The Silent Killers of Marriage That Retreats Help Uncover
Some marriages don’t end with a bang – they fade away quietly. There are no explosive fights or dramatic betrayals and on the surface, everything might look fine. You still share a home, maybe even share laughs with friends and family. But under the surface, subtle emotional patterns are eroding the foundation of your relationship. […]
Imago vs. EFT vs. Gottman: What Works Best in a Weekend Retreat?
If you’re considering a couples therapy weekend, you’ll quickly encounter three names over and over: Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and The Gottman Method. All are evidence-based approaches, but they differ in focus, process, and what you might experience in a compressed weekend retreat format. In this guide, we’ll break down the […]
Does Intensive Marriage Counseling Work? What Research and Real Couples Say
If your marriage is facing serious challenges, you may be wondering, “Does intensive marriage counseling work?” The short answer is: Yes, it absolutely can — if you’re ready to do the work. Intensive marriage counseling, like the 2-day private retreats we offer at The Marriage Restoration Project, is an effective and transformative solution for couples […]
Is an Intensive Retreat Worth It for Empty Nesters? Here’s What the Research Says
Becoming empty nesters can feel like a seismic shift—suddenly, the constant hum of parenting is gone, and you’re rediscovering life with your spouse in a quiet house. While this transition can be a relief, it often brings unexpected emotional challenges, disconnection, or identity shifts¹. An intensive couples retreat can offer focused, transformational support during this […]
Are Multi-Day Intensive Couples Counseling Sessions More Effective Than Weekly One-Hour Sessions?
By Rabbi Shlomo Slatkin, LCPC — Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor & Founder of The Marriage Restoration Project Why the Format Matters The structure of therapy affects the depth of change. Traditional weekly therapy offers 50-minute conversations spread out over months. It’s steady but often interrupted—progress made one week can unravel before the next appointment. Research […]
What Couples Therapy Weekend Should I Do?
When couples search for a weekend retreat, they’re often at a crossroads — wondering if this might be the turning point that saves their relationship. The challenge? Not all couples therapy weekends are created equal. Some focus on education and group discussion, others on private, intensive therapy sessions. The best fit depends on your specific […]
What’s the Divorce Rate After Marriage Counseling? Here’s What Couples Should Know Before Taking That Step.
If you’re considering couples therapy and wondering what the divorce rate after marriage counseling is because you’re just not sure you want to take the risk, good for you for doing proper research. Let’s talk about it — honestly. Because the answer depends on what kind of counseling you’re getting… and whether your therapist truly […]
Are marriage intensives worth it?
When your marriage feels like it’s hanging by a thread, every day can feel unbearable. You’ve tried talking, maybe even months of weekly counseling, but nothing seems to change. That’s when many couples start searching for something different—something stronger, faster, and more focused. That’s where marriage intensives come in. But are they really worth the […]
What’s the Best Way to Save a Marriage? 15 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Counselor
Should You Invest in a Marriage Counselor? A Guided Approach When your marriage feels like it’s at a breaking point, asking “What’s the best way to save a marriage?” is natural. The answer often lies in choosing the right marriage counselor—one whose expertise and methods align with your needs. Below are 15 carefully crafted questions […]
Why Intensive Marriage Counseling Retreats Work When Nothing Else Has
If you’re reading this, chances are high that you’re feeling stuck. Maybe the conversations between you and your partner always lead to the same arguments. Maybe you’re sleeping in separate rooms or feeling more like roommates than romantic partners. Maybe you’ve already tried weekly therapy, only to leave sessions more frustrated than before. You’re not […]
Tired of Fighting in Your Marriage? How to Stop Arguing in a Relationship
But here’s the truth: constant fighting isn’t a sign that your relationship is doomed. It’s a sign that something deeper needs to be healed—together. Why You Can’t “Just Stop Fighting” When you’re locked in a pattern of daily arguments, advice like “just communicate better” or “choose your battles” falls flat. That’s because the fighting isn’t […]
Marriage Coaching vs. Licensed Therapy: Which Is Right for Your Intensive Retreat?
When couples seek help to repair their relationship, they often come across two main options: marriage coaching vs licensed marriage therapy. While both can play valuable roles in relationship improvement, it’s important to understand the key differences between them—especially when considering a marriage therapy intensive. In this post, we’ll explore the differences between marriage coaching […]
What Is Secular Counseling? A Guide for Couples Seeking Non-Religious Therapy
For many couples, the decision to seek therapy is a vulnerable and courageous one. But what happens when you want professional help without religious undertones? That’s where secular counseling comes in. If you’re looking for support that honors your values, your worldview, and your relationship without bringing in faith-based language, this guide is for you. […]
Are Non Religious Marriage Retreats the Right Choice for Couples? What to Expect from a Secular Intensive
When most people think of marriage retreats, they often picture religious settings, church groups, and spiritual counseling. But are marriage retreats exclusively for religious couples? Not at all! In fact, non religious marriage retreats, like the intensive programs offered by The Marriage Restoration Project, cater to couples from all walks of life. If you’re seeking […]
Do Marriage Counselors Ever Advise to Break Up?
People ask me this a lot – sometimes quietly, sometimes hoping I’ll say yes. “Do marriage counselors ever advise to break up?” I do know that many marriage counselors do. I personally do not. Ever. I don’t feel that it’s my job to tell a couple if they should or should not stay together. My […]
How to Get the Most Out of Your Couples Retreat: Before, During, and After
When your relationship is on the line, deciding to attend a couples retreat can feel both hopeful and nerve-wracking. You might be wondering: What will it be like? Will it actually help? What if we just end up fighting the whole time? These questions are completely normal—and they’re a sign that you care deeply about […]
Do Marriage Retreats Really Work? 5 Myths About Couples Therapy Retreats Debunked
When your marriage feels like it’s falling apart, it’s natural to hesitate about what to try next. Weekly therapy may feel too slow, while conversations at home often spiral into the same painful loops. If you’ve ever considered a couples retreat but brushed it off due to skepticism, fear, or misinformation—you’re not alone. At The […]
Deciding on Your Marriage’s Future? Watch for These 5 Micro-Moments
When people talk about what makes a great marriage, they often think of the big stuff: vacations, anniversaries, grand romantic gestures, and so on. But truthfully? It’s the small, everyday moments that matter most1. We’re talking about the way that you say good morning, take a pause to ask how your partner’s day went, or […]
The Downsides of Couples Therapy (and What to Do Instead)
The Downsides of Couples Therapy (and What to Do Instead) TL;DR:Couples therapy isn’t always the miracle solution it’s made out to be. When sessions feel like venting without structure, stir up more conflict, or fail to teach new tools, therapy can sometimes do more harm than good. Research shows that therapy outcomes depend heavily on […]
Marriage Intensive vs. Traditional Therapy: Deep Breakthroughs in Days
Marriage Intensive vs Weekly Therapy: Which Works Faster to Save Your Relationship? When your marriage is in crisis, every day magnifies the pain. Weekly sessions often feel like a slow drip of progress, with momentum easily lost between appointments. Research shows that while traditional therapy helps many couples, short weekly sessions frequently struggle to break […]