Marriage, and the decision to marry, is one of the most important life events that we may experience, yet most married couples had little or no training in how to make this life-long adventure successful. The only model we had to view, was that of our parents and close relatives, but as children, we very seldom understood all that was going on as we observed their relationships. It is not a “bad” thing that we enter marriage basically ignorant about how to make it work well, it’s just a fact. Many couples struggle mightily to overcome basic marital and relational difficulties, only to feel defeated and alone in their efforts. “Trying harder” will do no good, if what you are trying is not the right thing! Sincere effort to love our spouse cannot make them “feel loved” unless the effort addresses their needs! How do we do that?

 

Acton and Jim Beard have been working with married couples for over 25 years, and have discovered some basic relational precepts that are proven very helpful in order to achieve a healthy marriage that sustains each partner emotionally and intellectually; that builds an effective family core; and provides life-long fulfillment. Most couples who come for counseling do admit to loving each other, or to at least having a commitment to the relationship, but they are exhausted in trying to make it work. They just do not know how! What do you want in, or from your marriage? To be loved, respected, cherished?… To have a meaningful friendship with your partner?… To be cared for and nurtured?… To be accepted and listened to?… Most couples simply wish for the marriage vows to become a reality in their lives. Is that so hard?… Yes, but it’s not particularly complicated when there is commitment, forgiveness, and a teachable attitude.

Private marriage “retreats” are available with the Beards in their Pawleys Island office. After years of working with couples on a standard therapeutic timetable of one hour a week, for a number of weeks, it was determined that a far more productive way to initiate understanding and to facilitate change is a 1-3 day intensive retreat, during which all issues affecting the marital relationship are unpacked and addressed. Having the attention and insights of both Acton and Jim Beard during the retreat (who are more different than most client couples) creates a dynamic in therapy that is unique and powerful.

 

Prior to coming, a series of assessments are completed online by couples in order for the Beards to gain more clarity on specific areas of conflict or concern, and to plan for the basic direction of counseling. These assessments include a detailed background on families of origin, personal perspectives commentary of each partner, a behavioral assessment, a personality inventory, and a marriage status inventory.

 

The typical retreat day goes from 9:30 am through lunch until about 4:30 pm (a working lunch is provided). Motel accommodations are available close-by, as is the beach for relaxing and reflection times.

 

Couples attending these retreats are provided insights into their relationships, tools to enhance and help heal damage done, and generally, a new-found appreciation for themselves, their differences, and one another.

 

The Beards believe that with a teachable attitude, the willingness to change oneself, and belief in Jesus Christ as healer and redeemer, nothing is impossible!

 

The Assessment Package is $150 per couple. The cost of the retreat is $150 per hour, for however many hours of private counseling are received each day. A one to two-day minimum is suggested for first-time couples.