Why a Marriage Retreat Can Feel Like a Reset Button
Just as we all need a much-deserved vacation—a time to get away from our surroundings and rejuvenate—our marriages also need time to recharge and reset. While a simple getaway with your spouse may do the trick, sometimes you need something more.
If your relationship has not been nurtured, or feels stuck in a negative space, the Getting the Love You Want Imago Marriage Retreat can feel almost magical.
What Makes the “Getting the Love You Want” Retreat Powerful
What makes this retreat so impactful, beyond simply getting away for two days, is the way it helps couples remember why they fell in love—and offers a reality check for the state of their relationship.
When we organized the November retreat for fourteen couples, we were amazed at the transformations before our eyes. Couples who were heading for divorce or locked in endless power struggles walked away holding hands, full of hope for a new reality. It was like a wake-up call.
The beauty of the group Imago marriage retreat is that it lifts couples above the daily grievances that have been weighing them down. It helps them see the bigger picture: why they fell in love, why they drifted apart, and how conflict itself holds the opportunity for growth and healing. Many couples leave with more compassion and understanding for each other, as well as some of the best tools available for strengthening their marriage.
It’s not really “magic.” It’s work. But it feels magical when, after two days of putting in effort, couples rediscover how to maintain a vibrant, connected relationship.
Why Imago Therapy Works in a Retreat Setting
The Imago approach offers a profound way of reframing conflict. Instead of seeing it as proof you’re incompatible, Imago shows that the very issues you struggle with are tied to the reasons you chose each other in the first place.
Through structured exercises, you’ll learn how to:
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Understand the unconscious reasons behind your attraction and struggles
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See how conflict is a chance for healing old wounds
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Practice the Imago Dialogue—a step-by-step communication tool for connection
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Rebuild compassion, empathy, and shared vision for the future
Group vs. Private Marriage Retreats: Which Is Right for You?
One common question couples ask is whether they should attend a group retreat or invest in a private 2-day intensive.
| Retreat Type | Best For | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Group Imago Retreat (GTLYW) | Couples who feel supported knowing others face similar struggles | Two days of structured dialogue, guided exercises, and community encouragement |
| Private Marriage Retreat | Couples who prefer privacy and personalized attention | Two full days focused entirely on your unique history, challenges, and goals with Rabbi Shlomo |
Both options are powerful. A group retreat provides the reassurance of shared experience, while a private retreat allows you to go even deeper with undivided attention.
If you’re thinking you need a private marriage retreat instead, visit this page for more info. It’s just as powerful, if not more so, than the group retreat as we get to spend 2 days together delving into your own personal relationship history, present situation, and future relationship goals. Prefer an immersive couples retreat with just your spouse and Rabbi Shlomo? We look forward to talking with you about how our private 2 Day Marriage Restoration Retreat could benefit your unique situation.
What Past Couples Have Experienced
Over and over, we hear stories of transformation:
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Couples on the brink of divorce discovering hope again
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Partners once locked in power struggles leaving hand-in-hand
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A sense of renewal—like pushing the “reset” button on their relationship
The Getting the Love You Want workshop is a big “aha” moment for most couples. It’s a breath of fresh air, a reminder of why you chose each other, and a set of tools you’ll continue to use long after the retreat ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes the “Getting the Love You Want” retreat different from regular couples therapy?
Unlike weekly sessions that spread progress out over months, this immersive 2-day format allows couples to experience breakthroughs quickly. The Imago Dialogue structure ensures both partners feel heard and validated, which many find more transformative than traditional counseling.
Q: Do we have to share our private struggles with the whole group?
No. While the retreat includes group learning and exercises, the most personal dialogue work is done privately between you and your spouse. Couples often find comfort in knowing others face similar struggles, but you control how much you share.
Q: Can this retreat help if we’re on the brink of divorce?
Yes. Many couples arrive feeling hopeless or ready to separate, and leave with renewed connection and tools to rebuild. While no retreat can guarantee outcomes, the structure is designed to help couples in even high-conflict situations.
Q: What if my partner is hesitant to attend?
It’s common for one partner to be less enthusiastic. We encourage couples to frame the retreat as an investment in their future, not just a fix for problems. Often, even skeptical spouses leave saying it was one of the most valuable experiences they’ve had together.
Q: How is a private 2-day retreat different from the group retreat?
A group retreat gives you community support and reassurance that you’re not alone, while a private retreat is fully personalized to your history, patterns, and goals. Both are powerful—choosing depends on whether you’d benefit more from connection with other couples or total privacy.
Q: How long do the benefits of the retreat last?
Couples typically leave with tools they can use for years. The Imago Dialogue, for example, becomes a lifelong communication practice. Many couples report that the retreat felt like a “reset button” and that the changes stick when they keep using the tools at home.
Key Takeaways
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A marriage retreat is not magic—but it feels magical because of the breakthroughs couples create in just two days.
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Imago reframes conflict as an opportunity for healing, not a sign of failure.
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The retreat lifts couples above daily grievances and helps them see the bigger picture of their love story.
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Both group and private retreats are life-changing—choosing depends on whether you prefer community support or personalized focus.
Sources
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Harville Hendrix & Helen LaKelly Hunt, Getting the Love You Want: A Guide for Couples, Harper Perennial, 2019.
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American Psychological Association (APA), “Evidence-Based Couple and Family Therapy: A Critical Review,” Family Process, 2016.
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