A Marriage Intensive Experience
An FAQ Exploration of Hope Restored
What is Hope Restored: A Marriage Intensive Experience?
Focus on the Family’s Hope Restored intensives offer marriage counseling for couples who are facing a crisis in their marriage, and who may even feel they are headed for divorce. Hope Restored Intensives are all-inclusive, extended periods of counseling over multiple days that allow our team of marriage counselors to get to the root of the problem. The Focus Marital Therapy™ method is grounded in biblical principles that inform Focus on the Family’s understanding of God’s design for marriage as a sacred, lifelong covenant between a man and a woman. Hope Restored counseling tools and aftercare coaching were created to help couples who align with His intention for marriage and family.
A Hope Restored Intensive includes:
18-32 hours of counseling over 3-5 days (100% satisfaction rate with our leaders)
3-5 nights of lodging (99% satisfaction rate with our accommodations)
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day (99% satisfaction rate with our handcrafted meals)
15 weeks of aftercare, including follow-up coaching calls (80% of couples are married and significantly happier 2 years later)
*Survey results and stats updated every 6 months from all couples who attend.
What are the differences between the 3, 4, and 5 Day Intensive programs?
The 4-Day Group Intensive structure is a powerful format for helping couples move past the barriers that keep them from experiencing the marriage of their dreams. While it’s common initially for many couples to be reluctant to discuss their relationship in front of others, our participants repeatedly offer high praise for the group format on post-Intensive surveys.
The 4-day format includes:
- Approximately 32 hours of marriage counseling with our team of counselors.
- A safe and supportive environment with a maximum of five couples and two marriage counselors.
- 4 days and 5 nights in luxury accommodations with all meals served on location.
- A participant manual and other follow-up services.
- The 5-Day Couple’s Intensive is our premier intensive experience, providing the highly focused care of any Hope Restored Intensive. While all our individual programs are tailored to couples’ specific needs, this longer format allows for more flexibility as you determine, with the counselors, the direction of each day’s sessions.
The 5-day format includes:
- Approximately 38 hours of marriage counseling with a guaranteed male/female team.
- A safe, supportive, and private environment.
- 5 days and 5 nights in luxury accommodations with all meals served on location.
- A participant manual and other follow-up services.
The 3-Day Couple’s Intensive utilizes the same powerful principles as the 4-Day Group Intensive, yet is perfectly designed to provide additional privacy during marriage counseling, enhanced individual care, and greater scheduling flexibility.
The 3-day format includes:
- Approximately 18 hours of exclusive marriage counseling with one or two Hope Restored counselors.
- 3 days and 3 nights in luxury accommodations with all meals served on location.
- A participant manual and other follow-up services.
Call us at 1-866-781-1270 to learn more about our intensive programs.
How is a Hope Restored: Marriage Intensive Experience different from weekly marriage counseling?
Reduced Distractions: Traditional counseling can be very effective and beneficial; however, progress is often very slow and frustrating when the issues feel overwhelming. The Intensive format was designed to allow individuals to get to the root of their issues, with ample time to focus on resolution and growth. The extended amount of time spent within the Intensive setting gives couples the opportunity to go deeper without many of the distractions of daily life, and time to stay long enough to consider the solutions available to them.
Efficiency: One of the first steps in the Intensive process is an extensive assessment and questionnaire prior to your arrival. This allows the counselor to gather background information and get an idea of the best way to proceed before you arrive for your session. Our couples often say “it is like receiving a year’s worth of therapy in 3-5 days”, which allows you to make progress quickly in a shorter amount of time than with weekly counseling.
Our Counselors: Our counselors are specialists in the area of marriage counseling. One analogy we like to use is that of the Mayo Clinic people go to their regular physician, but they may also be referred to a specialist for help in specific areas. Hope Restored marriage therapists have been trained in the Intensive counseling format to maximize its effectiveness. In addition, several of the Intensive programs provide the perspectives and insights of two professionals, rather than just one.
What if I am already divorced and seeking restoration?
We do offer private intensives for couples who are seeking reconciliation after divorce. For further information, we encourage you to Call Us and speak with a Hope Restored representative.
What if my spouse is not open to attending an Intensive program?
Just like a physical doctor can’t call his patients and say, “I think you have a cold — please come in for an appointment”, our ethics don’t allow us to pursue your spouse on your behalf. We have a few recommendations to begin the conversation with your spouse:
- Present this as something you’ve come across that you are interested in trying. Ask if he or she would be willing to watch one of our testimony videos with you.
- Don’t use high pressure. Allow them the safety of coming to the decision in their own time.
- Your spouse may feel better to hear that we are not interested in forcing or guilting anyone to stay in their marriage. We create a safe and healing environment for the individual first, and then the couple.
- You are welcome to give your spouse our number (866-875-2915) so they have their own questions answered safely and confidentially.
- Download our ‘How to Talk to Your Spouse About an Intensive‘ sheet for ideas and tips on how to approach the subject of an intensive program.
Additionally, in the Intensive programs we emphasize the importance of “self-care.” If your spouse is unwilling to attend an Intensive, we still want to help you walk this journey in a healthy way. While the majority of our programs are designed for couples in crisis, we do have a program that is designed to help individuals get to a healthy place personally and be an encouragement toward positive change relationally. Call us for personalized information on our 3-Day Spouse’s Intensive.
What if my spouse and/or I do not feel comfortable in a group marriage counseling setting?
We hear this concern quite often. For many, it sounds intimidating to think of sharing in a group setting. Many couples arrive dreading the group marriage counseling format, and yet our group format has a 99% satisfaction rate! The group setting does not use a cookie-cutter format, and is customized and practical based on the concerns and needs expressed in the group
Benefits of a group intensive:
- Many people think their issues are uniquely weird or bad. When you see others dealing with similar issues, there’s a big relief to move from thinking “We’re terrible!” to “We’re not terrible, we’re just struggling, and not alone.”
- Many who struggle with affairs, pornography, or childhood abuse have found it therapeutic to discuss their challenges with others in the group under the leadership of a counselor. Processing through private struggles with other caring persons and a caring counselor helps the person not feel so isolated and alone.
- It’s common to feel emotionally overwhelmed when in the “hot seat” of therapy. This can hamper your brain from remembering and applying the principles of the session. Group work gives your brain some “rests” to learn, grow, and heal in a less emotionally charged way. We often hear from people that some of their biggest insights come from what they see happen in the other couples.
Our consultants are just a call away to answer your questions about the group setting.
Are there cases when you would NOT recommend that a couple take part in a Hope Restored Intensive?
There are three circumstances when we are likely to suggest that a couple seek an alternative route prior to further consideration for an intensive.
- Our intensives are for anyone who wants help for their marriage. Yet, there is a wide variety in the types of problems that couples face. Therefore we have a screening process to determine best fit of our program to you and your relationship. On occasion we may make recommendations to a couple about the type of intensive, or about the need to take some steps before coming an intensive.
- Current substance addiction: The individual would need to complete, or be actively involved in, a rehabilitation program before participating in a Hope Restored Intensive. To have a fair chance of being effective, individuals need to be attentive throughout the Intensive without chemical influence or impairment.
- Current physical or emotional affair: The program’s effectiveness depends on two individuals who are focusing on their marriage. The affair must be cut off, and both partners need to focus and commit to the present relationship prior to registering for an Intensive. Even if you are unsure about the future, there needs to be at least a temporary commitment to focusing on this opportunity with an open heart.
- Case of domestic abuse or violence: If domestic violence is active in your relationship, we recommend that you seek help in your local community or contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233. It is best for you to get the help you need individually before seeking marriage counseling. You can consult with your individual provider to help determine when you are ready for relational work.
What if my spouse and/or I do not feel comfortable staying in the same room together?
We realize that rooming arrangements might be a concern for some couples because they are currently separated or they simply don’t feel comfortable staying in the same room together. We are committed to making sure each couple’s stay is as safe and comfortable as possible. If additional rooms are needed, our team is happy to provide you with the needed information to make these arrangements (the additional room cost will be the couple’s responsibility).
Will my insurance cover all or a part of the cost for the Hope Restored Intensive?
Focus on the Family recommends that all clients contact their insurance company or human resources department prior to coming to an Intensive to clarify what benefits may apply. When requested by the client, we will provide a detailed receipt with a diagnosis and CPT code for your insurance purposes. This receipt will show the marriage counselor and clinic information, EIN, License number and the amount the client has paid. However, Focus on the Family does not submit to insurance companies on behalf of participants of Hope Restored Intensives.
What airport should I use when traveling to an Intensive?
Missouri:
For Intensives in Branson, we recommend:
- Springfield-Branson Regional (1 hour drive)
- North Arkansas Regional airport (2.5 hour drive)
- Tulsa, Oklahoma; Kansas City, MO; St. Louis, MO (all about 3.5-4 hour drive)
Michigan:
For Intensives in Greenville, we recommend:
- Grand Rapids Airport (45 minute drive)
- Detroit Airport (2.5 hour drive)
- Chicago O’Hare Airport (4 hour drive)
Texas:
For Intensives in Wimberley, we recommend:
- San Antonio International Airport (1 hour drive)
- Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (1.5 hour drive)
Arizona:
For Arizona Intensives, we recommend:
- Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (about an hour drive)
- Phoenix-Mesa Getaway Airport (1.5 hour drive)
What happens after the intensive?
A Hope Restored Marriage Intensive is a one-time service, but our goal is the long-term health of your marriage. With this in mind, we have several resources for our alumni:
- Participants are given a Hope Restored manual to work through to supplement the experience following the Intensive.
- Each couple is assigned a coach to provide a minimum of two follow-up coaching sessions.
- Couples are invited to our alumni website which has information, videos, and other resources to assist couples in their journey.
- For couples who were working with a therapist in their area prior to attending a Hope Restored Intensive, our counselors can connect with those local therapists in order to update them on progress made during the Intensive. This is subject to the disclosure process.
- Alumni are invited to attend one of our Marriage Getaways at one of our marriage centers for a discounted rate. These enrichment events can be a great reminder of the principles and tools from the intensive. There are 5 different types that couples can attend.
- If further help is needed, couples are eligible to participate in a second Hope Restored Intensive at a discounted rate.
What is the price?
Prices for Group and Private Intensives are as follows:
- 4-Day Group – From $3,950.00
- 3-Day Private with 1 therapist – From $5,450.00
- 3-Day Private with 2 therapists – From $5,950.00
- 5-Day Private – From $11,950.00
In a group intensive, are there any breakout sessions for individual couples with the counselors?
No. The 4-Day Group intensive is a group experience that has proven to be profoundly impactful for many couples. Those who attend address their issues in the room with others and they see the other couples do the same. The mutual sharing of struggle and growth can help move beyond barriers that have kept couples stuck for years. If you have concerns about the group, talk with one of our registrars, and keep in mind that if you want private time with a counselor, you can consider our private intensive options.
What does a typical day look like?
Below is the schedule for a 4-Day Couples Intensive. Private Intensives are structured similarly, with a 3 ½-hour session in the morning after breakfast, a 3 ½ hour session in the afternoon following lunch, and free time for couples to connect in the evenings after dinner.
Sunday
- Check in after 4:00 P.M.
- Dinner – 5:30 P.M.
Monday-Thursday
- Breakfast – 8:15 A.M.
- Session – 9:00 A.M.
- Lunch – 12:30 P.M.
- Session – 1:30 P.M.
- Dinner – 5:30 P.M.
Friday
- Breakfast – 8:15 A.M.
- Check out by 9:30 A.M.
Do you have a statement of faith?
Our Statement of Faith reads as follows:
- We believe the Bible to be the inspired, only infallible, authoritative Word of God. (Matthew 4:4, Matthew 5:18, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:20-21)
- We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (Deuteronomy 6:4, 2 Corinthians 13:14)
- We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father and in His personal return in power and glory. (Zechariah 4: 4-11, Matthew 24-25, Luke 1:35, John 1:1, John 1:14, John 14:1-3, Acts 1:11, Romans 3:24-26, Hebrews 7:25, Titus 2:13, Revelation 19-20)
- We believe that for the salvation of lost and sinful humanity, regeneration by the Holy Spirit through faith in Jesus Christ is absolutely essential. (Genesis 1:26, Genesis 3:1-24, John 1:12, Romans 3:23, Romans 5:10-12, Ephesians 1:17, Ephesians 2:8-12, Titus 3:5-6)
- We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life. (John 3:3-7, John 16:7-11, Romans 8:9, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Galatians 5:16-25)
- We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost, they who are saved unto the resurrection of life and they who are lost unto the resurrection of damnation. (Matthew 25:31-46, John 5:28-29, John 11:25-26, 1 Thessalonians 4:14, Revelation 20:12-13)
- We believe the institution of marriage is a sacred covenant designed by God to model the love of Christ for His people and to serve both the public and private good as the basic building block of human civilization. Marriage is intended to be a thriving, lifelong relationship between one man and one woman. (Genesis 2:22-24; Matthew 19:4-6)
- We believe in the value of male and female. God created humans in His image, intentionally and immutably male and female, each bringing unique and complementary qualities to human sexuality and to relationships. Sexuality is a glorious gift from God to be offered back to Him in marriage for procreation, union, and mutual delight. (Romans 12:1-2)
The Statement of Faith does not exhaust the extent of our beliefs. The Bible itself — as the inspired and infallible Word of God that speaks with final authority concerning truth, morality, and the proper conduct of humanity — is the sole and final source of all that we believe. The therapeutic counseling approach and tools used at Hope Restored are based on biblical principles that inform Focus on the Family’s understanding of God’s design for marriage and family. For purposes of Focus on the Family’s faith, doctrine, practice, policy, and discipline, our Board of Directors is Focus’ final interpretive authority on the Bible’s meaning and application.
Contact Us for More Information!
We know it can take courage to ask for help in your marriage. You can schedule a free 15-minute consult to understand more about the Hope Restored marriage intensives at a time that’s convenient for you, or send us a message and we will contact you to help answer any questions.
