Relationship Retreat
We believe in marriage.
We believe saving marriages means saving individuals, families,
children, and grandchildren from years of trauma and dysfunction.
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We believe every marriage has a sacred history.
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We believe every marriage has a future story which can be better than before.
We believe in hope unlimited.
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what is a relationship retreat?
For married couples on the brink of divorce, or at an impasse in their relationship, we offer an all-inclusive relationship retreat. This two day marriage getaway is specifically designed for couples who are ready to "throw in the towel" due to infidelity, emotional trauma, or communication deficits. Couples who have experienced a general lack of intimacy and passion in their marriage can also benefit from this intensive. The retreat is held at a private and secluded location near Lake Charles, LA. Though all couples are welcome to attend, the retreat is based on Judeo-Christian principles and will include Scripture reading and prayer.
how does it work?
Over the course of the weekend, our counselors will guide the couple to a deeper understanding of each other through experiential exercises, communication coaching, and relationship assessment and exploration. Each day begins at 8:30 a.m. and concludes around 10 p.m. with structured, counselor-led activities and exercises. The weekend is designed to be engaging and interactive, challenging couples to re-evaluate and improve their relationship, while hopefully having a little fun in the process. For partners (i.e., husbands) who don't want to "talk about feelings" the entire weekend, many of the exercises are geared with men in mind, and will meaningfully relate to his communication needs.
why does it work?
We have found a relationship retreat can be even more effective than couple's counseling because it gives the couple an extended break to focus exclusively on their relationship. In some ways, a retreat forces a couple to deal with issues which might otherwise be neglected due to the hustle and bustle of every day life. During the retreat, there are no work obligations, no kids to worry about, no external distractions - and no phones during the day! Our entire focus is relationship building without distraction.
How much does it cost?
The cost for a relationship retreat is $3500 for a private retreat and includes lodging, meals, learning materials, 20+ hours of individual and couple's counseling from a licensed therapist, and one pre-retreat and one post-retreat counseling session. A private relationship retreat can usually be scheduled within 30 days and would be the better option for couples who need immediate help, 100% of the counselor's attention, and desire more privacy.
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We also offer a quarterly group retreat for $1500 per couple. This retreat is limited to three couples and includes lodging, meals, learning materials, 20+ hours group marriage therapy from a licensed therapist, and one individual pre-retreat and one post-retreat counseling session. Some couples find group marriage therapy to be even more beneficial than individual couple's therapy, as the couple often finds encouragement, support and perspective by sharing their struggles with other couples in a safe and secure environment. Each couple at the group retreat will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement.
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A $1000 deposit ($500 non-refundable) is required upon booking with the remainder balance due 7 days before the retreat.
Private retreat
GROUP retreat
$3500 per couple
$1500 per couple
Includes:
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-Immediate scheduling
-2 days/2 nights in a relaxing and secluded space
-Private room and bathroom
-All meals and snacks
-All books and materials
-Individual and exclusive access to a licensed counselor
-Two couple's counseling sessions (pre and post-retreat) in office or via teletherapy
Includes:
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-2 days/2 nights in a relaxing and secluded space
-Private room and bathroom
-All meals and snacks
-All books and materials
-Group marriage therapy with licensed counselor
-Peer support from other couples
-Two couple's counseling sessions (pre and post-retreat)
in office or via teletherapy
WHO IS THIS NOT FOR?
This relationship retreat is NOT designed for individuals with severe mental illness, active addiction issues, PTSD, acute unresolved trauma, or who reject a Christian worldview. Individuals with severe anger management issues may also be excluded upon evaluation. We carefully screen couples to ensure they are a good fit for the weekend. If either individual in the relationship is not quite ready for the retreat, we will make the appropriate referrals for counseling and continuity of care.
who are the facilitators?
Your hosts and facilitators for the weekend are Joel and Jessica Daugherty. Together, they have a blended family of 10 children and have encountered many of the marriage issues couples in crisis face, including divorce and remarriage, emotional abandonment, addiction issues, infidelity, domestic abuse, death of a spouse, co-parenting disputes, etc. Through the ups and downs of marriage, Joel and Jessica have committed to each other that divorce is not an option, and believe restoration and healing is possible, with God's help, in every marital crisis.
What's my next step?
Please contact us and we'll coordinate schedules to find a good date for the retreat. Upon booking, the couple will complete an intensive relationship assessment. Depending on the evaluation, the couple may be asked to read materials pertinent to their presenting relationship issue before the retreat.