Non-Denominational Marriage Counseling Intensives: A Practical Guide to Private, 2-Day Retreats
Couples usually Google “non-religious marriage counseling” or “secular marriage intensive” when weekly sessions feel too slow and a private couples therapy retreat (no group, no sermon) seems like the only way to break the cycle. This guide explains what a non-denominational couples therapy intensive is, who it helps, what a realistic two-day flow looks like, […]
Couples Therapy for Business Partners: A Flexible Way to Fix Cofounder Conflict
Key takeaways Why therapy for business partners works—even when it’s “just business” Founders fight about hiring, roadmap, or spend, but underneath is usually the talking pattern: harsh starts, interrupting, mind-reading, or advice given too soon. Adapting relationship science to the workplace helps you: Signs you might benefit What to expect (flexible, not one-size-fits-all) A good […]
Emergency Marriage Counseling: What to Do in the Next 72 Hours
If you’re searching for emergency marriage counseling, it probably means you’re standing at a crossroads — emotions are high, trust feels broken, and you don’t know what to do next.Maybe an argument got out of control, an affair just came to light, or one partner is saying “I’m done.” Before you make any final decisions, […]
Is It Too Late If We’re Already Considering Divorce?
Key Takeaways The “Point of No Return” Question When a marriage feels unbearable, many couples wonder: “Is it too late for us? Have we passed the point of no return?” If you’re already considering divorce, it may feel like there’s no hope left. But after working with thousands of couples across the world as an […]
Virtual Marriage Retreat for Divorce Prevention
Private Online Intensives That Help Couples Reconnect Before It’s Too Late “Virtual marriage retreats? … I would REALLY like to go on a marriage retreat, preferably one aimed at marriages in crisis. We would need one that’s virtual and not too intensive.” — Reddit user If you’re reading this, you may be asking the same […]
I Think I Ruined My Marriage — Is It Too Late to Save It?
When you wake up one day with the sinking thought, “I think I ruined my marriage,” it can feel like the beginning of the end. Maybe you said something you can’t take back, betrayed your spouse’s trust, or simply let distance and disconnection grow until the silence between you feels unbearable. But here’s the truth: […]
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 […]
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 […]
Can having kids ruin a relationship? What we WISH we would have known about having children and our marriage.
Can having kids ruin a relationship? What we WISH we would have known about having children and our marriage. In this episode, we explore the immense strain that having children can place on marriages. With parents ranking as the most stressed adult population in the U.S., we dive into the challenges that arise in relationships, […]
Rediscover Love with Maryland’s Premier Marriage Counseling Services
BLOG Rediscover Love with Maryland’s Premier Marriage Counseling Services Are you and your partner facing challenges in your relationship? At The Marriage Restoration Project in Maryland, we’re here to help you navigate through tough times and rekindle your love. Our dedicated team specializes in Imago Therapy, offering tailored sessions designed to strengthen your bond and […]
[Podcast episode] What to Do When You and Your Spouse Disagree on Politics
Key Takeaways Political differences in marriage don’t have to be make-or-break issues. Disagreements become destructive when they are handled with reactivity instead of curiosity. Learning to separate identity from ideology helps partners avoid personalizing differences. Respect, empathy, and boundaries are essential tools when spouses disagree on politics. Strong marriages are built on shared values of […]
I have different priorities and goals than my partner. Do your couples goals not match?!
It’s very tempting to think you aren’t on the same page anymore as your partner. Your goals and priorities are just too different. And that makes sense, after all, you might have some real disagreements about some hot button issues. 🔥🔥 ✅ Sometimes though, your goals ARE a match to your partners’ but there has […]
[Podcast Episode] Healing Relationship Anxiety & Generational Trauma
Key Takeaways Why Anxiety in Relationships Runs So Deep We are wounded in relationships — often in childhood — and those wounds shape how we show up as adults. If our parents struggled with anxiety passed down from their own parents, they may not have been able to fully attune to our needs. This isn’t […]
[Podcast Episode] What Stage of Relationship or Marriage Are You In?
Key Takeaways Why Understanding the Stages of Marriage Matters Every relationship evolves. Knowing which stage you’re in can: Psychologists like Harville Hendrix (Getting the Love You Want) and John Gottman (The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work) emphasize that relationships go through predictable phases. Couples who understand the stages of marriage are better prepared to […]
Respond vs. React: How No-Blame, No-Shame Communication Can Transform Your Marriage
By Rivka Slatkin, Co-Founder of The Marriage Restoration Project I’ll be honest—I find it really hard to respond vs. react. It takes effort to use conscious, compassionate communication instead of falling back on my default reaction—especially when I’m tired, hungry, or feeling threatened. But here’s the truth: nothing “forces” us to grow more than marriage […]
How to Constructively Communicate Your Frustration(s) to Your Spouse: A Close Look at the Imago Dialogue

Let’s talk about something that happens in all relationships at one point or another – feeling frustrated with your spouse. Communicating Effectively Using Imago It’s perfectly normal. Whether it’s how many times each of you cook dinner over the week, messes left uncleaned or the bigger stuff like feeling undervalued or overlooked, these frustrations can […]
Marriage Counseling Can Make Things Worse – This is How to Make Sure it Won’t Deepen Your Relationship Issues

What happens if your genuine attempt at saving your marriage – investing your time and money in traditional weekly couples’ therapy – actually exacerbates your relationship issues and makes things worse? This unsettling scenario is more common than one might think, as traditional counseling approaches can sometimes deepen misunderstandings, foster partiality, and leave couples feeling […]