|
Is the future health of your marriage as important as the reception
after the wedding…? Or the wedding cake…? Or the flowers…? What should the priorities be? Acton and Jim
believe that maintaining an intimate and fulfilling marriage is hard work, and young couples do not “automatically”
know how to make that happen. Conflicts will arise, stress will push each partner, and events will overwhelm at times. Each
partner is unique, and will respond differently to marital and life events accordingly. Differences in gender, personality,
family of origin, shaping experiences, expectations, and style of conflict resolution will begin to affect daily life, and
the couple’s ability to respect and cherish each other. The Pre-Cana Retreat will teach couples about individual differences,
how differences can cause conflict, and how to deal with it when it happens. We all know couples who seem to argue much of
the time, feeling frustrated, defeated, and alone. The Retreat will not only teach couples how to communicate effectively,
but how to do so under stress, when differences are pulling them apart. The age-old classic reactions to conflict of "fight
or flight" actually have a highly constructive alternative: to build intimacy through conflict.
When we marry, we bring all we are into this new life together. The differences we admire and appreciate in each
other while courting, often become the very things that push us apart later. It is wisdom to know ahead of time what could
hurt us and what will bless us, before we walk down the aisle! Ignorance is not bliss and an ounce of understanding,
as well as a myriad of tools to help build a solid foundation, is well worth the time and money to spare untold heartache
later on.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Before the actual Pre-Cana Retreat, couples will receive email instructions
to complete online assessments of their personality and behavioral temperaments, levels of communication during courtship,
communication skills, marriage expectations, family of origin issues, and numerous other variables where potential differences
may occur, and cause later conflict.
The PreCana retreat for first marriages usually lasts from 9:30 am
through 1:00 pm. The cost is $400 including all assessments. For couples engaged to be married for the second or third time, as well as couples marrying later
in life, we recommend additional time so that specific issues can be addressed that may be unique to their relationship (children,
blended families, etc.). In these cases, our hourly fee will be added to the additional time needed. Details and appropriateness
to your situation may be discussed by contacting us.
The Pre-Cana Retreat is based on Christian precepts, out of the Anglican
tradition, however all couples who desire the experience and information of the Retreat are welcome, regardless of denomination
or religious affiliation. Confidentiality of personal information discussed in private with the Beards is assured under ethical
guidelines of the American Counseling Association, and the laws of South Carolina, regardless of whether a couple is referred
to The Retreat by parents, their local priest, pastor, or others.
It is strongly recommended that couples attend the retreat at least 2 months prior to their wedding date.
|
|
|
|
|
