Couples River Retreat: ReLaunch for Relationship on the Salmon

I am pausing this offer until 2028 to focus on my children. Our youngest just turned 1, and I'm not ready to leave him for a week. Email to join the waitlist. 

This relationship growth retreat will change all your relationships and create space for deeper connections. 

While on the river rafting relationship adventure, you will be supported in allowing your most authentic self to surface. As your facilitator, I will hold space for you and your partner to practice new ways of listening to each other and learn how to navigate the daily challenges of life using insights from the Gottman Method couples therapy.

A seed was planted after my husband and I experienced the life-changing benefits of a healthier relationship following a Gottman Method couples therapy session during a marathon weekend in 2021, while I was pregnant with our second child. As a mental health professional, I appreciated the skills and approach, which motivated me to begin training at the Gottman Institute. However, the skills alone weren't the only factor that saved my marriage; my husband and I also share a deep love for the river and multi-day rafting trips. On the river, time seems to pause, allowing love and joy to flourish for ourselves and each other. I realized that combining river rafting with the Gottman skills could be incredibly beneficial for others, just as it was for us. I feel deeply honored to hold space for others and offer resources and support during a relationship growth retreat that celebrates connection and joy on the river.

Each morning, we will engage in light movement and stretching while discussing the rapids for the day, all designed to enhance the experience of our relationship growth retreat. As we make our way downstream on this unique river rafting relationship adventure, each couple will enjoy 4 hours of private sessions throughout the trip, along with opportunities to participate in campfire group sessions every evening. 

During mid-day, we will pause for lunch and engage in educational conversations to foster deeper connections. After rafting for a few more hours, each evening, we will set up camp. Group offerings will include sharing, emotional regulation practice supported by nature, and conversations focused on mindfulness, fostering connection, building intimacy, and normalizing the struggles couples face today, with elements of the Gottman Method couples therapy incorporated into our discussions.

Couples who desire better sex, enhanced intimacy, laughter, and playful connections will benefit from the Gottman Method couples therapy. Once you are reminded of your love for your partner and learn new ways to spend time together and communicate, you'll deepen your bond. This growth is often further enriched by unique experiences like a relationship growth retreat or river rafting relationship adventure. You will begin to feel seen and heard in your relationship and more supported as you navigate life's challenges as a team. If you want to feel more at ease and aligned with your partner, you can regain that sense of being on the same team.

My approach to supporting couples has been heavily influenced by the Gottman Method, Esther Perel, Brené Brown, and many others, along with my life's journey. Through my experiences working with couples who have trusted me, I have observed essential traits present in healthy relationships, which I aim to nurture during our relationship growth retreat. These traits include: 

· Healthy boundaries with each other and family 

· Individual interests alongside shared goals for the future 

· A strong foundation of friendship 

· The ability to initiate and participate in challenging conversations 

· Fair fighting, along with the capacity to repair after conflicts 

· A willingness to navigate big rapids together, fostering and maintaining trust in themselves and their partner 

· The ability to appreciate the beauty in their partner's annoying traits, allowing for play and laughter! 

My intention for each person after this experience is to enhance their skill set while fostering a feeling of connection and greater contentment within themselves and their relationship, not unlike the teamwork required in river rafting relationships.

Prior to the relationship growth retreat, I will meet with both partners separately for a 1:1 session. This candid check-in will explore desired areas of growth and help me understand any struggles you may need more support with. I will then join each couple for a 60-minute session before the trip.

During the retreat, we will focus on the Gottman Method couples therapy skills, providing opportunities to practice them, along with 4 hours of dedicated time with me, separate from the group activities, including river rafting relationship exercises.

After the trip, I will be available for follow-up sessions if desired.

Thank you for this opportunity to connect, share, and grow together on the river during our relationship growth retreat. If you’re interested in learning more about the Gottman Method couples therapy and ready to invest in yourself and your relationship, please call. 

Sarah - 406-579-2407