How Retrouvaille Is Different

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How Retrouvaille Is Different

Some spouses resist the idea of attending the program, out of concern that they will be required to expose their personal lives. None of this is true. In fact, the program is entirely unique, and most couples find that this is the very thing that worked when all else failed. We are told constantly that this is one of the best kept secrets in the world, and couples regularly comment that they wish they had done the program long before they did; That it would have saved them so much pain and anguish.

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Not a Retreat or Social Gathering

This is not a kumbaya marriage retreat by any means, and there is never any attempt to convert couples to any religious belief system. It is a structured program designed to help you and your spouse learn communication skills that will put you in tune with one another.

Not Marriage Counseling

There are no marriage counselors in the program. This is a peer ministry, presented by three married couples and a priest or pastor couple. The team couples are volunteers, who have experienced disillusionment, pain, anger, and conflict in their own marriages.

Not a Sensitivity Group

This is not a program with the goal of making people more aware of their own prejudices and more sensitive to others. The weekend is about you and your spouse, and nothing more. We do not have group activities or team building exercises.

Not Group Counseling

While there are other couples in the program, it is by no means group counseling. You will not be asked to share your problems with anyone else. There are neither group dynamics nor group discussions on the weekend.

All Volunteer | Not For Profit

The business of marriage help has become a massive for-profit industry:

  • Family counseling, including marriage services, is a $32 billion industry with 85,000+ for-profit businesses
  • Average marriage counseling costs: $150-200 per session, often requiring 30+ sessions ($4,500-6,000+)
  • Average divorce costs: $15,000 - $30,000+ per couple in legal fees alone
  • The hidden costs of divorce extend far beyond financial:
Impact on Children
  • • 2-3x higher risk of emotional & behavioral problems
  • • 25% lower academic achievement rates
  • • Increased risk of future relationship struggles
Long-term Effects
  • • 20% reduction in retirement savings
  • • 45% decrease in standard of living
  • • Significant impact on mental health

In contrast, Retrouvaille takes a fundamentally different approach. As a non-profit ministry run entirely by volunteers who have experienced and overcome similar struggles, we focus solely on helping couples improve or heal their marriages - not on generating profit.

The Retrouvaille Difference

It is a grass-roots, volunteer-run organization by couples that have been through the program, at every level.

There are no offices, no paid staff, and no payroll whatsoever.

For over 40 years, tens of thousands of couples have been helped and through their support the program has continued to help others.

All of our expenses are paid strictly by donations by coup0les wanting to give back.

Marriage Program Comparison

Compare how Retrouvaille stands out from traditional marriage counseling, retreats, workshops, and online programs.

Best Value & Results

Retrouvaille

Total: $400-500* complete program

All-inclusive 7-week program (48+ hours)
  • Complete privacy maintained
  • Work privately as a couple in anonymity
  • Never share issues with group or team
  • 7-week proven program structure
  • All meals & lodging included
  • Presented by peer couples that have started as attending couples
  • Led by unpaid volunteer couples who've rebuilt their marriages
  • Non-profit program - no financial agenda
  • Nothing ever to buy
  • Free lifetime support
  • Monthly support gatherings at no cost

Marriage Counseling

Total: $3,600-7,200 (6 months)

Only 20 hours total in 6 months
  • Weekly sessions
  • Individual attention
  • Clinical expertise
  • Must share all issues with therapist
  • Share everything with therapist
  • For-profit practice - ongoing billing
  • Ongoing fees required
  • Insurance may cover
  • Risk of taking sides
  • Limited real marriage experience
  • Additional services often suggested

Marriage Retreats

Total: $3,000-25,000 with follow-up

30-40 hours group sessions
  • Intensive weekend format
  • Professional facilitators
  • Expensive resort experience
  • Resort setting focus over healing
  • Must share in group setting
  • No privacy in sessions
  • Group learning environment
  • For-profit business - sells programs & products
  • Expensive follow-up programs
  • Materials for purchase
  • Ongoing sales pitches
  • Profit-driven model

Workshop Series

Total: $2,000-3,500 with hotel & meals

16-20 hours classroom style
  • Structured Weekend Program
  • Professional Speakers
  • Group Learning Format
  • Generic Classroom Lectures
  • Public classroom environment
  • Limited Personal Attention
  • Hotel Costs Extra
  • Meals Extra
  • Products for Sale
  • For-profit seminars - sells books & programs
  • Additional Programs Offered
  • Upselling Common

Online Programs

Total: 300-2,000 annually

Just recorded videos - self-paced learning
  • Available anytime
  • Digital resources
  • Forum support available
  • Like watching marriage videos
  • No real human connection
  • No personal guidance
  • For-profit platform - recurring subscriptions
  • Premium upgrades required
  • Basic content access only
  • Additional costs for features
  • Ongoing subscription fees
  • Regular price increases
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* A voluntary, anonymous donation is requested to help cover program costs and support couples who cannot afford the registration fee. There is no pressure, no follow-up, and nothing to buy - Retrouvaille is a non-profit program focused solely on helping couples heal their marriage.

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