I recently arrived home to find a door hanger advertising the movie Love Happens on one side and Couples Retreat on the other side.  In addition to being intrigued by this marketing strategy, I was reminded about the previews that I had seen about Couples Retreat.  The previews were very funny and I was looking forward to seeing it in theatres.  I also found it ironic that the movie was being release right before the Relationship Solutions Center couples workshop/

retreat.

So, I decided to do a little more research and compare and contrast these two versions of a couple’s retreat/workshop.  For more information about the movie Couples Retreat, check out their website.  I will start with how these experiences are similar.  Obviously, both involve couples who would like to work out problems or concerns, or couples who would like to enhance their relationship.  Interestingly, both involve couples from the Midwest.  There is a group discount.  If you sign-up with another couple, you can receive $25 off the registration cost.

There are also differences between the two Couples Retreats.  Unfortunately, RSC will not be conducting the workshop on a tropical island.  Maybe this is something that we can shoot for in the future!  Instead, RSC is conducting the workshop in the conference rooms of our Schaumburg location.  I think that we can definitely arrange some tropical fruits though.  J  You will not have to wear matching, colorful outfits.  There will be no interesting yoga moves.  Of course, if you would like to relax with some yoga (or any other strategies) during the breaks, feel free.  Most importantly, you will not be “tricked” into participating the way that three out of four couples in the movie are.  Not only do you have to agree to come, but how much you share is completely up to you.  This is a concern I hear often, particularly from male participants.  One of the rules of participating in this PAIRS workshop is that you share only personal experiences and if you want to share something about the couple, you need to okay it with your partner first.  Also, because each couple will be practicing at the same time, other couples will not be paying attention to you. 

This RSC workshop is from the PAIRS (Practical Application of Intimate Relationship Skills) program, which has helped hundreds of couples and has proven its effectiveness with years of research.  The October and November workshop is entitled Passage to Intimacy.  This two-day workshop will teach you the tools needed to deepen your connection and intimacy, decrease fighting and improve communication.  There are three specific areas of competency that you will learn by attending this workshop: 1) emotional literacy, 2) conjoint partner skills for building and maintaining intimacy, and 3) practical knowledge, strategies, and attitudes for sustaining positive marriage and family life.  Effective communication involves confiding, complaining, and clarifying words and behavior.  You will also learn anger management strategies including how to express your anger safely and how to fight fair.