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Hope and Healing Begin at Our Branson, Missouri Marriage Center

If your marriage feels stuck, overwhelmed, or in crisis, you don’t have to walk this road alone. Hope Restored offers focused, Christ-centered marriage intensives designed to help couples reconnect and move forward.

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Call 1-866-875-2915

Our Greenville, Michigan Marriage Center is designed to provide a calm, private, and distraction-free environment where healing work can begin.

Upcoming Availability at Our Branson, Missouri Marriage Center

Next Available Dates:

December-February

  • Jan 19-22: FULL
  • Jan 26-29: Filling Quickly
  • Feb 2-5: Filling Quickly
  • Feb 9-12
  • Feb 16-19
  • Feb 23-26

March-April

  • March 2-5
  • March 9-12
  • March 16-19
  • March 23-26
  • March 30-April 2
  • April 7-10
  • April 13-16
  • April 20-23
  • April 27-30

May-June

  • May 4-7
  • May 11-14
  • May 18-21
  • May 26-29
  • June 1-4
Check Availability for Branson, Missouri:
Schedule a Consultation
Call 1-866-875-2915

How Does it Work?

Unlike weekly counseling, Hope Restored offers an immersive marriage intensive that allows couples to address deep issues in a focused, supportive environment over just a few days.

Focused, Immersive Care

Couples spend 3–5 days working with licensed Christian Therapist using Focus on the Family’s proven marital therapy model.

Supportive Environment

Lodging and meals are included, allowing you to fully engage without everyday distractions.

Continued Support

Aftercare resources and coaching options help couples continue the progress they begin during their intensive.

The Therapy

Most couples attend Hope Restored as part of a small group intensive. In this setting, Therapists teach, guide, and work with couples together while also providing focused, personal interaction with each couple throughout the experience.

This approach allows couples to:

  • Learn alongside others facing similar challenges
  • Receive direct attention from counselors within the group setting
  • Apply insights to their own marriage in real time

(Private intensives are available as well.)

Is This the Right Next Step for Your Marriage?

This Intensive May be a Good Fit if You:

  • Feel stuck, disconnected, or overwhelmed
  • Are facing infidelity, betrayal, or deep conflict
  • Have tried counseling without lasting progress
  • Need focused help now, not months from now
  • Want a Christ-centered, clinically informed approach

This May not be the Right Fit if:

  • You are seeking individual therapy only
  • You are not ready to engage honestly and fully
If you’re unsure, our team can help you discern next steps.
Schedule a Consultation
Call 1-866-875-2915

Meet the Therapists Serving Couples at Our Branson, Missouri Center

Our licensed Christian Therapist are trained in Focus on the Family’s Marital Therapy Model and are committed to walking alongside couples with compassion, wisdom, and clarity.

Vice President, Focus on the Family Marriage Institute

Robert S. Paul

MS, LPC

Robert received his Bachelor’s Degree from Evangel University, his Master’s Degree from Georgia State University, and a Diploma in Christian Counseling and an honorary doctorate from Psychological Studies Institute. He holds a license in the states of Missouri, Georgia, and Michigan as a Professional Counselor. He is an accomplished speaker who presents regularly at professional conferences and enrichment events both nationally and internationally.

He has appeared on numerous radio and television programs and has co-authored four books including; The DNA of Relationships, with Drs. Gary and Greg Smalley, The DNA of Relationships for Couples with Dr. Greg Smalley, and  9 Lies That Will Destroy Your Marriage – and the Truths That Will Save It and Set It Free with Dr. Greg Smalley.

Robert and his wife, Jenni, live in Springfield, Missouri, have been married for over 40 years. They have four children and six grandchildren.

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Robert K. Burbee

PhD, Lic Psy

Dr. Bob Burbee has more than 3 7 years of experience as a licensed psychologist working with individuals, couples, families, and groups. As one of Focus on the Family Marriage Institute (FMI) therapists Bob leads both Group Intensives and Private Marriage Intensives. In addition to his therapy responsibilities Bob provides leadership in training other therapists in Focus Marital Therapy.

Dr. Burbee has been involved with Intensive programs since 2000 and was part of the team at Smalley Relationship Center that helped support Robert Paul in developing the Intensive programs. He has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in psychology. Marriage and family issues have long been an area of special interest for Dr. Burbee, and he speaks frequently to groups on these topics in seminars, retreats, and workshops.

Bob and his wife Mary Jo are active in their church contributing to children and family ministries including facilitating occasional adult education offerings. Bob and Mary Jo have four grown children and reside in Springfield, Missouri.

Clinical Director

Brett Sparks 

PsyD, Lic Psy

Dr. Brett Sparks is a licensed psychologist who joined the team in 2003 after his service as a staff psychologist in the U.S. Navy. He is an Intensive therapist as well as the Clinical Director over all sites. It is his desire to serve Christ and see marriages and individuals thrive. He has experienced the challenges and joys of marriage to his wife, Jennifer, since their journey began in 1993. They have three young adult children, two daughters and a son, preparing for and pursuing their vocations.

Max M. Loya

MA, LPC

Max has over 35 years of experience working with couples and families in different cultures. As an ordained minister, Max served as a missionary in Latin America for 14 years. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, Max led the fatherhood program at a crisis pregnancy center and was the Clinical Director of a residential facility for youth with emotional and behavioral issues. Max and his wife, Carol, have been married for over 40 years and have 7 children. They live in Springfield, MO, where they also have their own counseling practice.

Clinical Director, Missouri

Ryan Pannell

MA, LMFT

Ryan Pannell is a Licensed Marital and Family Therapist and a licensed minister. Prior to coming to Focus on the Family, he was the Director of Counseling at Doulos Ministries in Branson, Missouri, for 6 years. Previously, Ryan was the founder and director of the Woodland Hills Counseling Center in Branson. He was also a Baptist minister in Oklahoma for 6 years before entering the counseling profession. Ryan and his wife Brenda have been married since 1996 and have 1 daughter, 3 sons and a son-in-law.

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Scott Schmidt

LPC

Scott received his Bachelor of Science in Psychology and his Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Evangel University. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Missouri. Scott has also worked in private practice since 2013. He joined the team at Focus Marriage Institute in 2017. Scott and his wife Penny married in 1998 and are blessed with three wonderful children, one son and two daughters. Scott loves family time, vacations, and holidays spent together. He and his wife are also active in their church, serving together as volunteers. Some of Scott’s other interests include reading, woodworking, and spending time in outdoor activities.

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Tim Williams

Phd.D., LPC

Tim received his Master’s Degree in Education from Missouri Baptist University and a PhD in Counseling from Liberty University. He is a licensed professional counselor in Missouri. He is also an adjunct online professor for Liberty University where he has taught online courses since 2007, supervised online instructors, and been involved in curriculum development.

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Jennifer Acord

MA, LPC

Jenny received her Master of Arts Degree in Counseling with a concentration in Marriage and Family therapy. Families have been the focus of her ministry and she feels privileged to be allowed to journey beside couples as they experience God’s miraculous healing powers. She has been married to her husband, Rick, since 1991 with three children and adding to their family as the Lord blesses. They currently live in Springfield, MO.

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Rick Acord

MA, PLPC

Richard (Rick) earned his Bachelor’s degree in Pastoral Ministry from Central Bible College and his Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Concordia University, Irvine. Additionally, he is a licensed minister and a contract counselor at Synergy Counseling Center in Springfield Missouri. He has spent most of his adult life in youth ministry. His desire is for all to find hope and healing. He firmly believes in the power of the counseling relationship in that it has the potential to provide insight, change, and overall mental health wellness. He hopes his personal and professional experiences can be an aid to clients. He and his wife Jenny have been married since 1991. Together, they have a growing family with adult children, grandchildren, and a dog named Belle.

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Verlette Berndt

MA, LPC

As a marriage intensive therapist since 2005, Verlette loves journeying alongside individuals and couples on the way to healing, restoration and reconnection. She received her Master of Arts in Counseling from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary in 1995 and is a licensed professional counselor. Having also been a licensed minister, youth pastor, and then a counselor for families in crisis, she is dedicated to assist couples in healing and rebuilding from the inevitable struggles of life. Verlette and her husband Chris were married in 1999 and are devoted to their two precious daughters.

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Ken Bryant

PhD, LPC, NCC

Ken Bryant has a Ph.D. in Counselor Education from the University of North Texas-Denton, an M.S. in Counseling from Pittsburg State University, a B.A.in Psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia, and a B.A. in Biblical Literature for Ozark Christian College. Ken is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri and Colorado and a National Certified Counselor. Ken serves as the Founder/President of Oak Tree Marriage & Family Ministries. He served as a church pastor for over 30 years. Ken and his wife, Carol, have been married since 1970 and have been blessed with four sons, four daughters-in-law, and have grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Lisa Butler

EdS, LPC

Lisa has been married to her husband Charlie since 1998. Lisa and Charlie have two boys and reside in Springfield. Lisa has a MA degree in Educational Psychology and an Educational Specialist degree in school psychology from the University of Colorado-Denver. Lisa worked as a school psychologist in Colorado for over 15 years until her family moved to Missouri. Lisa is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She provides counseling and she teaches her own parenting curriculum, Positive & Powerful Christian Parenting at McGuire Christian Counseling. Lisa has been a part of the Hope Restored ministry since 2018. She considers it a privilege to come alongside couples on their healing journey.

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Lyndsey Cherry

MA, LPC

Lyndsey is a Licensed Professional Counselor with the State of Missouri. Lyndsey was in private practice for 6 years in Springfield, MO with McGuire Christian Counseling where she worked with a wide variety of individuals, families, and couples. She is thrilled to be part of the Focus on the Family team and loves to see the insight and healing that individuals and couples experience during an intensive. Lyndsey and her husband, Jeff, have been married since 2006 and have three children.

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Rachelle Colegrove

MA, LPC

Lyndsey is a Licensed Professional Counselor with the State of Missouri. Lyndsey was in private practice for 6 years in Springfield, MO with McGuire Christian Counseling where she worked with a wide variety of individuals, families, and couples. She is thrilled to be part of the Focus on the Family team and loves to see the insight and healing that individuals and couples experience during an intensive. Lyndsey and her husband, Jeff, have been married since 2006 and have three children.

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Silvia Espinosa

Ed.S, LPC

Silvia is a licensed therapist with over two decades of behavioral health experience. As a native New Yorker, she employs a no-nonsense, yet empathetic approach when providing multicultural counseling and coaching to individuals and marriages in crisis. As a therapist, Silvia has enjoyed success working with high conflict relationships, bringing healing and hope to many families, marriages and individuals desiring restoration. She has also ministered to the Hispanic community as the keynote speaker, in Spanish, at conferences. “I love the concept of grace and forgiveness and the healing power it has in our lives.” Currently, Silvia lives in the beautiful Midwest with her imperfect husband & best friend of 23 years and is the mother of three lovely young ladies.

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Jason Franklin

LMFT

Jason Franklin is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of Missouri and an Army veteran. Jason’s career has taken him everywhere from lectures and workshops, to a deep passion to work one-on-one with couples and individuals. Jason has a certificate in Abusive Traumatic and Emotionally Destructive Marriages and Relationships (ATEM).
Jason lives in Ozark with his wife of 20 years, Andrea, and their two boys Trevor and Tucker. Jason loves to study the Bible and therapy curricula, as well as take care of his chickens with his wife and play disc golf and video games with his sons.

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Floyd L (Butch) Frey

LPC, D. Min.

Butch received his Bachelor’s Degree from Southeastern University, his Master’s Degree from Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (Evangel University), and his Doctorate from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. He holds a license in the state of Missouri, as a Professional Counselor.

Butch served as an appointed overseas missionary for 35 years, during which time, he has been named to various leadership roles, including overseeing the member care arm of a large denominational missions agency. Butch and his wife, Pam, have two children and four grandsons.

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Kashina Harris

MA, LPC

Kashina Harris, a former educator, found her true calling in supporting students and families beyond academics, leading her to pursue a Master’s in School Counseling and Counseling from Lindenwood University. With extensive experience in clinical settings, she has made it her mission to provide empathetic and empowering counseling services to individuals and couples. Kashina established It Is Well Counseling in 2021, aiming to provide transformative experiences that empower clients to thrive in a secure and genuine environment. She has been married to her husband Ryan, for 16 years, and they take pleasure in spending time with their four children and attending their various activities. They currently live in Nixa, MO.

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Cindy Irwin

MA, LMTF, ABCST

Cindy Irwin is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Certified Christian Sex Therapist. Along with being a part of the Hope Restored Intensive program since 2003, she is also the founder of Life By Design, a counseling center and ministry that specializes in Sexual Wholeness. Her passion is to help individuals gain insight and to experience all that God has designed for intimacy. Cindy is also the creator of Heart Care Chapel which ministers to ministers who are struggling with discouragement, wounding or family difficulties. Cindy and her husband Steve began their journey together in 1985 and have two children.

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Sara Iverson

MA, LMTF, ABCST

Sara is a licensed professional counselor in the states of Missouri and Iowa. She is also a certified trauma professional and EMDR trained. After a nine year stint with CRU (non profit ministry), she received a Masters Degree in counseling at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, Florida in 2006. Her 18 years of work as a therapist have focused on addictions, depression, anxiety and trauma in outpatient, inpatient and private practice settings. As individuals, our past experiences and learned ways of doing life can impact us and the ones we love. Her heart is for couples to see God continue to write their story of purpose in the midst of living in a fallen world. Sara and her husband live in Springfield, Missouri with their two adopted children.

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Hannah Littlepage

MS, LPC

Hannah is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) who earned her Master’s degree from Evangel University. For nearly a decade, she worked with an inpatient population of adolescents and families in crisis. She is now an EMDR trained therapist who specializes in maternal mental health and trauma. Hannah and her husband have been married and serving in ministry together since 2012, they have two children. She considers it an honor to work alongside couples at Hope Restored.

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Carol Loya

MA, LPC

Carol received her Master of Arts degree in Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary in 2007 and has been licensed in Missouri since 2008. She and her husband served as missionaries to Costa Rica for over 14 years where they felt burdened to help couples and families struggling with spiritual and relationship issues. As a therapist, Carol has worked with adults and youth in the areas of behavioral health and addictions. She and her husband Max have been married for over 40 years and have 7 children. Her heart’s desire is to help hurting couples find hope and she is blessed to be a part of Hope Restored.

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Vicki Morgan

LPC, LMFT

Vicki received her Master’s degree in Counseling from Assemblies of God Theological Seminary. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Licensed Professional Counselor. Vicki enjoys coming along side individuals, couples, and families as they seek personal wellbeing and restored relationships. She served in ministry for many years with her husband, Bruce, and has been an intensive therapist for Focus on the Family since 2014. Vicki and Bruce have been married since 1984. They have four grown sons, four lovely daughters-in-law, and have been blessed with grandchildren.

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Alexander Muzichuk

MA, LPC

Alex Muzichuk received his Master’s degree in Marriage & Family Counseling from Assemblies of God Theological Seminary. He practices as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Missouri, Michigan, and Alaska. Furthermore, as an ordained minister, Alex brings years of ministry experience and awareness of the ministry dynamics that influence family life. He speaks Russian, Ukrainian, and English. Alex’s Slavic heritage brings a new perspective to family life in American culture. Alex married Natalie in 2006, and with their five children they enjoy traveling and doing ministry as a family.

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Cynthia Nicholson

MA, LPC

As a licensed counselor and featured speaker in churches and conferences for over thirty years throughout the United States and Latin America, Cynthia has focused on marriage and home and women’s issues. Cynthia has been working with Focus on the Family since 2005, bringing insights from a cross-cultural perspective. Having served with her husband, Richard, fourteen years as missionaries in Argentina and Mexico, they continue to travel extensively, providing marriage seminars in Spanish-speaking venues.

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Nikki Pinkley

MS, LPC

Nikki is a licensed professional counselor in Missouri. Nikki has worked in the private practice setting since 2008. She is the founding director of Restoring Wellness Counseling, LLC. Nikki is thrilled to be a part of the Focus on the Family team and considers it a blessing to have the opportunity to serve as a vessel to couples who seek the full potential of their relationships. Nikki and her husband, Matt, have been married since 2008 and enjoy spending time with their daughter and son.

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Eric Joseph (Joey) Staples

MS, LPC

Eric Joseph (Joey) Staples has a B.A. in Psychology and an M.S. in Educational Psychology from Baylor University. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri and Louisiana, a Certified Family Counselor and a Board-Certified Professional Christian Counselor. As an Ordained Minister, Joey is the Family Life Pastor at First Baptist Church in Branson, Missouri. In his role at the church, Joey oversees family growth, leads several Bible Study classes, and counsels with individuals, couples, families and groups. After 30+ years in the field, he joined the Focus team in 2015 and considers it an honor to come along side couples in their time of need. Joey and his wife Jeanie have been married since 1981 and live in Branson. They have a wonderful son and daughter and a bunch of fun, beautiful grandchildren.

Marriage Intensive Therapist

Linda White Claybrook

MSW, LCSW

Linda White Claybrook is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Prior to coming to Focus on the Family, she worked for Mercy Hospital in Springfield, MO., as an Employee Assistant Specialist and a Behavioral Clinician for sixteen years. Linda has provided therapeutic and counseling services to adults and children in the Branson and Springfield areas for the past twenty-eight years. Linda is especially grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the ministry of Hope Restored and enjoys sharing her love for the Lord. Linda has also enjoyed the privilege of working alongside her late husband, Thomas White, as a pastor’s wife for most of the forty-nine years of marriage. Linda has three children, nine grandchildren and a great-granddaughter. Linda also shares her joy with us in her recent marriage to a dear Christian man, JR Claybrook.

Common Questions About Hope Restored

A Hope Restored Marriage Intensive is designed to help couples make progress in a shorter amount of time than with weekly counseling. 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. You will receive up to a year’s worth of counseling in 3–5 days, which allows you to make progress in a shorter amount of time than with weekly counseling.

Hope Restored offers several Intensive formats. Programs range from 3 to 5 days, depending on the Intensive selected and your specific needs.

Yes. Hope Restored Intensives are designed for couples to participate together. Both spouses attend the sessions as part of the Intensive experience.

Yes. Lodging and all meals are included and served on location during the Intensive. Accommodations are provided to allow couples to focus fully on the counseling process without daily distractions.

Yes. Scholarships may be available for couples who qualify. We encourage you to call and speak with a Hope Restored representative to learn more about current scholarship options and eligibility.

Availability varies by location and program type. Hope Restored Intensives are offered year-round, and upcoming dates may fill quickly. To learn how soon you can attend, please contact our team to discuss availability at the Marriage Center.

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Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re ready to explore whether Hope Restored is right for your marriage, our team is here to help.

Speak with a Hope Restored Specialist
Call 1-866-875-2915

Thank you! We’ve received your inquiry about our Hope Restored marriage counseling intensives. Your concern is important to us. A reply may be expected no later than 2 business days. Please call 866.875.2915 if you are in a crisis situation.

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