Retrouvaille

[28562]

Can you guys tell me a little bit about retrouvaille? All I’ve heard are the commercials and things people on here have said from time to time. What actually goes on there? I’m interested in what you actually do while you are there during the weekend. It has always sounded like a great program from the little I’ve heard, so I’m wondering now what it’s all about.

 

[mountee]

I have not been but I have been through a serious marriage issue with a dear friend who has attended. Through all of what they went through to save their marriage, separation, counseling, etc., this is the only thing that actually worked and saved their marriage. When we compared notes it sounded similar to Marriage Encounter in terms of time and and how it is organized. I would suggest that if you are considering check in with your parish as I feel certain they can put you in touch with a couple who has been there.

 

[His_helpmeet]

I have not been but I have been through a serious marriage issue with a dear friend who has attended. Through all of what they went through to save their marriage, separation, counseling, etc., this is the only thing that actually worked and saved their marriage. When we compared notes it sounded similar to Marriage Encounter in terms of time and and how it is organized. I would suggest that if you are considering check in with your parish as I feel certain they can put you in touch with a couple who has been there.

My understanding is that the difference between Marriage Encounter and Retrouvaille is that Marriage Encounter is designed more as a “marital health check”. Retrouvaille is for couples whose marriages are in severe trouble. I think that Retrouvaille includes periodic meetings after the weekend for additional support.

 

[PhiloMed]

Having attended a Retrouvaille weekend I can tell you one of the rules is that you don’t tell other people what happens on the weekend.

This is why you won’t find much information about the specifics. They specifically ask that you do not reveal what they do. It helps couples go in with an open mind about the weekend. Some hate this and on our weekend I recall a husband who kept insisting on being provided with an agenda. Never happened and he went along with it just like everyone else.

What I can tell you is that it is intended to save marriages on the brink of divorce (or even after divorce). The main goal is to improve communication and they provide you with skills to do this in a structured format.

The weekend begins Friday evening and goes until Sunday evening. There are 4-6 follow-up weekends that is usually just a full day Saturday. You could never cover everything in one weekend so they ask that you commit to the follow-ups also.

It really is a wonderful organization. If your marriage is in trouble I highly recommend it.