When your relationship needs more than weekly therapy sessions can provide, a couples therapy retreat offers an intensive, transformative experience. But choosing the right retreat isn't like booking a typical vacation—this is one of the most important investments you'll make in your relationship's future.
The 5 Decision-Making Dimensions to Choose a Couples Therapy Retreat
A couples therapy retreat isn't a vacation with some counseling added in. It's an intensive therapeutic intervention designed to create breakthrough moments and lasting change in a concentrated timeframe. The immersion creates momentum that's difficult to achieve otherwise.
Many couples make the mistake of starting their search by Googling or asking ChatGPT for best couples therapy retreats within a specified budget range. Without the appropriate context, this method will often hides the best options to address their specific relationship needs and preferences. There are several other important considerations that must be carefully thought through during your search in order to ensure that you get the outcome you desire.
Take some time to honestly assess these 5 decision-making dimensions of selecting your couples therapy retreat:
I. The Nature and Urgency of Your Relationship Needs
The nature and intensity of your relationship needs is the first filter of your retreat choices. A couple wanting to deepen intimacy has different needs than one recovering from infidelity or considering separation. So let's start by answering the following three questions:
- Are you looking to strengthen an already good relationship, or is your marriage hanging in the balance?
- Do you need help with communication patterns, or are you healing from betrayal?
- Is this preventive maintenance or emergency intervention?
This will allow you either to adjust your search prompt to incorporate the relevant phrase describing your needs, or look for relevant phrases within the retreat website/lisiting to see if the retreat can meet your needs.
Example: "Our relationship is in crisis. Sexual Intimacy Issues. Urgent need." translates to a search prompt for "Best couples sex therapy retreats to address urgent intimacy issues".
II. The Retreat Therapist Expertise
Now that you have a sense of what your needs are, now it's time to think about the most appropriate expertise required to support your needs.
Not all relationship challenges utilize the same therapeutic approach, so let’s start with a couple of key considerations:
- Credentials and specializations: Does the facilitator clearly display his or her educational credentials in the field, licenses, certifications (LMFT, LCPC, Ph.D., Psy.D, etc.) and specialized training relevant to your issue?
- Experience level: How long has the facilitator been working with couples? Furthermore, do they have experience working in the intensive couples retreat format?
Important Note on Therapeutic Methodologies: Different approaches, such as the EmotionallyFocused Therapy (EFT), Imago, Sex Therapy, attachment-based work, Gottman Method, are all address different approaches to a range of challenges. You don't need to be well-versed in the different therapeutic approaches beforehand but what actually matters is:
- Hearing the therapist speak about issues like yours and feeling aligned with their approach (through videos, talks, TED Talks, articles, etc.).
- Personal recommendations or testimonials from others who've experienced success with a particular methodology or therapist.
- Your gut feeling during a consultation call with the therapist.
When sexual or physical intimacy is a primary concern, it's strongly recommended to work with a therapist who has specialized training and certification in sex therapy from the American Association for Sexuality Educators Counselors and Therapists (AASECT). Seeing an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist or Educator means you’re working with a clinician who has undergone hundreds of additional hours of specialized education, training, and supervision specifically in human sexuality. By comparison, most licensed mental health professionals receive less than 10 hours of formal sex education in their graduate studies.
Critical: Before booking any retreat where you're unfamiliar with the therapist's style, schedule a consultation call. Most reputable facilitators offer preliminary conversations to ensure their approach is right for your needs.
III. Retreat Format and Personalization
The structure of the retreat can significantly impact your desired outcome:
o Private vs. group: Private intensives offer complete customization but less opportunity to learn from others, whereas group workshops provide community and often cost less but may not address your specific issues as deeply depending on the retreat theme.
o Group Workshop vs. Private Retreat: A group couples workshop brings together multiple couples in a shared learning environment to build relational skills through structured exercises and teaching, while a private couples therapy retreat offers individualized, intensive support tailored exclusively to one couple’s unique challenges with a licensed therapist. As a general rule of thumb, group workshops tend to be more effective for couples where who do not have critical must-solve issues that require urgent attention. For more pressing and urgent needs such as breaches of trust or fidelity, high-conflict situations, sexual intimacy challenges, or crisis intervention, a more personalized private couples therapy retreat approach is generally more appropriate and effective. There are hybrid group couples therapy retreats, but additional factors such as group size, privacy, retreat availability and sufficiency of individual couples time with the facilitator are key considerations.
o Religious vs. secular: Some retreats are grounded in specific religious frameworks, such as Christian marriage values, spiritual alignment, or faith-based teachings. Others are entirely secular and focused on psychological or relational science (e.g., Attachment, Sex Therapy, Gottman Method, EFT, Imago). Your comfort with the retreat’s worldview is essential, as it may influence the language, structure, and tools offered. Be sure to check whether a retreat aligns with your personal beliefs and preferences.
o Duration and intensity: A weekend group workshop offers different depth than a 4-day private intensive with 10+ hours of one-on-one therapy. However, as a word of caution, bear in mind that a higher number of retreat hours does not necessarily lead to greater value for money. Think law of diminishing returns - after a certain number of hours, you'll reach your limit, become overwhelmed, and/or stop making progress. What you're really after is the shortest, most efficient path to clarity, connection, and closeness — not a laborious process to fill a seemingly never-ending retreat. After all, you are on vacation, and you’ll need alone time to talk, do retreat activities and reconnect.
o Follow-up support: Does the retreat include post-retreat check-ins or ongoing resources? The real test of any retreat is what happens when you return home and settle back into your daily routine. Check-in support is invaluable for reinforcing your hard-won gains and helping you navigate the inevitable challenges of integrating new patterns into everyday life. Look for retreats that help you take your vacation home with you.
IV. Retreat Location and Environment
While secondary to therapeutic quality, the setting matters:
- Does a tranquil, secluded environment help you open up?
- Would a familiar, accessible location reduce stress?
- Does travel to a destination create the "pause" you need from daily life?
- How possible is it to combine your preferred environment with your retreat experience? For example, if it’s a major milestone such as an anniversary that is anchored in a particular destination, perhaps a virtual retreat may allow you to celebrate your past memories while meaningfully forging or rekindling connection.
V. Investment Considerations
Yes, cost matters.
However, always view it through the lens of value and outcomes rather than simply price:
- What's included in the fee? (Therapy hours, materials, follow-up?)
- How does this compare to months of traditional once-a-week/month therapy in terms of potential outcomes?
- What's the cost of not addressing these issues - emotionally, relationally (including kids, family and friends), financially and/or potentially legally?
Best Couples Therapy Retreats & Workshops by Budget Tier
Now that you understand the key decision-making dimensions, let's explore some leading retreats/workshops across three budget tiers. Each offers unique value, and as mentioned earlier, the right choice for you depends on mapping the retreat's strengths to your specific needs.
Economical Options ( Under $1,250)
These retreats offer professional guidance at accessible price points, typically through group formats, virtual delivery, or self-paced programs.
$600-$900 per couple
- Facilitators: Based on work by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, world-renowned relationship researchers. Workshops led by Gottman Certified Therapists trained in the Gottman Method.
- Location & Format: A structured 2-day workshop (typically a weekend, about 12 hours total). Offered both live-online and in-person in many cities. Educational group format (often 20-40 couples) with lectures, video demonstrations, and guided private exercises. No required public sharing.
- Approach: The Gottman Method, an evidence-based approach from decades of research. Content focuses on improving friendship, communication, and constructive conflict management. Learn to identify "Four Horsemen" communication pitfalls and their antidotes, deepen emotional understanding, and build rituals of connection.
- Pricing: Typically $750-$850 per couple for the full workshop (pricing varies by host and location). Virtual sessions offered directly by the Gottman Institute priced around $599. Travel or lodging (if attending in person) is extra.
- Notable Features: Often considered the gold standard "crash course" in scientifically grounded relationship skills. Couples leave with concrete tools (Love Maps card decks, conflict dialogue scripts) to continue practicing at home. The workshop is economical because it's group format, yet the value is high.
$800-$1,200 per couple
- Facilitators: Certified EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy) counselors, often licensed marriage and family therapists trained by Dr. Sue Johnson's team.
- Location & Format: Typically a 2-day weekend retreat in various cities or occasionally virtually. Groups usually 5-15 couples. Includes short lectures on attachment and bonding, viewing of recorded couples interventions, and structured exercises that each couple does privately with facilitators available for coaching.
- Approach: Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) centers on creating secure emotional bonds. The workshop walks couples through seven conversations outlined in Hold Me Tight, such as identifying negative cycles, sharing vulnerabilities, and forgiving injuries.
- Pricing: ~$800-$1,200 per couple, varying by location and inclusions. Many workshops around $895-$995 for the weekend. Some with extras like meals run up to about $1,250, while community-based ones can be as low as $600. Couples must arrange their own lodging if traveling.
- Notable Features: For the price, couples receive almost group-therapy-like benefits from licensed therapists—a standout affordable option for strengthening emotional bonds
$997/year or $97/month
- Facilitator: Marissa Nelson, licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), Certified Sex Therapist (CST), Certified Sex Educator, and founder of IntimacyMoons. She is an internationally recognized speaker and 2024 AASECT award recipient for Integrative Approaches to Sex Therapy. She created this therapist-designed course community.
- Location & Format: 100% virtual, launching December 2025. A yearly membership centered on a 3-part online course called "Roommates to Lovers in 30 Days," supported by ongoing community access and expert guidance. Couples proceed at their own pace through multimedia lessons, with new content and monthly Q&As.
- Approach: Integrative of EFT, Imago, Gottman methods, and also possessing a specialized focus on Intimacy and Sex therapy. The tone is positive and "heart-led," designed to melt resentment, improve communication, and rebuild intimacy in a low-pressure way.
- Pricing: $997 per year or $97 per month for a couple's membership. This annual cost is comparable to a single weekend workshop elsewhere, underscoring exceptional value.
- Notable Features: Couples get over 10 hours of self-paced instruction including a library of exercises essential for maintaining progress. It's essentially a "couples & sex therapy retreat at home" that fits busy schedules and budgets.
$850-$1,000 per couple
- Facilitators: Certified Imago Relationship Therapists, often psychologists or counselors trained by Harville Hendrix, Ph.D. Many are husband-and-wife facilitator teams.
- Location & Format: A 2-3 day weekend (commonly Friday evening through Sunday) offered in various locations, sometimes at retreat centers. Group educational retreat where couples learn Imago dialogue techniques then practice one-on-one. Group sizes range from 5 to 20 couples.
- Approach: Imago Relationship Therapy focuses on understanding how childhood experiences and unmet needs influence adult relationships. A key element is the Imago Dialogue, a structured way of speaking and listening that promotes validation and empathy. Partners identify their "Imago" (qualities from early caregivers they subconsciously seek) and work through healing childhood wounds and old hurts.
- Pricing: Averages around $850-$1,000 per couple for the entire workshop. Fees generally include all instruction and materials; some workshops also provide lunches or snacks. Some organizations offer need-based fee adjustments. Lodging is usually separate if at a retreat center.
- Notable Features: Imago workshops are praised for their communication focus—couples often leave with practical dialogue tools to defuse conflicts. The approach uniquely links past and present, which can be pivotal for couples stuck in repeating patterns.
$549-$749 per couple
- Facilitator: Kevin Krage, LMFT—a licensed marriage and family therapist and certified couples coach specializing in attachment-focused therapy for couples on the brink.
- Location & Format: Virtual live retreat via Zoom. Two options: (1) an 8-week "School Night" series with weekly evening sessions, or (2) a 3-day weekend intensive (Friday evening through Sunday). Both cover the same 8 core modules, combining interactive teaching, private couples exercises, and Q&A/consultation time.
- Approach: Rooted in Attachment Theory and Emotionally-Focused techniques, with a structured curriculum for reconnecting. Emphasis on understanding each partner's attachment needs and creating a "healing context" in the relationship.
- Pricing: $749 per couple for the intensive weekend, or $649 for the 8-week series (standard rates). Early-bird discounts bring the cost down to about $649 (weekend) or $549 (series). Optional private follow-up coaching sessions offered at $150 each.
- Notable Features: The virtual format makes it accessible to couples anywhere, and many appreciate not needing to travel or find childcare. Krage also provides continuity via an 8-week integration option or follow-ups, recognizing real change takes ongoing effort.
Mid-Tier Options ($1,250-$5,000)
This tier offers significantly more personalized attention, often private or small-group intensives with extended therapy hours and experienced facilitators.
$4,000 per couple
- Facilitator: Marissa Nelson, (LMFT), Certified Sex Therapist (CST), Certified Sex Educator, and founder of IntimacyMoons. She is an internationally recognized speaker and 2024 AASECT award recipient for Integrative Approaches to Sex Therapy. She personally conducts these intensives with over a decade of clinical therapy retreat experience.
- Location & Format: A 2-day virtual private intensive. Typically consists of 1-hour preliminary assessment call, 6 hours of focused couples and sex therapy sessions spread over two or three days, and 1-hour follow-up session – all tailored to the couple's schedule and time zone.
- Approach: Integrative of EFT, Imago, Gottman methods, and also possessing a specialized focus on Intimacy and Sex Therapy. A prime choice for couples in need of specialized support through intimacy and trust issues such sex therapy, infidelity recovery, and emotionally safe communication. This virtual couples therapy retreat experience includes engaging deep-dives into sexual narratives, scripts and underlying relational intimacy dynamics; interactive exercises to practice new communication skills; and guided interventions to break through specific impasses.
- Pricing: $4,000 per couple is the typical package price. Covers the intensive therapy hours, preparatory consultation, and post-retreat virtual check-in.
- Notable Features: This offering provides a bespoke experience—essentially the level of care a high-profile couple might get, but at mid-tier cost. IntimacyMoons' private intensive is uniquely travel-flexible: designed to meet couples where they are, literally and emotionally.
Starting ~$2,000+
- Facilitators: A network of licensed marriage therapists and psychologists led by founder Kathy McMahon, Psy.D. Each retreat run by a trained clinician and couples can choose therapist expertise and level.
- Location & Format: Therapists in over a dozen U.S. states and countries like South Africa, Ireland, and Australia. Retreats are private (just one couple) and typically span Friday-Sunday. Most follow a format of ~16 hours of intensive therapy spread across the days. Sessions usually held in therapist's office or rented space; couples stay in nearby hotels. Starts with in-depth online assessment questionnaire.
- Approach: Custom-tailored to the couple and approach depends on therapist preference. Strong focus on assessment and intervention.
- Pricing: Starts around $2,030 per couple for a standard 2-day retreat, with costs varying by therapist's credentials and location. A retreat with doctoral-level or senior clinician in major city might be $4,500+, whereas with an associate in smaller market closer to $2k. Travel, lodging, and meals are separate.
- Notable Features: CTI is known for its clinical rigor, run by doctors and uses detailed assessments. Couples receive comprehensive report or feedback. Privacy (no group work at all) combined with intensive format is essentially a personalized marriage clinic in a weekend.
$3,495 per couple
- Facilitators: Dr. Tabitha Johnson, Ph.D., LMFT—over 20 years specializing in couples therapy, recognized as top marriage counselor in Jacksonville. Joined by husband Derek as co-host and "Chief Fun Officer," adding relatable humor.
- Location & Format: 4-day, 3-night retreat at exclusive beach house in Vilano Beach (near St. Augustine). Intimate group limited to 3-6 couples. Mornings feature ~90-minute workshops; afternoons and evenings open for relaxation (pool, hot tub, beach, exploring St. Augustine, optional spa services or private counseling).
- Approach: Evidence-based methods informed by Gottman Method and EFT. Focuses on concrete skills for communication, conflict resolution, and emotional attunement. Tailored to partners wanting to "level up" their connection rather than high-conflict or crisis situations.
- Pricing: $3,495 per couple, all-inclusive: 3 nights in private king bedroom with en-suite bath, all workshop sessions and materials, daily breakfast and lunch by private chef, snacks/drinks, and use of all amenities. Couples only on their own for one dinner date.
- Notable Features: Blends romantic beach house vacation with therapy workshop. Small groups foster safety and intimacy. Alumni can attend advanced "Luxe 2.0" retreat (6-day/5-night, $4,995).
$2,500-$2,900 per couple
- Facilitators: Laura Silverstein, LCSW, and Michael Silverstein, Ph.D. A husband-and-wife team of licensed therapists with 60+ years combined experience.
- Location & Format: A 3-day, 2-night group retreat at Skytop Lodge in the Pocono Mountains, a luxury resort on 5,500 acres. Scheduled over long weekend (Friday afternoon to Sunday), the retreat is a mix of workshop sessions, experiential exercises, and leisure time. Small group (6-10 couples) with one-on-one check-ins with facilitators.
- Approach: Educational wellness retreat drawing from Gottman Method principles. The Silversteins' approach is notably positive and upbeat, aimed at helping partners remember why they like each other. Beautiful mountain setting with extras like observation tower visit and campfire create lasting memories reinforcing the learning
- Pricing: $2,900 per couple (standard rate); early registration (3+ months out) brings it down to $2,500. Fee includes lodging and most meals: 3 days/2 nights at Skytop Lodge, all breakfasts and lunches, and welcome dinner. Dinners on second night are on your own for private date night.
- Notable Features: Combines vacation appeal with therapeutic benefit. Couples often say they got romantic getaway and marriage workshop in one.
$4,250 per couple, all-inclusive
- Facilitators: A pair of licensed Christian marriage therapists (male/female co-therapy team) specializing in high-conflict and crisis marriages, with emphasis on incorporating faith into healing.
- Location & Format: A 4-day, 5-night intensive retreat at secluded luxury ranch property near Amarillo. Small-group format with maximum of four couples. Across four days, couples engage in approximately 35 hours of guided counseling sessions (both group and individual with therapists). Built-in free time for reflection and spouse bonding each day.
- Approach: Blend of intensive psychotherapy and Christian counseling. Licensed therapists lead deep examinations of communication, unmet expectations, and past wounds. Employ proven techniques (cognitive-behavioral tools, trauma-informed exercises like EMDR if needed) within Christian framework inviting spiritual reflection and prayer (tailored to couple's comfort level).
- Pricing: $4,250 per couple inclusive of lodging, meals, and therapy. Couples only need to arrange travel to Amarillo.
- Notable Features: Often described as "marriage ER" - geared toward couples in severe crisis (brink of divorce, aftermath of affairs, etc.) needing urgent, immersive intervention. Follow-up includes post-retreat assignments and referrals for local counseling.
$2,795-$3,695 per couple
- Facilitators: Wendy Godfrey, MA, LCMHC is a licensed clinical mental health counselor specializing in marriage crisis counseling. Leads Marriage Rescue with husband John Godfrey (pastoral counselor) and another counselor, bringing mix of therapeutic expertise and Christian pastoral care.
- Location & Format: A 3-day or 4-day private intensive near Charlotte, NC. Only one couple admitted at a time. Couples stay off-site at nearby hotel or B&B. During retreat, multiple hours each day in one-on-one counseling sessions with facilitators. Uniquely involves separate sessions (each spouse may work individually with a counselor) then joint sessions. Includes prayer/faith elements if couple is open.
- Approach: Christian-oriented intensive counseling. Counseling personalized to couple's specific crises and common focuses are infidelity recovery, resolving resentments, addressing sexual dysfunction, or rebuilding trust. Use cognitive-behavioral strategies, communication coaching, emotional processing techniques, and biblical principles (adjusted to couple's beliefs—non-religious couples welcome).
- Pricing: $2,795 per couple for 3-day retreat, or $3,695 for 4-day retreat. Fees cover all counseling sessions and six months of follow-up support. Lodging and meals not included (couples arrange accommodations).
- Notable Features: Inclusion of faith-based counseling with licensed professionals is a draw for Christian couples. The extended follow-up for six months is also notable.
Luxury/Elite Options (Over $5,000)
These retreats represent the pinnacle of couples therapy experiences, offering complete personalization, extended hours with master therapists, andoften destination settings.
Starting ~$12,000 (DC) to $15,000 (other destinations)
- Facilitator: Marissa Nelson, (LMFT), Certified Sex Therapist (CST), Certified Sex Educator, who founded IntimacyMoons in 2015. She is an internationally recognized speaker, media contributor and 2024 AASECT award recipient for Integrative Approaches to Sex Therapy. She has over a decade of experience personally curating high-end luxury couples therapy retreat experiences for high-achieving partners. IntimacyMoons has been featured among top luxury couples retreats worldwide by New York Times, Vice News, Bustle, Travel Curator and Fodor's Travel. She
- Location & Format: A 4-day, 3-night fully private retreat in luxury destination of couple's choosing. Flagship offering in Washington, DC but also regularly arranges private retreats in locations such as Martha's Vineyard, Barbados, St. Lucia, or Miami. Itinerary is completely bespoke: includes daily private therapy sessions (usually 3 hours per day) with Nelson, plus luxurious wellness and romance activities. Pre-retreat includes thorough intake and 1-hour private online session to tailor plan. After retreat, 1-hour virtual follow-up session and signature “Roommates to Lovers in 30 Days” online self-paced course included.
- Approach: Intensive, holistic couples therapy that is completely customized. Nelson utilizes blend of Emotionally Focused Therapy, Gottman Method, Imago, and also a specialized focus on Intimacy and Sex Therapy, crafted into experience fitting couple's story. Therapy addresses deep issues—healing from affair, overcoming "roommate syndrome," reigniting physical intimacy—in safe, mmersive environment. Integration of experiential and somatic elements: after intense session, couple might be guided through mindfulness exercise together, or enjoy tailored romantic activity designed to practice newfound openness in real time.
- Pricing: Starts around $12,000 for Washington, DC retreat package, and $15,000 in other destinations. These figures include luxury accommodations, therapist's time, custom itinerary planning, and built-in experiences arranged to couple's specification. Pricing excludes airfare.
- Notable Features: IntimacyMoons destination retreats notable for blend of clinical depth and opulence. You are doing deep emotional work, but in a supportive and indulgent setting. Many high-profile clients or executives choose this because it offers absolute discretion and an intimacy focus that allows them to vacation with a purpose and take it home with them – seeing lasting long-term benefits.
$12,000 per couple (program only)
- Facilitators: Dr. John Gottman and Dr. Julie Schwartz Gottman themselves as founders of the Gottman Institute, or occasionally delivered by their trainer team. The Gottmans (both Ph.D. psychologists) are stalwarts in the field with over 40 years of research and counseling experience.
- Location & Format: A weekend retreat - 2 full days, typically Saturday and Sunday) on Orcas Island in Washington State. Couples often stay at Rosario Resort or similar venues. Format is small-group workshop (usually limited to around 6-8 couples). Upgraded version of Art and Science of Love workshop, with added benefit of small group size and more direct interaction. Schedule involves seminar sessions led by Gottmans interspersed with guided couples exercises.
- Approach: The Gottman Method, distilled and delivered by its creators. Content covers making "masters vs. disasters" of relationship habits: bolstering friendship system in marriage, increasing positive affect, learning to de-escalate conflict, and building shared meaning. Couples practice live exercises like "Conflict Regrettable Incident" debrief and "Dreams Within Conflict" exercise.
- Pricing: $12,000 per couple for retreat program fee. This does not include lodging or meals, which couples pay separately for travel and hotel on Orcas Island. The program covers two full days of intensive workshop, all retreat materials, and certificate of completion.
- Notable Features: Small group format means each couple gets direct guidance; Gottmans often spend one-on-one time with each couple, doing interventions on spot.
$6,997 per couple
- Facilitator: Rabbi Shlomo Slatkin, LCPC — licensed clinical professional counselor with Master's in Counseling Psychology and Certified Imago Relationship Therapist with over two decades of marriage counseling experience. Author of multiple books on relationships. Developed the "No Blame, No Shame" method, a structured healing process creating judgment-free zone.
- Location & Format: 2-day private intensive (weekend or consecutive days) available in-person in Maryland or Pennsylvania or virtually online. Approximately 6 hours of session time per day featuring just you, your spouse, and therapist. For in-person intensives, one night's hotel accommodation included between Day 1 and Day 2. Includes preparatory materials (5-module online "Marriage Bootcamp" course). After 2-day immersion, program continues with 8 weekly follow-up sessions (90 minutes each) to solidify gains.
- Approach: Based on Imago Relationship Therapy, focusing on healing relational wounds by understanding each partner's childhood triggers and improving communication. Goal is achieving breakthrough understanding: identifying root causes of negative cycles and experiencing renewed emotional connection.
- Pricing: $6,997 per couple for comprehensive 2-day package. Includes private intensive sessions, 8 follow-up therapy sessions, pre-retreat online course and materials, plus one-night hotel accommodation during in-person retreats. Totaling approximately 24 hours of professional counseling from start to finish.
- Notable Features: MRP doesn't just provide intense weekend and send couples away; they walk with you for weeks after. Flexibility of in-person or virtual formats makes it accessible worldwide.
$8,850 per couple (3 days)
- Facilitator: John Grey, Ph.D., a psychologist and couples therapist with over 25 years experience. Highly respected for innovative, neuroscience-informed approach. Personally conducts all Healing Couples Retreats.
- Location & Format: Held in wine country of Sonoma, California, typically at private retreat cottage or small inn. Two format options: private intensive (just couple and Dr. Grey) or semi-private small group (often 2-3 couples max). Standard program is 3 days (extended 4-day or shorter 2-day options available). Approximately 6 hours per day in session with Dr. Grey. Couples stay in nearby accommodations of their choice.
- Approach: Intensive, science-based coaching drawing on Dr. Grey's synthesized methodology integrating attachment theory, Gottman research, neurobiology, and CBT. Key themes include improving emotional attunement, breaking "reactive cycles," and learning constructive dialogue tools. Uses biofeedback and simple neuroscience education to help couples see what triggers fights and how to self-soothe.
- Pricing: $8,850 per couple for recommended 3-day retreat (private or small group). This covers intensive sessions with Dr. Grey exclusively. Lodging, meals, and travel not included.
- Notable Features: Combination of his personal expertise and serene Sonoma setting creates potent environment for growth. Flexibility in scheduling accommodates special needs.
$12,000 per couple (3 days)
- Facilitators: Dr. Israel Helfand, Ph.D., LMFT and Cathie Helfand, MS, a married therapist duo who founded Marriage Quest in 1991. Israel is licensed marriage and family therapist and AASECT-certified sex therapist; Cathie is seasoned relationship coach and Vermont-registered psychotherapist.
- Location & Format: 3-day private retreat conducted at Helfands' homestead retreat center in rural Cabot,Vermont. Only one couple hosted at a time, ensuring complete privacy. Typically starts Friday morning and concludes Sunday afternoon. Estimated 15-20 hours ofintensive therapy across 3 days. Time for reflection, homework exercises in evenings, and enjoying Vermont countryside.
- Approach: Combining elements of communication coaching, emotional exploration, and sexual intimacy counseling. Helfands adapt approach to couple's needs: might use classic psychotherapeutic techniques (family-of-origin exploration) or very direct coaching. Includes sexual relationship issues if relevant—as sex therapists, they comfortably address everything from mismatched libidos to intimacy after menopause.
- Pricing: $12,000 per couple for standard 3-day intensive. This fee is for professional services only (therapy and retreat facilitation). Excludes lodging, meals, and travel. $500 deposit required to reserve dates.
- Notable Features: Experience has very personal touch. Rural Vermont setting with therapists' down-to-earth style helps people open up in unprecedented ways. A great option for couples in crisis or transition who want intensive intervention guided by seasoned therapeutic duo.
Not Listed
- Facilitators: Dr. Stan Tatkin, Psy.D., MFT and partner Tracey Boldemann-Tatkin, Ph.D.—co-founders of PACT (Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy). Stan Tatkin is renowned couples therapist and author of Wired for Love.
- Location & Format: A destination retreat in Northern Italy, offered Fall 2025. Retreat spans about 5-7 days hosted at Castello di Pavone, an ancient castle hotel in Italy. Both therapy workshop and vacation: each day couples have structured sessions with Stan and Tracey (morning and late-afternoon workshop segments), rest of time free to relax and explore. Participants (usually capped around 6-8 couples) stay on-site at castle, enjoying Italian cuisine, gardens, and possibly planned excursions (vineyard tours, local cultural experiences).
- Approach: PACT is a fusion of attachment theory, developmental neuroscience, and arousal regulation techniques. Sessions involve mix of lecture, known for teaching packed with brain science, humor and interactive exercises. Tatkins' approach also leverages romantic travel context: they encourage couples to engage in novelty and play against the Italian backdrop.
- Pricing: While exact pricing not publicly listed, early-bird special offered $1,000 off per couple. Fee presumably covers workshop program, 6 nights of deluxe accommodation, most meals, and curated excursions. Airfare to Italy separate.
- Notable Features: Italy castle setting adds element of fairytale romance, which can supercharge therapy and prompt couples to be more open, affectionate, and risk-taking in novel, beautiful environment.
Making Your Decision: A Final Word
Choosing a couples therapy retreat is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your relationship. The right retreat isn't necessarily the mostexpensive or the most convenient but rather the one that matches your specificneeds, your therapeutic goals, and your relationship's current reality.
As you review these options, return to the fundamental questions:
- What does your relationship truly need right now?
- What therapeutic approach resonates with your situation?
- What format and level of personalization will serve you best?
- What investment makes sense for the transformation you're seeking?
Before you book, remember:
- If you're unfamiliar with a therapist's style or methodology, watch their videos, read their content, or schedule a consultation call
- When sexual or physical intimacy is a primary concern, seek therapists with specialized sex therapy certification
- Trust your gut feeling about the therapist and their approach. Your instincts matter enormously
- Consider the cost per hour of actual therapeutic time, not just the total package price
- Evaluate what's included: therapy hours, follow-up support, materials, lodging, meals
- Think about the cost of not addressing these issues
Remember: this isn't about finding the perfect retreat. It's about finding the perfect retreat for you. Every program listed here offers real value and has changed countless lives. Your task is to identify which one speaks to your heart and addresses your unique path to connection.
Whatever you choose, know that taking this step — investing intentionally in your relationship — is itself an act of love and courage. We're honored to be part of your journey, whether through our programs or by helping you find theright fit elsewhere.
Your relationship is worth fighting for. Choose the path that will helpyou fight together, not against each other.
Take the Next Step: Complete YourPre-Retreat Assessment
Before diving into research, we recommend completing our comprehensivePre-Retreat Assessment. This guided questionnaire will help you:
- Clarify the urgency and nature of your needs
- Identify your non-negotiables
- Understand what format and ntensity you require
- Determine your investment parameters
Download the Pre-Purchase Couples Retreat Question Guide
This is your roadmap to finding the retreat that truly matches your unique circumstances and relationship goals.
For more information about any retreat mentioned, visit their respective websites or contact them directly for consultations. Most facilitators offer preliminary calls to help you determine if their program is right for your situation.
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