Protect & Connect Marriage Retreat
April 26-28, 2024
Prescott, Arizona
SPACE LIMITED TO 3 COUPLES!
2 Spots Remaining! (3/3/24)
What is the Protect & Connect Marriage Retreat?
Simply put, we have developed a retreat for law enforcement couples to strengthen marriages, reduce divorce rates, and curb relationship deteriorating habits. After nearly 30 years together, a 20-year law enforcement career, two kids, and years as a trauma therapist, we want to give back and pour into our brothers and sisters behind the blue or brown line. We're inviting you to come and get back on track, save, or grow your marriage!
What's Included?
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Accommodations at an A-frame cabin in a quiet mountain neighborhood in Prescott, near hiking trails and just minutes from downtown Prescott.
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Single-occupancy bedrooms (1 couple/room), with a queen or king sized bed, for 2 nights.
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Friday evening assorted snacks, a piping hot, hearty, breakfast Saturday morning, build-your-own sandwich bar lunch, delicious Italian dinner, and Sunday morning warm toasted bagels, fresh-from-the-oven muffins, yogurt and fruit. As well as coffee, tea, water, and lemonade all weekend.
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Over 10 hours of teaching & discussion by Michelle & Chris to help you understand your spouse better, reflect on your marriage, improve your communication, and
set your marriage on the path to thriving. -
Evening campfire* with fellowship, laughter, and s'mores! *Weather permitting
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Down time to play games, create friendships, walk in the amazing nature surrounding the cabin, or just rest and reflect with your spouse.
What Topics Will You Cover?
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What is the LE culture and how does it impact you as a couple - from both spouses' perspectives!
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What your spouse needs and how the past and the LE culture stops you BOTH from meeting those needs.
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How to build community and prevent (or reduce) isolation, on both sides of the thin blue/brown line.
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Identifying your conflict patterns (and which ones predict divorce!) and how to repair and reconnect.
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Faith and Jesus will be incorporated throughout. He is our Light in this dark world!
What Do We Need to Do?
1. Register! Registering tentatively holds your spot. There's only 3 spots!
2. Pay for your spot. A Square invoice will be emailed to you within 48 hours after registration. Full payment secures your spot. Full payment is due by 4/1/24.
3. Come ready to fellowship, learn, relax, and grow in your marriage!
What Is The Agenda?
Friday
5-730pm - Arrival and settle in
730pm - Group time
Saturday
8am Breakfast
9am Group time begins!
We will have group time and couple time throughout the day and evening.
Sunday
8am Light breakfast and closing group time
10am Head home or enjoy Prescott on your own
*Subject to change, we value flexibility!
What The Retreat Is NOT
The retreat is NOT therapy. Throughout the retreat, we will be sharing information from the worlds of psychology, neuroscience, marriage, law enforcement, and our own experiences. Couples will have opportunities to discuss and apply the information privately during "Couple Time." We will not be engaging in any therapeutic exercises or processing of individual needs during the retreat. Additionally, due to Arizona Board of Behavioral Health rules, participants of the retreat may not be past counseling clients of Michelle OR receive counseling services in the future from Michelle. If counseling is needed we are happy to provide referrals.
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The retreat is not appropriate for couples currently separated or divorced. The retreat is also not appropriate if there is significant conflict or domestic violence occurring. If you are unsure about your situation, please email us and we'd be happy to chat and make referrals as needed!
Who Are We and Why Are We Doing This?
Chris and Michelle met in high school, when law enforcement was just a dream of Chris's. Not long afterwards, Chris began his career in California and Michelle quickly learned what that would mean for us as a couple. From there Michelle dove into the world of LE couples, both personally and academically. Michelle's Masters thesis explored the realities of the job - social isolation & decreased emotional expressiveness - on marital satisfaction. Michelle is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in trauma. Meanwhile, Chris worked in LE for 20 years before retiring and pursuing his second dream, teaching high school world history.
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We have been married 23 years now, survived many obstacles, and continued to beat the statistics so far! Along the way we saw how many couples are not surviving and how many lives are left in shambles due to the unique culture of law enforcement.
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In 2022 we felt God calling us to create a space where couples could learn how to beat the odds, build resilience, and ultimately, change the course of their marriage and family for generations to come. We are excited to see this dream come together!
What Is The Cost?
The cost is inclusive of
accommodations, food, and teaching.
$350 per couple
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Payments will be made to In His Strength, LLC via Square Invoice. Invoices will be emailed within 48 hours of registering. Payment is due by 4/1/24. Your spot is tentatively held until payment is made in full. Registered couples not paid in full by 4/1/24 will lose their spot and it will be made available to waiting couples.
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What about cancellations or refunds?
We have space for ONLY 3 couples for this retreat so it's vital to the group dynamic of the retreat that everyone that registers, attends. We understand that things happen though!
Cancellations will be accepted until 4/1/24 with a full refund of any monies paid minus a $12 processing fee. Cancellations between 4/2/24 and 4/14/24 will receive a 50% refund. Cancellations between 4/15/24 and 4/21/24 will receive a 25% refund. Cancellations on or after 4/22/24 will forfeit a refund. Refunds will be issued within 5 days via Square and may take 2-7 days to process by your card-issuing bank.
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PLEASE NOTE: We cannot permit children to attend.