There is an abundance of couples therapy retreat vacation packages out there, and it seems that marriage counseling is being slowly replaced by these programs that combine therapy with traveling, vacationing, and some soul searching. These retreats are designed to make marriages work again and happiness to permeate through in relationships that seemed headed towards break-ups. Some people believe that couples' relationship retreats are the last option or closer to being the last draw to save a sinking marriage. However, this is not true. A couples therapy getaway should not be interpreted as the last resort to save a marriage in crisis. If a couples intensive therapy retreat is sought early, especially when the communication seems to be going nowhere, it can save people a lot of pain and suffering that comes with marriages slowly deteriorating. If someone has been thinking about the worth of couples retreat counseling or how these retreats can actually help, this information could be really useful.
It is not surprising that many couples find the concept of a couple's relationship retreat unrealistic or a fancy thing that modern couples must do. However, the entire program is rooted in science. A retreat of this type combines the best elements of a couple’s vacation, couple’s counseling, and relationship psychiatry. It is not just about talking to couples or lecturing them about the best practices to keep the marriage alive. The approach in a couples relationship retreat is just about saving a marriage. It is a process of self-evaluation. This introspective method involves the couple and not just the individual, working at par with a counselor or a therapist at a rehabilitation center for mental health. Things that couples should make a note of:
Some couples therapy retreat vacation clearly mention the clinical expertise and educational degrees of their staff underlining that these are legit and effective programs and not just about wishful thinking. These reputed couples therapy getaway providers will also be ready to share the details of the licensed couples therapist aboard. Similarly, the better retreat options clearly talk about using science-based methodologies and not just creating a playful weekend for the couple.
It might be a good idea to make a note of things related to mental health. This includes issues or habits that can affect the mood, energy levels, the ability to communicate or think clearly, and the readiness to make a genuine effort to make the relationship work. This includes:
“As a career Public Safety Chaplain for over 25 years, I have had the opportunity to make numerous referrals to Dr. Jordan Hamilton, Ph.D. for those public safety professionals and family members who need a specific standard of care that I recognized he could provide. Those who have received treatment or therapy through his practice have, in their own words, been incredibly impressed with his professional demeanor and treatment plans. My personal and professional endorsement of Dr. Hamilton could not be more highly stated. His knowledge, skills, experience and abilities are exceptional“- Chaplain Mark O’Sullivan, M. Min. P.S.
Taking a leaf out of how drug rehabilitation programs are managed in the nation, a couples relationship retreat has some similar dynamics. When someone exits the drug rehab center, there is a fear, a genuine fear of the person relapsing. This happens in retreat programs for couples too. People who have just come back from their couples therapy getaway might suddenly feel anxious and alone without the calming environment of the retreat and the presence of therapists who were always ready to help. This is why follow-up care in couples’ retreats is vital. The participants should be provided some degree of preparedness for navigating post-retreat situations like:
There can be a difference in how every person views the relationship. The perception of a friend and a therapist might be different from the spouse or the partner in a relationship. The better couples retreat counseling providers will encourage the couple to share their retreat goals. This is primarily about the main reason to enter retreat. For some, it can be just about saving a marriage, and in other cases, it might be about reigniting the relationship and not just preventing divorce. For some couples, it is a means to rediscover the small moments that once made their bond strong. Some couples might have a spouse feel dissatisfied about how their partner prioritizes their happiness, always making it secondary to the welfare of the kids or job-related demands. Therefore, establishing the retreat goals before entering the program and sharing them with the therapist or the program coordinator is vital.
An Affair of the Heart is among the few couples relationship retreat providers in the US that have a team of licensed and credible therapists who take upon the role of a program coordinator, guidance provider, behavior therapist, and emotional counselor to help couples confront their problems and find real solutions. The facility is ready to tailor its offerings for every couple. An Affair of the Heart now has a presence in Rhode Island, California, and Massachusetts.
