Embarking on a conselling weekend for couples may be a life changer for your relationship. Whether you are newly weds or have been married for a several years, those retreats are an invaluable break to spend some quality time together. Indeed, taking some time to withdraw is an opportunity to help mutual understanding and set stronger foundations for a thriving relationship. Éléonore, Clarisse, Gilles et Médéric took part in a retreat for couples. They told us how this experience helped them consolidate their mutual commitment and improved their relationship.
Understanding how couple relationships work
In our world where the ever faster pacing of daily life leaves almost no space to your partner, taking care of your relationship is essential. “Each one of us lives so much for themselves, so my fear is that couples may fall apart” confides Clarisse. “This shared time I feel is key to strengthen our relationship.” Sparing some time for yourself, your spouse and your couple is a necessity. “Taking care of your heart, body, spirit and your couple” means adopting a healthy lifestyle for the sake of harmony between husband and wife.
“Being able to translate into words what we feel dimly in our life as a couple is helpful to understand the mechanisms by which a couple may either construct or destroy themselves,” explained Gilles and Éléonore. Both joined a counselling weekend for couples in March 2023. Their retreat allowed them to clarify the mechanisms and “rationalize, conceptualize and, essentially, see clearly the factors fueling a relationship.”
“Those retreats, adds Éléonore, teach you how to use simple words and communicate with your partner without hurting them. They create the right atmosphere for solving conflicts and strengthening the relationship.”
The perfect setting to let go
The sessions are facilitated by Marc d’Anselme, a psychologist and marriage counselor. They offer practical tips to develop positive behaviors, avoid traps and make the marriage more harmonious. “Marc gave us practical tools to help understand the dynamics in the relationship and progress together”, adds Gilles.
Montligeon offers a great setting for such a timeless break. “We had never been to Montligeon before. What I find particularly striking is that when you leave the motorway and highway, suddenly you find yourself on a small road, you turn left… And then you discover a valley and – in the middle of nowhere – you see a that towering basilica emerging above the countryside. And then you think: ‘There we are, this is the place’, says Médéric.
He adds: “Arriving in this peaceful heaven gives you a real break with your daily routine. In fact, the retreats started as soon as we slammed our front door shut because we spent the whole car journey trying to imagine what the week would be like, not knowing what to expect.”
Clarisse confirms: “I thought, well, we’ll see, let’s go with the flow!” Actually, letting go is often a first step towards a deep reconnection with your spouse.
The couple as the heart of the family
A weekend for couples is not just a break to nurture your relationship, it is also a spiritual journey. As Clarisse explains, “we had made this mutual promise to participate to this session and do it for each other.” This deliberate choice to spend time together, supported by prayer and coaching as offered in Montligeon, is an opportunity for couples to reinforce their marriage in faith.
As for Éléonore, family life is the main concern. “The couple is the foundation of the family, not the children.” Too often, priorities are set around children, whereas a strong couple is the cornerstone of a balanced, loving family.
Thus, the weekends for couples are a privileged time to focus on the marriage relationship. This approach is a real asset: “A family holds tight mostly thanks to the strength of the couple; which is key for a healthy family”, insists Gilles. The stronger the marriage and the common values in which the couple is rooted, the stronger the foundations for a harmonious family.
Anybody can participate
Marc d’Anselme’s coaching setting is both non-judgemental and structuring. “His approach is very practical and respectful. He allowed us to discover how to make progress in mutual listening and understanding”, explains Éléonore.
Anybody can participate, regardless of age. “If you are a young couple, please come!” pleads Gilles. What you will learn might completely change your marriage over the next 50 years.” There is no optimal time to participate as the tools taught in the sessions are suitable for any stage of your marriage life. “Whether your couple is doing well or experiencing difficult times, the sessions are beneficial at any level.”
A combination of reflection, practical training and discussions within couples allows every one to leave feeling enlightened and better equipped to build a long-term relationship.
Come to Montligeon to experience a counselling session for couples
The counselling weekends for couples in Montligeon are designed to offer an optimal setting for serenity and reflection. Tuition periods alternate with times between partners and counselling moments, revitalizing your relationship. As Gilles points out: “Do come, never mind the situation in your marriage. Those breaks are a real blessing!”
Allowing time for a counselling weekend for couples is an investment into your relationship. Whether you have just embarked on the journey or are in the middle of it, the retreats are a unique opportunity to consolidate your ties and build a strong, fulfilling life together.
