Any Good Marriage Workshops You Recomend?

Updated on March 29, 2009
L.C. asks from McKinney, TX
34 answers

Hey Mamas! Just wondering if any of you have been to a good, not going to break the bank marriage workshop. My husband and I aren't doing bad... just wanted to try one to make it better! It will give us some good time together. I have googled them and a TON come up... some are $700 for the weekend... can't afford that. Anything will help... are they worth it? which one keeps you interested for 8hrs? Just seeking some advise. Thanks!

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S.A.

answers from Dallas on

I am not sure if he will be around here anytime soon but we went to Mark Gunger, super super funny.I laughed so hard I cried. Here is his website http://www.laughyourway.com/
We didn't need help, we just want to keep things that way. It was great.

6 moms found this helpful

T.H.

answers from Dallas on

Hi L.,
There is a great one at Richland Hills Church of Christ, it is located on 820 and Rufe Snow. The workshop is called "His needs, Her Needs" and the cost was around $150 for the both of you and includes your material. My husband and I did this workshop around 7 years ago and it helped us so much! It makes you both look at each other in a different way, and teaches you how the other feels. I know they still do them I just do not know the details. The number is ###-###-####

Good Luck!

T. Hamilton

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L.

answers from Dallas on

I have done an awesome video one called "Marriage on the Rock" and the website is www.marriagetoday.org
It was awesome. Also a church called Savannah Life Fellowship may be offering it for free thru their church, it is Pastor Gary Hicks.
www.savannahlife.org

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T.Z.

answers from Dallas on

Hey! Good for you for working on it before it's gets worse. After 8 years we finally found the one thing that worked!! We have tried counseling (three of them), a pastor, two church seminars, separating...everything. The ONLY thing that worked for us (and you have to go separately) is www.sosinc.org. One of you attends Basic 1. While the one is in Basic 2 the other can do Basic 1...or you can complete it and the other can go on their own (that's how we did it and it was great). Basic 1 is $79. Basic 2 is $249. You do pay $97.50 for your hotel stay for the entire weekend (Fri-Sun). I promise it works and you'll be so much better after - better to your self, better to each other, to your kids, better to your family and even co workers. You learn so, so, so much. If you have questions (anyone reading this too), email me at ____@____.com is not religious, or a cult (no Kool-Aid...LOL). It's a break-off group from Dr. Phil's Pathways. They are going out for grants to decrease the price or have it be free and they will work with you on payments, I believe. Just do it. My husband said it saved his life. Two people at work have gone and they said it saved their life.

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M.S.

answers from Dallas on

Hi L.,

Congratulations on wanting to improve your life!

I second the vote for Marriage Encounter. My hubby and I did Engaged Encounter 12 years ago and we loved it. It wasn't filled with Dr. Phil-style psychology, but with ways to help communicate. We covered areas such as: finances, children, church, and in-laws. We had other couples speak to us who had been through some struggles and some who were just starting their lives together. Mostly we just got the chance to talk to each other honestly, without interruption.
Here is the website for the DFW group:
http://www.dfwme.org/
Cost of the workshop is $50 for the weekend. I highly recommend a weekend getaway - it gives you a chance to really focus on each other.

Peace,
M.
www.yogapotential.com

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F.H.

answers from Dallas on

My husband and I went to Weekend to Remember when it was at the Gaylord Texan Resort over Valentine's weekend. It's put on by Family Life. They host these all around the country so go to familylife.com. There will be 2 in Houston and one in Austin this May. My husband and I weren't doing poorly but the weekend helped to rejuvinate our relationship and put aside a lot of baggage.

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J.G.

answers from Abilene on

Dear L.,
Get the movie FIREPROOF watch it then get the book LOVE DARE that goes with it. To me it will be better than any marriage councel.Good Luck and please let me know what you think. Our church showed it twice free of charge.
J. G

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G.W.

answers from Dallas on

Weekend to Remember is life changing. Check it out at here.......

http://www.familylife.com/site/c.dnJHKLNnFoG/b.3204559/k....

You don't have to stay at the hotel to attend, it would be well worth your time and money......

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K.L.

answers from Dallas on

There is a 3½-hour marriage enrichment seminar, “Marriages That Last,” at Lake Pointe in Rockwall on Saturday, April 18. The cost is $30 per couple and includes continental breakfast, seminar notes, and childcare (birth through 5th grade). Check out the link below, where you can get a little more info, register, or get contact info.

https://rockwall.lakepointe.org/Registrations/MarriagesTh...

Also, my husband and I just completed “The Marriage Course” at Lake Pointe, an 8-week course where we learned practical tools for building a strong and healthy, lasting marriage. We’d love to have you as our guests this Thursday, March 26, at 7:00 PM for a Marriage Date Night, an opportunity to learn more about the course. Dessert and coffee will be served and childcare is provided (birth through 5th grade). If you’d like to attend, please let me know ASAP, so I can RSVP.

McKinney’s a little under an hour from Rockwall, so consider the drive marriage time :)

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E.G.

answers from Dallas on

If you can make it to a "Weekend to Remember" conference - do it! I know it isn't $700 even if it were it is totally worth it. It saved my marriage. We have been on the brink of divorce for years. We renewed our wedding vows during our weekend and things have been so much better ever since. I pray God will make a way for you and your husband to find a conference or classes that will benefit your marriage!

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L.W.

answers from Dallas on

I don't know if you found information on "Marriage Encounter" in your search, if not Google it and see if you might be interested. It's a great weekend.

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C.H.

answers from Dallas on

Search for "Weekend to Remember"... it is the BEST!!!

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L.C.

answers from Dallas on

Hi L.!

Another poster recommended Family Life's "Weekend to Remember," and I totally agree! My husband and I have been before, and it is absolutely incredible. Check the link she included for the conference price. I do know it's not $700! :)

She mentioned that you do not have to stay in the hotel. This is true. We drove home on Friday night, and we stayed the Saturday night in a nearby (cheaper) hotel. You can probably find a good deal online at a nearby hotel.

I will say that I wish we would've stayed nearby both nights because it just keeps the environment going and doesn't add a commuter stress if you don't live close. But, we did what we had to do within our budget. :)

Love in Christ,

Lisa :)

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J.G.

answers from Dallas on

I have heard fabulous things about Retrouvaille (http://www.retrouvaille.org/). It's Catholic in origin, but not limited to Catholics and while Christian, not overly preachy. The don't have a set price, but will only ask for a donation of what you can afford. Nearly every couple I know who've been to this say they come away closer and better able to communicate. Some have been on the verge of divorce and are still together and happily married. Good luck!

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A.H.

answers from Dallas on

Hi, L....I know of a marriage workshop for a weekend called Marriage Encounter. Christian based. Although we have not done this I hear it is really cool! Not sure if there is a specific cost it might be based on what you can afford or as a love offering?

Contact Mickey or Linda at ###-###-#### they are great!

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J.C.

answers from Dallas on

Hi L. -- Watermark Community Church has an ongoing ministry called ReEngage on Wednesday nights from 6:30-8:30pm. The church program reads, "Whether your marriage needs to be reignited or is in need of complete resurrection, ReEngage is a safe place for couples to reconnect." I believe it is free, but I'm not sure if they have child care available. For more information, go to www.watermark.org.

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D.

answers from Dallas on

I highly recommend Tommy Nelson's Song of Solomen series. YOu could probably check out the dvd series through a church library. He's at Denton Bible Church, and I know that he does weekend seminars of it, so you could look to see if there is one around any time soon.

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M.A.

answers from Dallas on

I'd strongly recommend "Love and Respect" - http://loveandrespect.com/

It explains the differences in how God created Men and Women,and what the core needs are for each.

I've been through the course twice - once with our church, in a large conference setting over a Friday evening and Saturday, and once with a smaller life group over several weeks.

I can't say enough good things about this course. I recommend it for anyone that is about to be married, as well as for those that have been married many years!

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A.R.

answers from Knoxville on

Hi L.-

There have been so many wonderful workshops already recommended to you so I wanted to pass along a book that I know you and your husband will love and benefit from no matter where you are in your marriage.

"Intimacy Ignited" by Joseph and Linda Dillow & Peter and Lorraine Pintus is based on the Song of Solomon and offers wonderful advice and a biblical perspective on marriage and intimacy that is wise, creative, and fun to read! It's great for a couple to go thru together. I know you and your husband wold love it!

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J.H.

answers from Amarillo on

Some Churches have week-end retreat offers at nice places like a mountian retreat etc. You might check into that. I think a week-end get away when you have 5 children would be great for you whether it was a marriage one or just you two hiring a babysitter and just going on a holiday would be great, with no interruptions, and just being able to listen to each other and enjoy each other would be great if you can't find a good place not too expensive on the marriage workshop plans.

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S.S.

answers from Wichita Falls on

It's a book - the 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman.

And Created to be his Help Meet - by Debi Pearl.

I love them both, and they have both done BEAUTIFUL things for my marriage... which really wasn't bad to begin with. :)

S.

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B.S.

answers from Dallas on

Hi L.,

We also went to Weekend to Remember at the Gaylord in Feb. It was fantabulous. We had been married six months at the time and it was a great foundation for us (beyond what we did in our marriage counseling at our church). I highly recommend Weekend to Remember. You will want to stay close by on friday and saturday nights though because there is a lot to talk about after the sessions and saturday night is date night!

Fireproof is WONDERFUL....at LEAST see the movie.

Five Languages of Love is also wonderful...very foundational and potentially relationship changing.

Check out the books "For Men Only" and "For Women Only" by Shaunty (and her husband...sorry don't remember his name) Feldman. Great stuff!! They even come on CD. We listened to those before we got married. Definately changes the perspective of how we view the opposite sex and gives deeper understanding.

There are tons of resources beyond this. Check out a Christian Bookstore for numerous resources and I bet they have lists of other conferences.

Bless you.

B.

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J.S.

answers from Dallas on

L. - I go to Cornerstone Baptist Church in Arlington and we are having our marriage conference next month. It will be at a nice hotel in Dallas and I think it's $295 for the couple and I think that includes the hotel. It's a pretty good conference. I think you all would enjoy it. Go to our website at cbcarlington.org and check it out. Of course, Weekend to Remember is awesome too. Even if you guys just find a way to get away for a night that would be good. Try to plan a "date" night for our yourselves at least once a month.

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C.C.

answers from Dallas on

I haven't read the other responses so I don't know if this has been mentioned but if you call 311 in Dallas they have a free marriage workshop. I saw the advertising on a billboard and I know that is the city hall's number. Also alot of church's have them for a good rate. Good luck!

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D.C.

answers from Dallas on

L.,
I don't know of any workshops off hand but I would like to recommend a book if you don't mind. It would only involve you but I assure you eventually you will see it effect your husband as well. You know the Scriptures tell us what is on the "head" of a thing runs down on the beard then on to the tunic. In other words what ever effects our husbands effects first us, then our children. I have learned when I pray for my husband things change for me and the children. The book A Wife's Prayer by Pamela Hines is full of the Word formed into prayers for our husbands. I am here to tell you my precious sister, this is a life/marriage changing tool. God is truly amazing. I hope you make the decision to get it and not just read it, but make it a daily practice for your marriage. You will not be disappointed. I look forward to hearing the results. Have a blessed day. D.

M.C.

answers from Dallas on

Hi L.,
Good for you both!! It is such a blessing to want to "better" your marriage and make sure it lasts! My husband and I went to the "Marriage on the Rock" at our church and it was GREAT! Our friends invited us to a seminar that Jimmy and Karen Evans had and it was FREE!!! They always state they don't want anyone to be turned away from counceling due to finances. They have one coming to DFW in Sept. I believe. THeir website is www.marriagetoday.org and they are on TV. I would also highly recommend The 5 Love Languages. It helps one to understand the other person's needs and wants. It has a really neat "form" for you both to fill out and then share it with each other. Hope this helps.

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G.M.

answers from Dallas on

I'm sorry I haven't read all the responses, but the State of Texas has just started a new FREE 8 hour Saturday workshop called Twogether in Texas. It's aimed at helping engaged couples all the way through long time marital relationships communicate and understand each other better. Just call 211 (like 911, but it's information on local resources) to find the one in your area. They don't offer childcare, but at least you won't pay for childcare AND a program. Sometimes they even have wedding cake- a definite PLUS in my book! lol Good luck!

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P.B.

answers from Dallas on

We just did MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER!! It is the best thing we have done as a couple. We have been married almost 8 years it this was just right on time for us. The next ME is in JUNE. You can find information on the Assembly of God home page or contact me. This is presented by the Assemblies of God, but this is DEFF for any group: church or non-church people. This is not to push thier beliefs. This is inexpesive also. A nice hotel, meals, and the study all for $75.00. I would sign up early for they only do about 30 couples at a time. This was one of the best weekends and it will be a wonderful memory for us to come.

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L.L.

answers from Denver on

My parents did the "Pairs" course years ago and said it was really good. Offered to pay for it for me in the future if needed. Don't know if it still exists, but at least it's one that someone's heard of! Good for you for taking care of your selves.

T.F.

answers from Dallas on

I didn't read all of the responses so I might be repeating....however, you say you are not doing bad so it sounds like you are not on the rocks or anything like that.

One thing we agreed on most especially when daughter was born is that we would never go without our date night weekly. We have kept this up for 20 years. It is a vital part of our being together for "US" time.

You don't have to break the bank going out on the town. You can do simple things like walking through the mall, park or go to something simple. We enjoy fine restaurants, sports and we always find something interesting, even if it is going to a Sports place to watch our favorite team play for a while. I will tag along when hubby plays a round of golf.

We have WIDE open lines of communication and nothing is off limits. Knowing I can say anything I feel to hubby and he can do the same is so helpful for us. We also do weekend getaway or I tag along on business trips when I can.

Best wishes to you....we have been together for 23 yrs now, married 20.

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T.O.

answers from Dallas on

Don't know about any workshops, but renting the movie Fireproof can be a great movie to watch together. We loved it!

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M.G.

answers from Dallas on

We haven't gone to any workshops in the area, but we have a small group for married couples. We're half way through the book, but I highly recommend it -- Marriage on the Rock. Either in the summer or fall we're going to start going through Fireproof. All of it is free, so if you're interested, PM me and I'll give you more information. Good luck! It's always best to start when you aren't doing bad. That can keep you from getting to that point. :o)

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M.Y.

answers from Dallas on

Have you heard of FIREPROOF? It is a new series that is out. You can find the books at any Christian book store. If you are interested a counselor I work with will be leading a six week group work shop. His name is J R Purnell. You can call my office and they will give you his private number. ###-###-####

M. Yarborough, M. S., LPC

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A.S.

answers from Dallas on

Hey there. The church we attend is having one next weekend. They are having childcare which is a huge help and it's not expensive! www.metchurch.com- here's some info about it:

Couples Connection Conferences meet annually at The Met Church and are designed to help you gain a better understanding of your spouse’s feelings and needs. There will be practical teaching that will help make good marriages better and give hope to troubled marriages.

It takes Three Conference:
Keeping God Connected in your Marriage
Location: The Met

Date: March 27th-28th
Times: Friday Night: 7-9pm & Saturday morning: 9-11:30am
Cost: $10 PER COUPLE
Childcare: By Reservation Only
$10 PER CHILD, PER DAY, $30 per day family maximum.

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