Couples Enrichment Retreat with Dr. C.

Retreat Highlights

• Our retreat will cover a variety of enriching topics, including, how to:
• FOSTER A MORE MINDFUL AND CONSCIOUS RELATIONSHIP
• -Explore the principles of mindful partnership.
• -Learn techniques to become more aware of each other’s needs and emotions.
• -Learn to create a “potential space” for growth as an individual and as a couple.
• -Develop the skills of the wise observer and the wise mind.
• -Understand how “who you are” impacts “who we are”.
• ENHANCE YOUR COMMUNICATION
• -Learn effective communication strategies to enhance understanding.
• -Practice active and mindful listening and giving constructive feedback.
• -Address common communication barriers and how to overcome them.
• -Build a foundation for open, authentic and heart-centered dialogue.
• -Understand and practice Wise Speech
• DEEPEN YOUR CONNECTION
• -Explore methods to build a stronger emotional and physical bond.
• -Participate in exercises aimed at increasing intimacy and trust
• -Understand the importance of vulnerability in deepening your relationship.
• -Understanding what emotional patterns might enhance or interfere with a deeper connection.
• NEGOTIATE CONFLICT MORE EFFECTIVELY WITH AWARENESS AND COMPASSION
• -Gain tools to manage and resolve conflicts in a healthy way, responding vs reacting.
• -Understand the roots of common conflicts and how to address them.
• -Practice conflict resolution techniques that promote mutual respect and understanding.
• -Understand how conflict and repair can lead to a more expansive relationship.
• OPEN A CONVERSATION ABOUT INTIMACY AND SEXUALITY
• -Create a safe space to discuss your sexual relationship openly and honestly.
• -Explore ways to enhance sexual intimacy and satisfaction.
• -Address any concerns or challenges in a supportive environment.
• -Finding presence during intimacy
• -Understanding and unpacking touch, sexual and non-sexual.

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Darrell

Darrell Christian, Ph.D.

Deep down, I consider myself a seeker, someone driven by curiosity and thirst for knowledge. Being a seeker can mean different things to different people. For me, being a seeker means exploring the unknown, uncovering potential in uncertainty, and delving into life’s mysteries to foster personal growth and enrich relationships. My interests span various fields, including Eastern philosophy, quantum physics, brain/mind functioning, spirituality, and the essence of love and compassion. As a clinical psychologist with over 30 years of experience, I specialize in working with couples. During the first 15 years of my career, I balanced private practice with roles in various agencies, where I ran training programs for doctoral students and provided supervision. I also served as Clinical Director at two agencies, managing supervising psychiatrists, psychologists, and marriage and family therapists. For the past 15 years, I have dedicated myself exclusively to private practice and work with couples. My approach to couples relationships is based on developing mindfulness and awareness to cultivate a "conscious relationship". A conscious relationship is the ability to see the needs and vulnerabilities of ourselves and our partners in a compassionate, non-judgmental way. This path of connection helps navigate challenges and conflicts throughout the lifespan for a more vibrant relationship. In pursuit of my own growth, I am very interested in exploring the unknown mysteries in our lives. The quest to understand the mysteries of life has led me to areas of interest, such as quantum physics and quantum relationships, spirituality, transformation and emotion, and the nature of suffering. In my spare time, I enjoy spending quality time with my family, sharing laughter and good times with friends, participating in a consciousness/spiritual-seeking community, and playing tennis with my wife and friends. Other personal information: Recently Read: Embracing the Beloved by Stephan and Andrea Levine, Essence of the Heart Sutra by Tenzin Gyatso, the Fourteen Dalai Lama, Matters of the Heart, John Welwood, No Death, No Fear by Thich Nhat Hanh, The Art of Living Together, The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer, Happiness, Love, and Liberation by Thich Nhat Hanh, Free Will and Determination, The Physics of God Favorites: Teachings on Love by Thich Nhat Hanh, Perfect Love, Imperfect Relationships by John Welwood, Art of Happiness by The Dalai Lama and Howard Cutler,The Elegant Universe by Brian Green, A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking and The Future of the Mind by Michio Kaku

Details of this retreat