TESTIMONIALS
It’s a game changer for your relationship.
Amanda Mellen
A feeling of fun, safety, and inclusion. Michele is highly skilled, real, and compassionate. The retreat allowed us to get real about our issues while making real progress in our relationship. Don't change your realness and the adventure of it. Loved the homestead trip together as a group.:) After class, when we all got together as friends, we often debriefed - this was a valuable casual time for us as a group. People asked questions of each other that maybe they didn't feel comfortable asking in a structured setting. A very valuable time.
Gwen - Washington
I would say that it was truly one of the most unique and valuable experiences of my life. The environment was safe, fun and encouraging. Don't change the intimate setting, your involvement and vulnerability with those that you are coaching.
N - Washington
These retreats provide the perfect opportunity to prioritize your relationship without distraction in a safe, supportive, loving environment. Regardless of where you're starting, you will gain skills and insight into what is happening within your relationship, as well as within your partner. Keep doing what you're doing, you're so obviously changing lives and relationships.
Kate Mellen - Indianapolis, IN
I highly recommend it! It doesn’t matter what stage your relationship is in, this experience will benefit you. We were able to open up in a way we haven’t been able to do on our own, and we continue to use the skills at home. The friends we made were an added bonus. We had such a good time! The way you and Kristen interact with couples. You treated us like friends not clients. It made it really easy to let my guard down quickly. A+, I feel so thankful for the experience. No matter how things turn out, we are going to be better co-parents because of the tools and knowledge we have gained, so thank you, I accomplished my goal.
An enjoyable and enlightening learning experience. The structure of the retreat sessions created a safe place that allowed all the "feels" to come to the surface. I highly recommend it to all couples who are looking to deepen their connection.
Frankie - Jackson, NJ
It was fantastic. I simply cannot put the experience into words, the best thing I can say is GO!!! Experience this wonderful retreat for yourself! Your life is sure to change for the better!
Tricia Williams - Rubicon, WI
Enjoyed it! Cathie and I had a chance to reconnect and understand each other better. It was easy to open up and share even with the other couples present. Nice to have a safe environment to discuss issues that pertain to lesbian couples. I enjoyed getting to know Kristen and seeing/hearing stories about your relationship and the struggles you face. Definitely a dynamic duo!
Aja Atwood
I didn't know what to expect going into the weekend, but I was very impressed overall. It was a nice mix of lecture materials for the group and couple role plays with a focus on couple-specific issues. The tools learned during the seminar are very applicable. Highly recommended! Good food, a wonderful mix of people, good book to take home. Honestly, I wish it was longer!!
Lindsay Thorstenson, Buda, TX
The retreat was challenging, trans-formative, and eye-opening. I feel rejuvenated in my marriage. We put in a lot of intensive work but balanced it with quality time together. I feel so lucky to have been able to go and feel like it was the best decision we could have made. You have to go!
Anna K - Eugene, OR
This retreat was an amazing reset for our relationship. It was a chance for us to reconnect and also learn so many tools to be better as a couple. It helped us build a better foundation and gave a roadmap to come back to if we get off course. Can’t wait to go again! Loved the take-home workbook that we can use as a guide moving forward! So glad that we stayed in the Airbnb house...made things so much easier! Thank you!!
What an amazing experience! Nothing I would have thought it would be like and I really felt like I learned more about myself that I never thought I could. I learned a deep love for my partner, how we communicate and what it means to be in a relationship together.
Lyndsey Ketchum-Harkless,
Springiled, OR
It was very well put together and the content was incredibly helpful in learning how to navigate through communication issues. Michelle is a total pro at relationships and asking people to dig deep. She’s very good at finding ways to help couples look past the weeds to the real heart of the matter.
Bridget
Los Angeles, CA
It was an awesome experience. We learned practical approaches to some of our most common communication obstacles. I truly went from feeling very alone, to feeling like a part of a larger whole all working to become better couples. I really loved using the Retreat Communication app to stay in touch, loved the intense sessions broken up by time to unwind and sightsee, and was excited to come home with a workbook of techniques to continue or try.
Hillary Pesson
Memphis, TN
The Lesbian Couples Retreat was a beneficial experience where I walked away with better skills to communicate with my wife and a new set of friends. The experience was enlightening and confirming because we weren't the only couple experiencing struggles in their relationship.Michele will break down the barriers blocking you from moving past your issues but will support you through the entire process in a very kind way...even though you may not see that in the moment. ;)
Angela Lamb - Memphsi, TN
It was nothing like what you would conjure up in your head! It was engaging, and very informative. You only need like 2 flannels (:D). Michele is a master at ferreting out the feelings/emotions you need to focus on.
Piper - Bloomington, IN
It was great! Even though Michele is our therapist, I wasn’t sure what to expect. We learned so much, really enjoyed meeting new people and appreciated the built-in downtime. You were definitely right about how much more ground we were able to cover. Being able to hear other couples interact and discuss their stories is a priceless part of the learning experience (and not at all intimidating, which I thought it would be!)
Emily
Bloomington, IN
It was absolutely amazing! We didn’t want to leave! Michele is the best counselor I’ve ever been to. She has the innate ability to make everyone feel comfortable and share. Michele and Kristen - you guys are a great team and I enjoyed how you both shared your couple stories! Kristen did a fantastic job taking care of logistics - personally making sure we were comfortable and well fed!
Carolee - Arlington, VA
It was awesome! I was a little hesitant-not sure what to expect. We both were. From the time we entered the house, it was a safe and welcoming environment. Michele is AMAZING So knowledgeable and cares about everyone, regardless of what issues are at hand.
Kristen is the Hostess with the Mostest. Thank you both for everything.
Kristn - Arlington, VA
I was completely blown away by the Boot Camp, the content was amazing, the atmosphere (even virtually) was so warm and welcoming, Michele and Kristen facilitated such a wonderful weekend. My wife and I took so many useful tools away from this weekend. We are so grateful we found Adventures in Love. It's very educational and is an amazing experience to see what other couples may be experiencing. To help better prepare ourselves for how to handle certain situations we may not have come across yet. I can't speak highly enough about both you and your wife. This retreat, to say the least, was very much an eye-opener for me. On how I can have a more positive approach to things and to be the best version of myself within our relationship.
It is an enlightening experience that has the propensity to create a healthy dialog between the couple. The short-term impact is that you learn the skills to have effective dialog. The long term goal is that this methodology will continue. I enjoyed the virtual camp as opposed to the in person. The reason is that we have kids and I did not have to figure out who would care for them in our absence. Also, there is a comfort in being in your own familiar space. It is very helpful and good to know that we are not the only couple experiencing similar problems. The other couples give insight into addressing those issues. Extremely, because there is way more exchange of ideas to overcome the challenges that we experience as a couple.
Valerie Jackson - Houston, TX
Hands down, must do. No questions asked!! Very helpful tools and very simple ways to apply them. It was like a year of couples counseling in one weekend, with concrete examples, tools, and help. We tackled hard conversations in what seemed impossible before, in 3 days, with ease and with help and guidance. For me, my wife and I don't know too many lesbian couples in our neighborhood (we live in Arizona...) and it was so refreshing to see so many lesbian couples together working on similar issues. It felt so welcoming, and helped us work through our "problems" by learning from others. Loved it!
Jade - Phoenix, AZ
A mind-blowing experience in which I felt that Michele nurtured the relationship and our love for each other while gentlely leading us to truths about ourselves. Nothing like what I expected, and one of the best experiences I can imagine. A wonderful, positive, safe, nurturing, and, above all, fun environment for opening up and learning skills to make our relationship the best it can be.
Chris O- Jackson, NJ
It is very well worth it, you learn a lot about yourself that maybe you didn't realize before and you do learn new things about your partner. It's comforting because you see other people with the same issues but different situations and it lets you know that you are not alone. It saves you money and it's more indeed than couples counseling. I can't wait to go and do a face-to-face boot camp.
Maria Sostre - Milwaukee, WI
It was worth my time because it gave me actionable feedback on how to approach conversations with my spouse. Also, it was just nice to spend time with a group of lesbians. it is helpful to hear other couples bring real examples to the class so you can learn from them rather than always using your own, sometimes too painful, examples to learn from. There is less "talking through" your week and more guided learning which we needed. I need someone to push me to understand something rather than just reflecting on your week.
Roda Hajo, Phoenix, AZ
I think this is worth going once a year! It is truly an investment in the the most important relationship you have here on this earth. The focus is on how to communicate with each other and who doesn’t need that?!? So many communication skills apply to other areas of my life too.We are all human and learn at our own speed. It is so refreshing to be with other couples who desire to learn and grow. This means we commit to be vulnerable with each other and give grace which becomes the soil for our own growth. It is structured and guided throughout a whole weekend which allows you to dig deeper and come to terms with your own responsibility and freedom to choose change for yourself which then blossoms into liberty and growth in your relationship.
Highly recommended if you want to foster effective communication in your relationship, explore potential roadblocks, and learn more about your partner’s point of view. We learn from each other. Not just from our differences, but also what we have in common: we aren’t alone. It’s an immersive crash course in communication—fantastic!
Christy, Indiana
It’s worth every penny and hands down the best relationship information we’ve received.
Kimberly Meyer, Belleville, IL
This is an incredible experience and opportunity for deeper connection and growth, no matter what stage of relationship yours may be. We are a relatively "new" couple of almost 9 months and chose to participate as a proactive step in building upon our foundation. It exceeded our expectations! Initially (working with other couples) felt more vulnerable, but it quickly became a critical element that enhanced the exercises because we were able to watch and learn from them, & relate to their experiences. Conversely, it felt nice when other couples could relate to our dynamic/experiences and share how they connected. It jumps right into the work of the counseling without so much of the "getting to know us" type deal. The exercises are similar, but by having an "audience" of other couples, it really enhances the experience by sharing/learning with and from them. It's more concentrated and powerful in the group! Extraordinarily well done, Michele and Kristen; having you both share your perspectives lent a nice balance and more personalized touch to the boot camp! I So glad that we decided to do this so early on in our relationship...enhanced "us" so much!
This is a must do for your relationship. Whether you have been together for 2 years or 20….it is a game changer. Amazing material. Amazing coaching. Amazing tools for communication. Seriously amazing. Truly something that was magical. An experience that will not be forgotten.
Lori, Salt Lake, Utah
It was wonderfully unexpected. Amazing to see and interact with so many power couples in one setting. Great time, great vacation, great people. The thirty minute session break out with Michele was really helpful, it had been a while since feeling seen. Having both Michele and Kristen there during the group sessions was helpful, they have such a great dynamic. The course material was nothing I had ever heard before it's all woman to woman pronouns. Can't wait to join another experience in the future. Thank you for your time, wisdom and patience.
K. C. Milwaukee, WI
It breathed new life into my marriage. I was afraid it would just rehash what we’d done in years of couple’s therapy but it got much deeper in a shorter amount of time and gave us immediately actionable tools and skills. I loved being able to witness and learn from all the other fantastic couples in attendance. Michele and Kristen are so real and committed to walking the talk. 10/10 recommend. The dynamic of you and Kristen being present during the sessions. It was valuable to have you both there demonstrating a real love that deals with real problems, just like we all have. I thought it showed an advanced level of using the tools we were introduced to. #relationshipgoals The recordings have such valuable information and I’m happy to have them as an ongoing resource. Just wow. The retreat helped me learn how to discover my true feelings and needs and express them effectively. I feel more understood and that has renewed my hope for relationship success. Our conflicts decreased and we are more focused on loving each other. I’m so grateful to have had this uniquely wonderful experience. Thank you.
It was an amazing, life-changing experience. The space created made it comfortable to share and be vulnerable. There is something truly amazing about sharing space and learning with other lesbian couples.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
It was great! It goes over a lot of information and helps couples communicate in more effective ways. It really goes to the heart. It was helpful to hear other couples’ stories and Michelle had great insight into behavioral patterns and ways to make practical changes. I’m very thankful! It helped my marriage a lot and we made new friends. A million thank yous!
Denton, Texas
The retreat was worth every penny! If you want to be closer to your partner and learn how to talk to your partner or wife in a more directed and non-confrontational way, this retreat gives you the skills to do so. Not only was it such a lovely retreat, but the women that attended were all so fantastic and forthcoming. I felt safe and that was important, as I wasn't sure going into it that I would feel that way.
It ended up being far better and more useful than I expected! It helped to be able to learn from other couples and the coaching that they received. The atmosphere was one that allowed trust and vulnerability between couples and within the group. The adventures and free time also allowed opportunities to get to know other couples and/or have some alone time to reconnect. Honestly it was a wonderful experience and we are excited to continue on in the cohort for accountability and connection.
Flagstaff, AZ
Go. I think our most repeated line since Utah has been “everyone needs a lesbian couples retreat”!
Kelly Lynch, Texas
Clone yourself, Michele. The world is impacted by your vision, your process with Kristen, and respect you bring to the experience. Idk if this happens every time (at the retreats) but I hope you offer these as your heart and schedule are able.
The level of honesty and accountability that you and Kristin bring to the table in both group and individual sessions. Trust fall stands out in my mind as this door is open. Whether or not to sit on the stoop or come inside for a cup of coffee, there is a clear hand extended at all times to be vulnerable and safe but at your own pace. This experience was incredibly powerful in so many ways and has reignited a once seemingly lost understanding of love and my wife. My eyes have been opened in such a short span of time that I didn’t know was possible until attending this beautifully safe oasis. Michele, you truly have made a difference in my life and I am thankful to have met you and your passion for love. Thank you
ANNONYMOUS
The retreat is an investment in yourself and your relationship. It provides an opportunity to learn about yourself, your partner and your relationship. It provides you with tools to enhance your understanding of each other, improve your communication and strengthen the relationship. It is well balanced with work and fun! There is the bonus of building a community with other couples.
Isis, California
AMAZING! My gf and I knew we loved the hell out of each other but had hit a rough spot and basically lost hope in our own abilities to get through… I had no idea what to expect, but wow did it feel like divine intervention! We learned so much about ourselves and each other (thru tears and laughter) and returned home with new understanding and HOPE. Total game changer! JUST GO! Best $ ever spent… The humor, the safe space for openness and vulnerability, the flexibility, and all that you are and bring to these experiences. In witnessing Michele & Kristen’s realness together, we observed the gift of two people who love the hell out of each other and want to do all they can to make it work in a beautiful way. You are 2 wholehearted people, which to me was like seeing a unicorn x2! Thanks!! I want to thank you for taking the time to SEE us and for creating a space where we can safely go deeper within ourselves and honor the thoughtful process of communicating with love and understanding. In doing so, we are able to break the habits of unproductive and even detrimental conversations. I have learned that the goal is not to prevent conflict; rather, magic is the way in which we repair!
This experience was incredibly impactful to not only understanding how our past influences how we show up today on but also in gathering tools to continue developing the healthiest relationships. The community and connection that quickly develops during the retreat is priceless. We left feeling energized, committed, and filled with passion for the next chapter of our story.
Amber Rossville, Leadville, CO
If you are a lesbian couple… just sign up. Honestly, right now. Go to the website and register for a retreat. You won’t be sorry. Michelle is a skilled professional and creates an environment of healing that works for all types of folks. The information is easy to apply but with a powerful impact. And the retreat schedule leaves plenty of room for the respective couple’s needs. Who you are. You personally made the retreat for me. Your calm pace, confidence, warmth, honest humanity, compassion, tenacity with individuals. I feel safe with you, Michele. I’m so grateful that lesbian couples have you in our corner. Thanks for seeing us through your healing lens.
Cole Strauher, PhD, Oregon
My marriage is changed. I underestimated the value of this retreat, honestly. The entire experience of those that sought Michele’s perspective and respected the process undoubtedly walked away changed, indefinitely. My sincerest condolences to anyone that attends and denies vulnerability. You truly did / would rob yourself and your partnership. Feeling: beholden (to myself)
Annonymous
Never in a million years would I think that a simple google search would have truly been a life-changing intervention and experience. The retreat challenged me both personally and in relationships in ways that will forever impact how I navigate through life and walk beside my spouse each and every day. One word: Awakened. The experience was priceless and I am forever grateful.
Annonymous
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