If you’ve been considering a group marriage counseling retreat to strengthen your relationship — whether you’re worried about privacy, cost, or whether your spouse will participate — you’re not alone. These are the same questions we hear before nearly every Imago weekend marriage workshop we host.
Below, we’ll walk you through the most common concerns couples have before attending a group couples therapy weekend — and show you why these retreats can be the most affordable, powerful way to repair and reconnect your marriage.
Marriage Retreat Concern #1:
Concern #1: What About the Cost of a Marriage Retreat?
It’s natural to wonder whether a marriage counseling retreat for couples is worth it.
Here’s what most people don’t realize: two days of structured, immersive work equals more than six months of weekly marriage counseling.
At just $895 per couple, our group marriage retreat in Maryland or Online gives you the same education, foundation, and skills that you’d normally gain from half a year of therapy — at a fraction of the cost.
👉 Value insight: Couples often leave saying, “We made more progress this weekend than in years of therapy.”
Concern #2: Will We Have Privacy in a Group Setting?
This is one of the biggest questions couples ask.
While the retreat is held in a group workshop format, all the personal work happens privately between you and your spouse.
You’ll learn core concepts together during group sessions, then spread out through the hotel for guided private exercises.
No one knows why you’re there, and no one hears your private conversations.
You get the benefits of a supportive, structured environment — without giving up your confidentiality.
Concern #3: What If My Spouse Doesn’t Take It Seriously?
Almost every workshop has a “dragger” and a “draggee.”
It’s completely normal for one partner to be skeptical at first.
Our facilitators are trained to create a no-blame, no-shame, judgment-free environment that fosters emotional safety for both partners — even if one arrives resistant.
Once both partners experience the calm, respectful structure of the Imago Dialogue, most “draggees” begin to engage and reconnect quickly.
What You’ll Experience During the Weekend
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Learn the Imago relationship tools that make communication feel safe again.
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Understand why you keep getting stuck in the same fights — and how to change the pattern.
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Build empathy and emotional safety using the No Blame, No Shame approach.
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Leave with a clear plan to keep progress going long after the retreat ends.
Even if nothing else has helped before, this weekend helps you understand why — and what you can do differently.
Scheduling Note
If you keep the Sabbath and cannot travel on a Friday or Saturday, note: Our group marriage retreats are the only Sunday-and-Monday workshops nationwide. (Locations: Maryland & New York).
Prefer a Completely Private Experience?
If you’d rather not attend a group weekend, we also offer Private 2-Day Marriage Counseling Intensives. You’ll work one-on-one with Rabbi Shlomo Slatkin in a confidential setting designed for deep healing and lasting results.
Key Takeaways
-Those wanting total confidentiality can choose a private 2-day marriage intensive instead.
-A group marriage counseling retreat delivers the results of months of therapy in just two days.
-Privacy is protected — couples do private exercises apart from others.
-Even reluctant spouses often engage once they feel emotionally safe.
-Retreats are affordable and accessible, starting at $795 per couple.
-Sunday–Monday scheduling accommodates observant couples.
FAQ About Group Marriage Retreats
Q: What’s the difference between a group marriage retreat and a private marriage intensive?
A: A group marriage counseling retreat includes short educational sessions with other couples and private exercises with your spouse. A private intensive is 100% confidential, just you, your spouse, and your therapist.
Q: Are group marriage retreats effective?
A: Yes — research shows relationship education programs and Imago workshops significantly improve satisfaction and communication within 6–12 months after completion.
Q: What if I’m nervous to talk about personal issues around others?
A: You’ll never be asked to share personal information publicly. The group format is only for learning, not disclosure.
Q: How do I convince my spouse to attend?
A: Frame it as a chance to get away and learn new tools, not “therapy.” Once there, the non-confrontational format helps both partners engage willingly.
Q: Can we attend even if our marriage feels hopeless?
A: Absolutely. Many couples attend as a last resort — and leave with clarity, compassion, and a new sense of hope.
Sources & Further Reading
- American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) – Effectiveness of Marriage and Relationship Education Programs
- Imago Relationships International – The Imago Dialogue Process
- American Psychological Association – Marriage Counseling Effectiveness Studies
- The Marriage Restoration Project – Private 2-Day Marriage Intensive
