FAQ’s

In couples therapy, the partners typically meet with a therapist for an hour a week, then accumulate and exchange emotional debris between weekly sessions. Couples who fight in therapy, or circling the same tired issues, will find our retreat a breath of fresh air. We help you clear the emotional debris and establish new healthy patterns during the retreat so that you have a fresh start.

The Couples Retreat helps you to integrate new skills beginning on the first day. We identify tools and resources that you need. You gain a concrete plan of action that propels you into a new chapter of your life. It’s fun, and sexy too!

This Couples Retreat is unique because:

1. It is completely private and intensive. There is only one couple working with Dr. Elizabeth, ensuring a balanced dynamic in which each of you is fully supported.

2. It is tailored to the couple’s specific needs and goals. You address your deepest, most intimate challenges in a way that feels safe, comfortable, and empowering.

3. It is an efficient use of time and an educational opportunity. Retreats include coaching and teaching as we guide you toward completely new patterns of relating.

4. It is a holistic integration of cutting-edge therapies. Retreats include body-centric approaches, cognitive-behavioral techniques, emotional work, sex therapy, and spiritual/energetic therapy.

We recommend that high conflict couples or couples in crisis stick with our traditional, three-day retreat program. For couples who are at a crossroads, two-day retreat programs are sometimes an option. Inquire with Dr. Elizabeth about your special requests. For premarital retreats, we offer two-day retreat programs.

Fill out our questionnaire, tell us your time limitations, and we create a program that fits your relationship needs.

The Couples Retreat format brings couples together on a much deeper level with the potential to improve key areas of your life. By balancing streamlined systems with live processes, we create a quantum shift in your relationship. Results are faster, more positive, and longer lasting.

No, the retreat is not religious. We welcome all spiritual and religious affiliations. Couples attending our retreats come from a variety of cultures, beliefs, worldviews, and spiritual preferences. The retreat will not conflict with your religious or cultural values.

Yes, we do! Many couples pour all of their resources into picking out the perfect ring, the perfect wedding dress, and the perfect venue for the ceremony. We recommend investing time and resources in laying down a solid mental, emotional, and spiritual foundation for your marriage because even the most harmonious couple will face challenges.

Instead of going through months of pre-marital counseling, you and your fiancé can come work with us for two days at our Conscious Marriage Retreat. We’ll get you off to the right start with the skills, tools, and resources you need in a fun and deeply meaningful way. It might feel like your first honeymoon.

For family and friends of the couple, the two-day retreat is a perfect wedding gift.

You can expect your marriage retreat to exceed your expectations. We strive to facilitate a quantum shift in your lives. Even if you decide that divorce is eminent, this retreat will help you divorce in a kinder, more loving way. You can’t continue to do things the way you’ve been doing them if you want your life to get better.

There are no requirements. We recommend that you stay in a hotel near the retreat center in Santa Monica. If you live in the Los Angeles area, we recommend that you get a hotel for a night or two so that you can integrate your new relationship skills without the distractions of being at home.

1. Secure retreat dates by submitting payment.
2. Fill out the Introductory Questionnaire. We will design the ideal retreat for you.
3. Show up on your scheduled day and time.

Most marriages aren’t mutually satisfying and even fewer meet the Golden Standard of couple life that’s possible. Staying married does not equate a healthy or happy marriage; Not even close. Your retreat will address these discrepancies head on and get you on the right track.

Yes, absolutely. It’s common for couples to attend our retreats when they aren’t sure if they should stay together or separate. We highly recommend you come see us if you are on the verge of divorce, or are in doubt or confusion.

Some of the couples who see us have been separated or have been in sexless marriages for years. Sometimes, gaining greater clarity about what you need does lead to divorce. If this is the case, your retreat will help you separate in a more loving and peaceful way.

Further, the skills you gain at this retreat will help you in your future relationships. If children are involved, your new skills are not only a gift to you, but to your kids as well.

Today’s busy, overscheduled couples often need a sanctuary where they can focus on each other.

At your retreat, you learn new tools to improve your relationship and apply them immediately—for lasting results. You can then move forward in a more effective and harmonious way. Your life can be full of the love and joy that you deserve.