In the comedy movie, Couples Retreat four couples attend a couple's therapy resort on an Island named Eden. While many of the exercises and treatment methods are played for laughs the issues of the four couples can be related to real life situations that couples can go through. Jason and Cynthia show how infertility issues can put a strain on a marriage and how a breakdown in communication can lead to the breaking down of the relationship. Dave and Ronnie see themselves as a happy couple but work demands plus their responsibilities as parents often interfere with them reconnecting as a couple. Joey and Lucy, who married young wondering what they may have missed out on in marrying so young have become restless in their marriage. Shane, who starts out at the retreat with his much younger girlfriend Trudy, represents the allure of looking for something new rather than do the hard work necessary to keep a relationship going.

Factors of everyday life can put an abundant strain on a relationship. Severe stressors may include resentment, infidelity, intimacy issues, lack of trust, and miscommunication. When problems go unresolved, or a partner is suffering from mental illness or health complications, one can feel helpless or have feelings of guilt or shame. Effective Communication between partners can alleviate much emotional anxiety.

Couples often seek couples or marriage counseling when the relationship is at a standstill, or if they are unsure whether or not the relationship is worth salvaging. This type of therapy can benefit families with children who have been affected by relationship issues such as divorce, and confront the source of the conflict.

Treatment techniques may include the following:

• Gottman Method
• Narrative Therapy
• Emotionally Focused Therapy
• Positive Psychology
• Imago Relationship Therapy
• Analyzing Your Communication
• Getting to the root of the problem
• Enhancing Intimacy
• Individual Counseling
• Couple Retreat

When a relationship is showing signs of addiction, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and/or severe depression, seek guidance from a counselor immediately, for your safety and your partner.

(If you are curious to see the movie Couples Retreat , you can find it here on Amazon.

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 (Photo by: Raffy John Jimminez via Unsplash)