Reconnect. Heal. Grow Together.
A private, evidence-based retreat designed to help couples rediscover trust, intimacy, and lasting connection.
I’m a Relationship Expert
Hi, I’m Carole Cullen — and helping couples build stronger, more connected relationships is truly my passion. For over 25 years, I’ve walked alongside partners as they navigate communication struggles, rebuild trust, and rediscover joy together. As a Certified Gottman Couples Therapist and Emotionally Focused Therapist, I use proven, research-based approaches — but I also bring deep empathy, real-life experience, and a genuine belief that every couple can grow closer.
I’d love to share more about my story and how I support couples in creating the kind of love they’ve always hoped for.
Why Choose Our Retreat
Because your connection deserves a reset.
You’ve put in the effort—talks, dinners, therapy—but the spark still feels distant. Our retreats create an intentional space where you can shed distractions, repair what’s been strained, and remember what brought you together in the first place.
A Retreat custom designed by Relationship Experts.
Evidence-based guidance you can trust!
A safe, compassionate environment for honest connection.
Practical skills you’ll carry home with confidence long after the retreat.
Who This Retreat Is For
For many of the couples we work with, life and love don’t look the way they imagined. Maybe you feel disconnected — like roommates instead of partners. Maybe you’re stuck in the same exhausting arguments and can’t seem to break free from the negative cycles that keep pulling you apart. Some couples come to us after a betrayal or breach of trust, unsure if healing is even possible. Others aren’t in crisis at all — they simply want to deepen their intimacy, improve communication, and strengthen the foundation of their relationship so it lasts for decades to come.
Whether you’re just starting your life together or have been married for 30+ years, we meet you exactly where you are. Our work is designed to help couples rebuild trust, feel truly seen and understood, and reconnect in ways that feel safe, loving, and lasting. No matter what brought you here, you’re not alone — and with the right tools, support, and guidance, it’s possible to create a relationship that’s not just surviving, but thriving.
What You’ll Experience
Over the course of 1, 2 or 3-day immersive sessions, engage in guided exercises, meaningful conversations, and hands-on practice of tools designed to support healing at home.
Expect growth, laughter, maybe tears—with safety, warmth, and relationship expert support.
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A thoughtful pre-retreat process that helps each partner feel prepared for the sessions, including a 30-minute consultation for each partner.
Access for each partner to The Gottman Relationship Checkup. A powerful online assessment tool designed to highlight a couple’s strengths and weaknesses and help them succeed - including the 4-6 hours of devoted time your therapist spends scoring, analyzing and interpreting the results.
6 hours of couples therapy on day one (4 hours per day on days 2 & 3) for a total of 14 hours of therapy.
In-session assessment and interventions based on Gottman Method Couples Therapy and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy.
A personalized follow-up plan that helps couples build on the progress made in their couple’s retreat.
A follow up 30 minute session (virtual, phone, or in-person)to be used within 3 months of the retreat.
Take-home tools and interventions to assist you in continuing the progress and change made during the retreat.
The Gottman Relationship Tool-kit.
A free best-selling relationship book hand-selected by us specifically to target the areas of growth most needed in your relationship.
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We provide one (existing clients only), two or three-day couples retreats and custom design every retreat with you in mind.
One Day (6 hours of therapy) - $2275
Two Day (10 hours of therapy) - $3575
Three Day (14 hours of therapy) - $4875
Weekend days are $500 additional per day
What Your Retreat Journey Might Look Like
Your retreat is more than just time away from the daily grind—it’s a chance to step into a peaceful, focused space where you and your partner can reconnect, grow, and heal. While every couple’s journey is unique, here’s an example of how your retreat may unfold.
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A warm welcome and an opening session to set intentions for your retreat
Individual time with each partner to honor your unique voice and perspective
A restorative lunch break
Review of your Gottman Relationship Checkup results, celebrating strengths and exploring growth areas
Begin laying the foundation for meaningful conversations and shared goals
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Gentle practices to strengthen your friendship—building love maps, appreciation, and turning toward each other
Explore patterns of conflict with compassion, uncovering the deeper dreams and values beneath gridlock
Pause for lunch and reflection
Learn new tools to de-escalate conflict and deepen emotional safety
Begin shifting negative cycles into new ways of relating and understanding
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Enrich your bond with rituals of connection, stress-reducing strategies, and enhancing intimacy
Practice compromise and welcoming each other’s influence with openness
Lunch break to rest and integrate
Create shared meaning and vision for the future
Develop a personalized plan to carry the growth of your retreat back into daily life
Choosing the Right Retreat for You
One-Day Retreats
Perfect for couples who want a jump start, a reset, or a focused day to gain clarity and tools. This option works well if you’re exploring whether a longer retreat or weekly therapy is right for you.
Multi-Day Retreats
Ideal for couples ready to dive deeper and make significant progress in a shorter time frame. With more space to slow down, reflect, and practice new skills, multi-day retreats allow you to rebuild connection and leave with a stronger foundation for the future.
No matter which option you choose, your retreat will be custom-designed for you and your partner’s unique needs.
UPCOMING RETREATS
UPCOMING RETREATS
October 18-19, 2025
Booked: No Availability
October 27-29, 2025
Booked: No Availability
November 17-19, 2025
Location:
Online or Wake Forest, NC
December 1-3, 2025
Location:
Online or Wake Forest, NC
January 12-14, 2025
Location:
Online or Wake Forest, NC
We understand that life is busy and stressful, so we want this process to be as easy as possible for you. If these dates are not convenient, please let us know. We are happy to explore alternative options, including weekends, to best accommodate your schedule.
Prepared to Take the Next Step?
Explore
Browse our upcoming dates and locations to find the retreat that feels right for you and your partner.
Reserve
Book a free consultation to ask questions—or go ahead and reserve your spot online.
Reconnect
Join us at the retreat, step out of daily stress, and step back into focused connection with each other.
Prepare
Complete individual and couples assessments including Gottman Relationship Checkup.
“We gained skills to heal and strengthen many weak areas of our relationship and we left with a renewed sense of hope, intimacy and understanding.”
~ M & T, Raleigh Retreat Client
