What Happens On An Encounter Weekend?

Marriage Encounter derives its name from the Spanish word "Encuentro" which means to meet, to renew or to discover again. The Marriage Encounter experience creates an opportunity for married couples 'to meet' one another again; 'to renew' their relationship through communication; and 'to discover' new meaning and joy within their marriages.

Marriage Encounter - where is it held?

Each affiliate across the country has a different facility and different costs, but the program is identical. A Marriage Encounter usually takes place over the course of a weekend and is held in a hotel or retreat center (locale specific). These sites provide a get-away spot for the attending couples, ... a get-away from the distractions and daily routines of everyday life. The weekend program is designed to provide quality time for husbands and wives to pause and refocus their attention on themselves, one another, and their marriages.

Marriage Encounter - what is the format of the weekend?

The Weekend process is led by a 'team' consisting of three married couples and often a clergy person or clergy couple. The members of the team are not teachers, therapists, or professional counselors, but are married couples and clergy who have all experienced the weekend process themselves. A specific series of presentations will be given by the team couples. These presentations are not meant to be lectures or teachings but rather informational sharing centered around the teams' own lived experiences. After each presentation a time for personal reflection is provided as well as special couple time. The team presentation will be given to the entire group, but there will be NO group discussion, sharing, or analyzing. The weekend process centers around open and honest communication. All communication required by those attending will occur only in the privacy of their own room.

Marriage Encounter is NOT group therapy:

There is no group discussion, sharing, or talking in front of others required. You are not even encouraged to talk to the other couples. You, as a couple are the focus of the weekend. Instead of talking, you are asked to listen. Listen to the team couples and listen to each other. The team couples will share their lives with you on various topics. You will be asked to reflect on these topics in your life and marriage. Any discussion will be between you and your spouse in the privacy of your own room.

Marriage Encounter is NOT counseling:

Instead of counseling, you give the weekend to each other through your sharing of yourself and your time. Time is one of the most precious possessions we have, and spending it with each other, the most precious gift. The gift initiated on the weekend can supply you with new tools and new growth in your couple relationship. Continued use of these tools can enhance the relationship and allow it to grow.

Those with a good relationship -- will better it. Those with a weak relationship -- will strengthen it. Those with a cold relationship -- will warm it.