The benefits of couples retreats can last up to five years after program

Do you want to make strident gains in your marriage in relatively a short time? According to the Urban Institute (2005), participating in marriage and relationship programs yield significant results. For instance,  couples can:

• learn to reduce negative patterns of interaction;
• maintain higher levels of couple and individual satisfaction;  and
• learn specific skills to improve their relationships, and most importantly
• reap the benefits of such couple training programs for up to five years after the training.

Improvements in the marriage relationship were experienced regardless of the location of the training program; whether they were faith-based, or otherwise; utilized  instructive, group or analytical formats; or size of the group (large or small). Furthermore, researchers reported that the success of the program was felt by couples of differing sub-populations, couple status (married, pre-marital) as well as individuals and families. If you don't think that you need a retreat setting to strengthen your marriage or committed relationship, click here.

Couple Retreat Programs in the Washington, DC metropolitan area to include Maryland and Virginia

Marriage Preparation Seminar. Couples interested in marriage participate in this seminar to learn practical relationship skills and enter into a dialogue about their relationship with the help of a facilitator. The seminar is offered in a group format with other engaged and newlywed couples. Prior to attending the seminar, couples are asked to complete an online couple questionnaire that will be explored during the seminar program.

The primary emphasis of the Marriage Encounter program is improved communication between husband and wife. Marriage retreats typically start on a Friday evening and end on Sunday afternoon. Participants have the opportunity to hear presentations by a couple and a priest and later write and reflect upon their observations, thoughts and feelings in private. Group discussion is not encouraged. Most attendees of the Marriage Encounter programs want to learn more about making their ‘good marriages’ ‘better.’

MARVA Marriage Encounter, is a non-profit interfaith organization promoting healthy marriages in MD, VA, and Washington, DC area. MARVA is affiliated with National Marriage Encounter. Another affiliate, the Worldwide Marriage Encounter, of  Arlington Diocese of Northern Virginia. Upcoming dates for programs are:  May 15-17, 2009; and  September 18-20, 2009.

Imago Marriage Counseling Workshops. This workshop is based upon the highly acclaimed book, “Getting the Love you Want.” It is coached by a marriage counseling team who teach participants, in a safe environment, the essential theories presented in the book that have been proven to lead to a lasting relationship.  Dates in which the workshops will be held are: July 10-12, 2009, Wellspring Retreat Center, Germantown, MD; and September 5-6, 2009, Washington, DC.

Married Couples Retreat. Marriage Retorno provides an atmosphere by which couples can turn to God through scripture readings. It is a weekend prayer experience facilitated by a married couple and a Catholic priest. Organizational brochures clearly stipulate that the Marriage Retorno program is for couples who want to deepen their relationship with each other and God.

Retrouville. A weekend marriage program to help couples heal and renew their marriages. It is especially geared towards couples involved in relationships that are nearing the brink of separation or divorce.  In addition to an intial weekend retreat, the program requires 6-12 follow up weekend sessions over a three month period. During this time, couples will learn how to improve their communication skills, to rediscover one another and examine their lives together in new ways. Washington, DC/Maryland, May 15, 2009.

 Orcas Island Couples Retreat

Orcas Island Retreat with the Gottmans Couples Retreats: Relationships and Marriage. Gottman Institute. Upcoming dates are,  August 22-23, 2009; and September 12-13, 2009.  Couples travel to the Orcas Island home of the Gottmans. An exclusive resort-like setting in which couples can restore their relationship in an exclusive, small group two day couples retreat. Couples will learn how to manage conflict, deepen intimacy, and find an enhanced meaning of couple identity.

Web Resources
Systematic Review of the Impact of Marriage and Relationship Programs