When it comes to the most important relationships in our lives—like our marriage— it’s easy to become complacent and take things for granted. Life can quickly get in the way of spending quality time together, and you can settle into a routine that simply gets you through your day. But this subtle drift can be damaging in the long run, leading to disconnection between partners and the feeling that your relationship is hitting a sticking point or becoming stale.
For couples who want to renew a stagnant marriage or relationship, deciding that you might need help is the first step—and often the hardest. The next step might feel daunting : reaching out for help. That can involve everything from a trusted friend to traditional weekly marriage counselling. But if you’re committed to deeper, quicker work, a weekend marriage counselling session might be exactly the pivot your relationship needs.
If you’re wondering What is a couples weekend counselling session?, How can a couples retreat help my relationship?, or What should I expect from weekend marriage counselling?, you’re in the right place. Keep reading for everything you need to know about weekend marriage counselling sessions and what to expect if you choose to attend one.
What is a Weekend Marriage Counselling Session?
Before we dive into how these weekend intensives work and how they can help rebuild your relationship, let’s clarify what they are.
This type of condensed, more intensive couples therapy differs from standard weekly sessions in that it happens over a weekend (or a very short timeframe), often with longer, focused sessions rather than meeting once a week for an hour. With this format, couples work through key roadblocks and stumbling points in their relationship with intensive one-on-one counselling from a licensed couples therapist for several hours at a time.
It often also involves travel to a new location or an environment away from home. That change of scenery helps reset your mindset, pulling you out of your usual distractions and enabling you both to focus deeply on the relationship. It also gives you a chance to create new positive memories together. Research and practitioner reports note that these intensives can compress months of weekly therapy into a few days.
What Should I Expect from a Weekend Marriage Counselling Session?
Once you’ve committed to rebuilding together via a weekend marriage counselling retreat, you’re probably wondering: what does this actually look like? While formats vary, here are standard expectations:
Intense, One-on-One Work
A weekend couples retreat is not like a casual workshop—it’s high dedication. You’ll spend long hours together with your partner, working on relationship issues under the guidance of a seasoned couples therapist. The time is dense, intentional. For example, one provider says that their weekend intensive “covers all major themes of your relationship in greater, focused detail.”
Immersive Experience
Because the format removes you from your everyday responsibilities and distractions, you’ll be able to focus with fewer interruptions. This immersion makes it easier to break out of old patterns and try new ways of relating.
Time to Spend Together (Beyond Therapy Hours)
In addition to therapy sessions, many weekends include scheduled “downtime” or leisure time. This is crucial—when your default routines are paused, you and your partner can experience each other in new ways: exploring the location, connecting, creating fresh memories, and just being together without the usual distractions or responsibilities.
How Do I Find the Right Weekend Marriage Counselling Retreat?
Now that you know what a weekend marriage counselling session is and what to expect, the next step is finding the right one for you and your spouse.
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Decide the format you prefer
Are you looking for a local stay-cation retreat or willing to travel? Do you want private (just you and your partner) or group format? These choices matter. -
Research providers
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Look for retreats led by licensed professionals with training and experience specifically in couples therapy—not just individual therapy.
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Ask what modality the therapist uses (e.g., Imago, Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), etc.).
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Check reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations. Personal fit is critical.
- If you’re looking for a private, customized experience, our Private 2-Day Marriage Intensive Retreat + Follow-Up Sessions gives you the chance to work deeply on your relationship over one weekend and continue progress afterward.
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Clarify goals and logistics
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Be clear on what you want: Is this a “last chance marriage repair retreat”? A reset? A deeper connection weekend? Couples who enjoy a more community-based format can join our Getting the Love You Want Couples Workshop, a weekend retreat designed to teach practical communication skills in a supportive group environment.
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Confirm length, schedule, cost, what’s included (meals, lodging, sessions), and follow-up support.
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Prepare mentally and practically
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Some programs require pre-work (questionnaires, interviews) ahead of time. This helps tailor your experience.
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Check childcare, time off work, travel logistics, budget.
- For couples who want a structured online program before or after their retreat, our 5-Step Marriage Course offers guided lessons and exercises to reinforce what you learn
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Is a Weekend Retreat Right for Us?
This approach isn’t for every couple—but it may be a strong fit if you:
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Feel like you’re in a rut and weekend sessions might spark momentum.
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Have difficulty fitting weekly sessions into your schedule.
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Are looking for a real jump-start or acceleration rather than slow-incremental work.
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Want to travel and change the environment around your relationship.
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Are committed to doing the work and both partners are on board.
On the flip side, it may be less ideal if:
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Only one partner is willing.
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You’re looking for minimal commitment or light coaching rather than in-depth work.
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You need long-term support primarily rather than a concentrated weekend.
Key Takeaways
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Weekend marriage counselling retreats condense intensive relational work into a short timeframe, enabling faster breakthroughs than traditional weekly therapy.
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They work best when both partners are committed, willing to be honest, and ready for an immersive experience.
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A change of environment, focused time together, and structured intensive sessions make this model especially effective.
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Choosing the right retreat involves evaluating format, therapist training, modalities used, logistics, and follow-up support.
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While not the perfect fit for every couple, when used deliberately, they offer accelerated opportunity for relationship renewal.
- You can take the first step right now by reserving your spot in our Marriage Counseling Retreats in Baltimore or trying our Virtual Couples Therapy Intensive if you prefer to stay home.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How is a weekend retreat different from weekly couples counselling?
A: In weekly counselling you might meet 1 hour per week over months; a weekend retreat typically involves multiple hours per day over a few days, allowing deeper work with fewer interruptions.
Q: Will one weekend fix everything?
A: No—while a retreat can trigger major shifts, lasting change depends on your ongoing practice, follow-up, and the willingness of both partners to continue applying what you’ve learned.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Costs vary widely—some private intensives run thousands of dollars. It’s an investment in your relationship and often more cost-effective than many months of weekly therapy.
Q: What therapy models are used in these retreats?
A: Common models include the Gottman Method, EFT, and others; some intensives incorporate assessments and structured protocols.
Q: What if we have children or other responsibilities at home?
A: Many couples arrange child-care for the weekend or schedule the retreat during a time where they can step away. The immersive nature requires dedicated time.
