Rekindling Connection: A Retreat for Couples in Midlife and Beyond

This retreat is designed for couples across the spectrum, from those facing real challenges to those who simply want to be more intentional about their partnership as life shifts. Many participants arrive saying “we’re fine, but we could be so much better.” That’s exactly the mindset we’re working with. Prevention and strengthening are just as valuable as repair.

Not at all. We welcome all couples in committed partnerships – married or unmarried, straight or LGBTQ+, whether this is your first long-term relationship or a second chapter. The challenges of maintaining connection through midlife transitions are universal, and Dr. Skerrett’s research and practice spans the full spectrum of partnership structures and identities. What matters is that you’re both showing up ready to invest in your relationship together.

That’s completely normal and quite common. One partner often initiates while the other comes along somewhat reluctantly. We’ve designed the retreat to meet people where they are – there’s no pressure to perform enthusiasm or achieve breakthroughs on anyone else’s timeline. Many initially hesitant partners find themselves genuinely engaged once they experience the non-judgmental atmosphere and realize this isn’t about being fixed or put on the spot.

No. While some couples choose to share insights during group discussions, much of your work happens in private couple exercises where it’s just the two of you. The group setting provides structure, learning, and a sense of shared experience, but your personal conversations remain yours. Dr. Skerrett creates a psychologically safe environment where you control what you reveal.

Mornings begin with group sessions where Dr. Skerrett introduces concepts and practices. Afternoons shift to couple exercises – sometimes guided partner conversations, sometimes creative activities, sometimes quiet reflection time. Evenings offer communal dinners and unstructured time to walk the ranch or simply be together. The rhythm intentionally alternates between learning, practicing, and integrating, with plenty of space to breathe.

Not at all. Some couples arrive with clear issues they want to address – others come with a vague sense of wanting more connection or preparing for upcoming transitions. Both approaches work. The retreat provides a framework that lets you focus on whatever matters most to you as a couple, whether that’s communication patterns, future planning, intimacy, or simply remembering why you chose each other in the first place.

This retreat takes a different approach than traditional therapy. Rather than problem-focused sessions, we use a strength-based model that builds on what’s already working while introducing new practices and perspectives. The retreat format of three full days away from daily life, with time to actually practice new skills together, often creates shifts that weekly one-hour appointments can’t. You’re not rehashing old patterns – you’re actively creating new ones in real time.