Marital Intensives
Though there are a number of these resources around the country, I like the following two options the best. Most of these programs offer four to eight days of intensive counseling for marriages that need support, healing, love, rest, and major changes within the spousal interactions. The good ones provide quality on-site housing, outstanding meals, wonderful environments, and multiple credentialed therapists. The top programs also have ongoing outcome studies to document their effectiveness. Be aware of discount programs. The quality and costs of these two programs, their outcome studies, and their Christian orientation set the benchmark from which to evaluate other options.
MarbleRetreat.org
Just outside of Aspen, Colorado, this eight-day program was started almost thirty years ago by Dr. and Mrs. Louis McBurney. Marble Retreat has had a long and fruitful history with multiple denominational leaders and only recently has opened up its services to the entire Christian population, both married and single.
NationalMarriage.com
This organization, started by Dr. Gary Smalley (and its accompanying Web site), offers several programs for couples. I prefer the Couples Intensive Program offered in Rome, Georgia. This thirty-hour, four-day program is specifically designed for couples who feel stuck and hopeless in their relationship.
Both of the above programs use the same marital therapy model (developed by the Mayo Clinic), utilize two therapists with the group, and charge almost identical fees. The one major difference is that, given the longer stay, Marble is able to offer each spouse individual therapy as well. Both programs fit well in an infidelity recovery process.
Retrouvaille.org
A third option, consisting of a weekend experience and six to twelve follow-up sessions, is the Retrouvaille Program. This is the best volunteer self-help, brief intervention program available, and designed for marriages close to divorce.