You’ve tied the knot, but is it still tight after five, ten, or even fifteen years? Even the strongest knots loosen over time.
Some knots become loose when placed under a heavy load; however, that same load can cause other knots to grow tighter.
Marriage, like knots, can grow weaker or stronger when placed under pressure. The strongest marriages develop when couples decide to navigate their challenges together. Just because things are bumpy now–or perhaps they’ve been bumpy for a while–it doesn’t mean it has to stay that way. There’s still time to strengthen your marriage. That’s what the Couple’s Retreat is all about: helping couples learn to navigate challenges together.
What Makes a Resilient Marriage?
Marriage isn’t easy. It seems that the longer you stay married, the more problems arise. Navigating these problems as a couple creates an opportunity for growth.
Resilient marriages are built on a few key principles:
Healthy boundaries create more space for connection, especially when they are respected. Boundaries keep you safe (emotionally and physically) and increase trust between you and your partner.
Stress is a load that can drive couples apart or bring them together. Resilient couples find ways of coping with their stress individually and together.
According to psychologist Dr. Siegel, secure attachment is built on 4 principles: feeling safe, seen, soothed, and secure. When a partner fulfills these 4 needs for their spouse, the feeling of trust and safety will grow.
Resolving conflict is one of the hardest things to do in marriage. It’s especially challenging to resolve disagreements in a way where both people feel satisfied. Resolving conflict doesn’t happen by accident, and it takes practice. When resilient couples resolve conflict, they view it as collaboration and not a battle ground.
Communication isn’t just about words. It’s also about tone, body language, and intent. Understanding your communication styles and your partner’s can build empathy and avoid misunderstandings.
Intimacy isn’t just about touch, it’s about connection. Resilient couples learn to connect emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
Do you want to improve in one or more of these areas but aren’t sure how? Come to our Couples Retreat to learn from experienced professionals.
How Do I Improve My Marriage?
All this is easier said than done. You know, perhaps better than anyone, how hard marriage can be. Maybe you feel that despite your best efforts nothing seems to be working. Just remember that relationships don’t become strong all at once–it takes time to nurture a relationship.
One way you can nurture your relationship is by attending a Couples Retreat. You and your spouse can learn specific ways to better navigate challenges together. We want you to succeed, and our 5 workshops are designed to give you the knowledge and skills to help.
Attend a Couples Retreat
Our Couples Retreat consists of 5 workshops. Each one focuses on different ways to strengthen your relationship with your spouse. You’ll walk away with 5 ways you can navigate challenges together. Learn about each workshop in detail below.
The parables of Jesus Christ, found in the New Testament, offer timeless wisdom and moral guidance that can be applied to various aspects of modern life. These parables serve as practical guides for living. Using the parable of the Marriage Feast and others, Ms. Jennifer Cluff will lead a discussion on external infringement and shoring up of boundaries in marriage.
In this program Travis Marker will discuss the sweet and savory of marriage. He will explore how to use the rough times in marriage to help increase positive connectivity in the couples’ partnership. He will share practical skills on how to set boundaries, manage stress, improve trust and safety, and generate collaborative options for conflict resolution and greater unity in marriage and relationships.
In a world that is fighting for dominance, the art of becoming partners is becoming lost. Fortunately, the true power of Sacred Sensuality doesn’t have to be a mystery! True intimacy isn’t just about touch—it’s about connection. It’s about feeling the power of your presence, surrendering to the flow of energy between you, and finding deep alignment in body, mind, and spirit. Tantra invites you and your partner into a sacred space where love becomes a meditation, breath becomes a bridge, and presence becomes the ultimate gift.
This class will focus on communication styles and barriers that can be helpful for strengthening relationships. This workshop dives into the different ways partners express themselves, whether it’s through words, body language, or emotions. By understanding these styles, couples can tackle misunderstandings and build more empathy for each other.
They also tackle common hiccups in communication, like making assumptions, dealing with distractions, and handling emotional triggers. The workshop offers practical tips to get past these issues. With fun activities and guided talks, couples learn how to listen better, share their feelings more clearly, and connect on a deeper level. The goal is to create a friendly space where partners can pick up skills for healthy communication, leading to a happier and more fulfilling relationship.
In this program, Kimberly will discuss the difficulties of marriage with addictions, how to overcome self destruction, and create a safe space for yourself and family. She will discuss her journey of marriage, divorce, children, family, and self.
Meet Your Instructors
Travis R. Marker, JD, LLM
Travis Marker is a practicing attorney, pro-tem judge, and mediator. For over twenty years he has worked with couples on how to mediate differences in their marriages. He has also worked with couples and parents on getting divorced and creating co-parenting relationships and custody agreements. He is a graduate of Weber State University, Willamette University College of Law, and Bond University School of Law. He has received a juris doctorate, master of laws in dispute resolution, and certificate in dispute resolution.
Jennifer Cluff
Jennifer has a Master of Arts Degree from Brigham Young University and a Master of Education Degree from the University of Utah. Jennifer has studied the practical application of spiritual principles for years. As a mathematics educator and purveyor of spiritual principles, the intertwining of both was a natural transition. Mathematics fluency is about efficiency, accuracy, appropriateness, and flexibility. Flexibility is the means of applying concepts and skills to new situations and interpretations. Spiritual principles are found throughout the scriptures. They are had through careful study, prayer, and application; followed by reflections, adjustments, and reapplications. The art of education is not just the concepts and skills of a classroom but the “whole body” of education which includes the classroom, the structure, the emotional and physical responses, family support, and more. Using these skills and knowledge gained, Jennifer integrates this into her practice of education coaching focusing on adolescents and parents. Jennifer helps them find practical tools to successfully navigate the pathway to execution of desirable goals.
Angela Nusbaum
Angela has long been fascinated with spiritual and energetic connections showing up in physical form. It was an easy transition after certifications in Body Mapping, Soul Anatomy and Breathwork (to name a few) to becoming a Trauma informed Tantra Relationship Mentor. Now she uses all of her knowledge to help couples and individuals to step into their power. Helping them feel the flow and joy of becoming whole. Tantra in an ancient art that embodies practices to become one first with self and then with your chosen partner.
Kimberly Larsen
Kimberly Larsen is a Medical Assistant at a rural clinic in southern Utah. She volunteers at many local school functions. She is a devoted mom and family member. She loves working with the elderly and special people.
Kimberlie Rew
Kimberlie Rew has been dedicated to assisting individuals in achieving their health and wellness goals since 2006. Her extensive experience encompasses teaching and coaching in various areas, including life satisfaction, healthy work habits, work-life balance, relationships, sexuality, stress management, and mental health. With her exceptional organizational skills, a firm belief in the capacity for change, a sense of humor, and her willingness to talk about anything, Kimberlie has coached individuals, couples, and groups in realizing their aspirations. She earned a Master’s degree in Health Promotion and Education from the University of Utah and is Wellcoaches certified.
Event Details
Date: Saturday September 20, 2025
Location: Warrior Rizen Ranch, 3265 UT-66, Morgan, UT 84050
Time: 9am – 4pm
Details: 5 instructor-led workshops with lunch included. Space is limited.
Cost: $397 per couple