken, unsure how to help.
“I don’t know what I need,” Claire
whispered through tears.
Just then, their family dog wandered in and nudged her
hand. She instinctively curled up next to him on the floor.
The therapist and facilitator simply held space moving
closer but allowing her to feel the deep emotions of this
moment. Her husband, now softened, joined her on the
rug. He held her. He didn’t try to fix it—he just stayed.
It was a moment of intimacy that may not have unfolded
within the constraints of a traditional 50-minute session.
This wasn’t therapy—it was transformation.
Why Immersion Works
Couples who invest in retreats are choosing a different
kind of healing—one that honors the complexity
of modern relationships. In a culture of speed and
disconnection, they’re choosing depth and reconnection.
They gain:
• Time to drop in and stay in the work, instead of being
interrupted just as things get real.
• A space of safety where both individual and
relational healing can happen.
• Guidance in real-time moments of vulnerability
and conflict.
• A sense of shared mission, where the relationship
itself becomes sacred ground.
• An opportunity to practice tools, be witnessed, and
get support.
In a time where divorce rates hover around 40-50%
and global marriage rates are declining, new models of
support are emerging. While the weekly-hour format
continues to serve many, others are longing for more -
more depth, more guidance, and more lasting change.
Retreats offer just that.
Choosing the Right Retreat for You
If you’re considering a couples retreat, here are a few
things to consider:
• Know what’s included. Ask about lodging, food, and
amenities like hot tubs, nature trails, or activities
that matter to you.
• Vet the facilitator. What is their background? Do
they specialize in communication, sex and intimacy,
trauma work? Schedule a consultation to feel into
the fit.
• Clarify your intentions. What do you want to get
out of this experience—individually and together?
• Ask for a schedule. Ensure there’s time to be alone,
to integrate, and to enjoy one another without
pressure.
• Consider group size. If you prefer intimacy, look
into individualized retreats. If shared learning is
important, a group option may be best. The larger
the group, the more anonymity you’ll have—and
potentially less individual support.
• Explore aftercare options. Ask if there will be follow-
up support. Seldom does transformation occur
without some sustained attention.
The Heart of It All
Whether you’re trying to save your marriage or simply
want to deepen your connection, immersive relationship
retreats can be a powerful step toward lasting change.
Couples who step into these containers often move from
shutdown to open-hearted, from adversarial to tender,
from hopeless to committed. All because they say yes to a
new kind of space - one that doesn’t just fix, it transforms.
When couples are given the time, tools, and support to
know differently, they begin to do differently. And from
there, the relationship becomes not only survivable -
but sacred.
VIEW THEIR FULL PROFILE ON RETREATMATCH.COM ---------
Christie Bemis, LCSW, MSW is a seasoned
psychotherapist, sex educator, relationship
coach, and author with over 20 years of
experience helping individuals and couples
unlock deeper connections and embrace
their true potential.