A Private Couples Retreat in Iowa

Yes. Brave couples willing to look inside and assess their contribution to the state of their marriage. Our couples demand a great deal from themselves, and their intimate relationship is no different. They want exceptional marriages.

No, it is science-based. However, Christian couples can work with our specialized clinicians for a biblically informed (and science-based) perspective.

Affair recovery is a part of every true couples therapist’s education. What is unique about affair recovery in an intensive format is that it allows time, precious time, for both to understand the crushing impact of infidelity. Both the involved partner and the hurt partner have a story to tell. Couples tell these stories safely and respectfully in the care of a skilled therapist.

Our therapists prefer extended, concentrated sessions over a traditional weekly format. This delivery method brings greater depth, continuity, and effectiveness. An intensive demands sustained clinical concentration and a different skill set to be effective. For example, “direct,” “frank,” or “directive,” are adjectives often used to describe therapists who do it well.

The phrase “changing the face of couples therapy” is used to emphasize the importance of advancing and modernizing the field. Couples therapy is a constantly evolving discipline that requires practitioners to stay up-to-date with the latest research, techniques, and best practices.

Post-graduate education is crucial for therapists who wish to specialize in couples therapy. While Marriage and Family Therapy programs provide a foundation, they often offer limited education specifically focused on the intricacies of working with couples.

To effectively address the unique challenges faced by couples, therapists must continually expand their knowledge and skills beyond their initial training. Staying informed about new developments in couples therapy ensures that practitioners can provide the most effective and comprehensive care to their clients.

Yes! We work with all couples. This includes couples married long-term or newlyweds, GLBTQi+ or straight, or ethically non-monogamous. You need not be married to participate.

After a thorough relationship history and individual meetings, the therapist provides you evidence-based feedback about your relationship. This includes a detailed “map” of your strengths and areas that need enhancement. We implement this tailored treatment plan over the remaining time.

The effectiveness of marriage counseling is directly related to how skilled your couples therapist is, how practiced they are with evidence-based couples therapy, and how long your sessions are. Longer sessions give both of you the time to discuss issues in depth.

The sad fact is that most Couples Therapy is haphazardly done by insurance-reimbursed therapists, working half the time they need to provide services for which they have little or no training. Forty-five-minute sessions are designed for individuals, not couples. 

As a result, progress is often slow, if not entirely elusive, leaving couples frustrated and disillusioned with the therapeutic process. It’s a disheartening situation that demands a radical shift in how couples therapy is approached and delivered.

Insurance companies seldom cover couples counseling, as they usually do not categorize it as “medically necessary.” Intensive couples therapy retreats are no different.