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We put all the important info in one place so you can relax and focus on your relationship.
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Who are these retreats for?Our retreats are specially designed for Neurodiverse couples. You can read all about "neurodiversity" and our imperfect attempt at describing it at our parent site, the Neurodiverse Couples Counseling Center. https://www.neurodiversecouplescounseling.com/words-matter We also welcome all types of relationships: married, partnered, engaged, or even just dating And all genders: female male non-binary And all combinations of the above!
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Will other couples be involved?No. These are private therapy sessions, not small group retreats.
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We are in crisis. Can we come?Yes. Actually, our retreat is ESPECIALLY helpful for a couple in crisis. We will dedicate time up front to stabilize the crisis before going deeper. Then we will carefully break down the issues so the path forward makes sense and does not feel quite so overwhelming.
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We just received a diagnosis of Autism/ADHD. Is this right for us?Absolutely! A new Autism/ADHD diagnosis can bring up a wide range of feelings, from anger, sadness, and grief to anxiety and joy. We will create a safe space for you to explore these feelings while helping you develop the skills to manage them in your relationship better. And if you have NOT received a diagnosis but would like an assessment for autism and/or ADHD, head over to our assessment site at: https://www.adult-autism-assessment.com
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We are not ready for a retreat but need neurodiverse counseling.In that case we recommend the resources below: Adult Autism Assessment Center for expert diagnosis of Autism & ADHD​ Believing Cassandra for Neurotypical Spouses Neurodiverse Couples Counseling Center for Neurodiverse Couples​ Neurodiverse Couples Retreat Getaways for Neurodiverse Couples​ Parenting Autism Therapy Center Counseling for Parents of Children with Autism & ADHD​ She Rocks the Spectrum ​A Therapy Center for Autistic Girls & Young Women Therapy 4 Autistic Men Where difference = strength​
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What happens at the retreat?Well, that depends on what your unique set of needs are but here is a SAMPLE healing schedule: ASSESSMENT AND PLANNING Review your background so we understand the challenges. We do this based on the intake forms you will complete before the retreat. Clarify your goals and build a healing and growth roadmap. Learn to identify and understand your differences with a focus of appreciating strengths and supporting areas where each of you struggle. NEURODIVERSE FUNDAMENTALS Communication across the neurodiversity divide Setting neurodiverse-sensitive boundaries Time together and apart Finding new ways for connection WORK ON PATTERNS Identify triggers from past wounds and learn new strategies to cope in a better way. Break old patterns that are based on misunderstanding your brain differences. Work to build new health patterns with a neurodiverse-aware approach. HEALING TRAUMA Identify emotional wounds that are rooted in: your current relationship and your childhood. Work on healing and forgiveness of wounds. APPLICATION TO EVERY DAY ISSUES Kids Work Money Sex Travel / Vacation In-laws Sleep POST-RETREAT PLANNING Build a support system in the relationship and for each person. Build a relationship vision that recognizes the strengths and challenges of your neurodiversity. Construct an on-going maintenance plan for after the retreat. Please know that: We NEVER cover all the topics listed above but jointly figure out what would be most helpful to you. Every therapist will have her own variation on the sample approach shown above.
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What makes this couples retreat unique?We're the only retreat run for neurodiverse couples by neurodiverse specialists. Why wouldn't you want someone who really understands you?!
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What is included?You will receive: Personalized therapy and/or coaching by a neurodiverse couples therapist. Number of hours vary depending on whether you select the 1 day or 3 day retreat. A customized healing plan based on your needs. Access to a rich set of neurodiverse couples tools and exercises. Crisis support (if needed) via phone, text, and email during the retreat. The main crisis support will happen in session. A detailed relationship maintenance plan to sustain your progress after the retreat.
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Is there prep work before the retreat?Yes, but it really helps. INTAKE SESSION You will start with a 50 minute initial intake session over Zoom. This will allow us to meet each other and answer all of your questions. ASSESSMENT AND BACKGROUND FORMS You will be invited to complete several forms that will inform and assist our work together. You should expect several hours of preparation. The forms will cover: Important information about therapy and/or coaching Background on your relationship Background on how you are doing now Background on your past including your family of origin
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What happens after the retreat?A Neurodiverse Couples Retreat is just the beginning! KEEP USING THE TOOLS Following this intensive session, you and your partner can implement what you've learned into your daily lives. The tools and strategies that are gained from the experience of attending the retreat will empower you to develop skills for self-awareness, understanding, acceptance, and communication. As a result, these skills will help support lasting change in the relationship. ACTION PLAN TO GUIDE YOU At the end of your retreat, we will create an individualized action plan that meets the needs of your relationship so that you can continue to grow and thrive together. In addition, we’ll include strategies and tools for continuing relationship maintenance. REGULAR THERAPY We also encourage you to book ongoing regular therapy sessions, in a safe environment, with the guidance of your qualified therapist, who understands neurodiversity and your unique relationship. We look forward to helping you create the kind of long-lasting connection that both of you deserve! CHECK-IN SESSIONS If you you no longer need regular therapy, many couples find that participating in periodic check-in sessions after their retreat helps them stay focused on their goals and maintain their newly developed skills.
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I'm autistic and get overwhelmed. Will this be too much?We hope not. Because we're neurodiverse specialists, we understand that the pace and intensity needs to match both partners. We will be flexible and slow things down as much as necessary.
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Do we attend from home?YES! Lots of couples love to attend via Zoom. The benefits are: Takes place in the comfort of your home. No travel costs. No extra planning. No added expenses. Same personalized attention and specific tools for success like you would with an in-person retreat.
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Can we come for an IN-PERSON retreat?YES! Another option for a Neurodiverse Couples Retreat is our In-Person option, where we offer getaway retreats in the stunning coastal community of Pacific Grove, California. This option allows couples to escape their everyday lives and focus on reconnecting and learning skills for a better relationship in new surroundings. Couples can explore the beautiful Monterey Bay area while participating in an In-person Neurodiverse Couples Retreat at a comfortable hotel or Bed and Breakfast. Beaches, Championship golf courses, restaurants, and charming shops abound in the local area, including the cities of Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Pebble Beach. We can customize the perfect retreat for both of you! The benefits of an In-Person Neurodiverse Couples Retreat include the following: You get to disconnect from the stress of everyday life and focus solely on your relationship Professional guidance and support from your therapist throughout your private retreat One-on-one private sessions are offered in your preferred location Time for stimulating activities such as walks on the beach or coastal trails Options are provided for lodging, meals, and activities in the local area
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When does the retreat occur?Since the retreats are for one couple at a time, we work to make it fit your schedule.
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Can you show me a sample schedule?Here's what a sample schedule looks like: One Pre-therapy Intake Session over Zoom Meet and greet your therapist for 50 minutes to get to know you, a little bit of your background, and to make sure you're a good fit for the retreat Coordination with your therapist Consultation calls with your current individual and couples therapists if you already have one, or we can recommend a talented therapist from our team for your individual therapy needs. Sample - 1 Day Retreat Schedule 11:00 am to 12:30 pm - Assessment & Planning 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm - Neurodiverse Fundamentals 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm - Patterns & Post-retreat planning 5 1/2 hours total ​ Sample #1 - 3 Consecutive Day Retreat Schedule (over 1 Weekend) Friday 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm - 2.5 hrs - Assessment & Planning ​Saturday 11:00 am to 12:30 pm - 1.5 hrs - ND Fundamentals 2:30 to 4:00 pm - 2.5 hrs - Healing Trauma ​Sunday 11:00 am to 12:30 pm - 1.5 hrs - Changing Patterns 2:30 to 4:00 pm - 2.5 hrs - Current Issues & Post-retreat planning 9.5 hours total Sample # 2 - 3 Day Retreat Schedule (over 3 Weekends) Friday 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm - 2.5 hrs - Assessment & Planning ​Following Week Saturday 11:00 am to 12:30 pm - 1.5 hrs - ND Fundamentals 2:30 to 4:00 pm - 2.5 hrs - Healing Trauma ​Following Week Sunday 11:00 am to 12:30 pm - 1.5 hrs - Changing Patterns 2:30 to 4:00 pm - 2.5 hrs - Current Issues & Post-retreat planning 9.5 hours total Retreat Format The Neurodiverse Couples Retreats are designed with time between sessions for meals, rest, and reconnection time. There will be unstructured time to allow your experiences to sink in and give you a chance every day to experience each other in a new healthier way. We also provide couples with resources outside the therapy session, planning their relationship maintenance needs beyond the retreat.
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Is this really better than weekly therapy?Traditional weekly couples therapy sessions are often inadequate to meet the needs of a neurodiverse couple. With therapy sessions spread out over weeks or months in 50-minute sessions, it can be challenging to feel like progress is being made. A Neurodiverse Couples Retreat is a way to jump-start working on your relationship in a safe and nurturing environment. In fact, many couples share that they make breakthroughs during a Neurodiverse Couples Retreat because they have the time to dive deep, share, and resolve long-held emotional conflicts using Neurodiverse Trauma-Informed Therapy and a therapist there to guide them who uniquely understands neurodiversity.
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Why should we attend?Online couples therapy intensives are a compelling alternative to weekly couples therapy. For example: Our 1 day retreat can serve as a serious tune-up for your relationship, and. Our 3 day retreat is the equivalent to 3 months of therapy in just a few days. In a focused and concise way, our highly trained neurodiverse couples specialists get to the heart of the matter quickly and with great care. We utilize neurodiverse-sensitive methods to give you the best chance at understanding and healing what’s not working in your relationship.
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How much does this cost?VIRTUAL RETREAT COST: 1 Day Neurodiverse Couples Retreat - $2,000 3 Consecutive Day Neurodiverse Couples Retreat (over 1 Weekend) - $3,500 3 Day Neurodiverse Couples Retreat (over 3 Weekends) - $3,500 IN-PERSON RETREAT COST: For in-person retreats, you will pay the "virtual retreat cost" (see above) plus all additional costs (lodging, travel costs, meals and activities) which will be paid by you directly.
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Will insurance pay?Maybe. Be sure to talk to your specialist to figure this out.
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Can we get a partial refund?If you start the retreat and decide it's not a good fit, we'll only charge you for the part you attended.
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