Why Couples Travel to Florida for an Intensive Couples Retreat
Published: October 10, 2026
Author: Dr. Mary Perleoni, Ph.D., LMHC
What Is an Intensive Couples Retreat and How Is It Different From Weekly Therapy?
An intensive couples retreat is different from weekly therapy in several ways. The biggest difference is the amount of time spent in therapy. A retreat consists of a minimum of 16 hours of therapy over two days, whereas weekly therapy has six full days between sessions. This is one of the main reasons a retreat can be more effective for some couples, as they can work toward their goals in 16 hours rather than over 16 weeks. There is also less time between sessions for setbacks to occur due to the stressors of everyday life. For example, if a couple comes in for infidelity and is in crisis, a retreat allows them to work on trust, trauma, and communication over two consecutive days without as much interruption from outside triggers. This can help the couple return to their daily lives better prepared to handle triggers and navigate challenges with the tools they have learned. Additionally, for couples on the brink of divorce who are struggling to decide whether to stay together or separate, a discernment retreat can help them work toward a decision in a shorter amount of time with professional guidance and safeguards in place, rather than spending weeks or months stuck in the same patterns and struggling to make a decision.
Another difference between weekly couples therapy and an intensive couples retreat is the collaborative approach. During a retreat, four therapists work together to help the couple accomplish their goals. This is different from working with one therapist during weekly sessions. Each therapist is selected based on their areas of expertise and the couple’s specific needs, such as intimacy, sex, trauma, discernment, or resentment. The therapists also have training in evidence-based practices that help create change, including Gottman Method, EMDR, and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).
Finally, intensive couples retreats combine individual and couples sessions, whereas weekly couples therapy typically focuses on sessions with both partners together. This is important because individual sessions allow therapists to address personal struggles and patterns that may be contributing to difficulties in the relationship. For example, if one partner has trauma from a past relationship that is affecting their current relationship, individual time with an experienced therapist may be beneficial in addition to addressing the issue during couples sessions.
Overall, an intensive couples retreat can be more effective than weekly couples therapy for some couples because it allows them to accomplish more in a shorter amount of time, provides a collaborative approach with four experienced clinicians, and includes both individual and couples sessions to help create meaningful change.
Why Couples Choose to Travel for a Therapy Retreat
Many couples choose to travel for a retreat for several reasons. For some, making the decision to travel is a way to show their partner that they are prioritizing their relationship and are willing to take a bigger step toward getting help. A retreat also allows couples to step away from everyday stressors, such as work, children, and other responsibilities. Having that space away from their normal routine can help both partners stay present and focus on the work they are there to do. As mentioned earlier, there are several ways an intensive retreat can be more effective than traditional weekly couples therapy. For many couples, traveling to work with experienced clinicians who specialize in their specific needs is worth the time, cost, and planning involved.
Our couples retreat is located in beautiful St. Petersburg, Florida, and many couples choose to extend their stay afterward to enjoy a mini vacation and spend additional quality time together. We also provide a complimentary travel concierge to help coordinate basic travel arrangements, as well as special accommodations and experiences that make the stay more enjoyable. These may include couples massages, sunset cruises, special dinners, and other activities couples can enjoy together.
Ultimately, a retreat offers couples the opportunity to step away from the demands of everyday life and give their relationship the time and attention it needs. Whether they are working through difficult challenges or looking to reconnect, the experience allows them to focus on their relationship while also enjoying time together in a relaxing setting.
Why St. Petersburg, Florida, Is the Setting for Our Retreats
St. Petersburg, Florida, offers a convenient setting for couples traveling to focus on their relationship. Our couples retreats take place at the IBWHC St. Petersburg office, located at 12425 28th St, Suite 100, St. Petersburg, FL 33716. With access through both Tampa International Airport (TPA) and St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE), traveling to a couples retreat in Florida is convenient for couples coming from out of town. This gives couples the opportunity to step away from their everyday routines and dedicate focused time to their relationship. As mentioned previously, St. Petersburg’s beautiful coastal surroundings also make it a wonderful place for couples to unwind, reconnect, and enjoy some quality time together outside of the retreat.
Couples Retreat Locations, Formats, and What to Compare
When researching couples retreat locations, it is important to understand that not all retreats offer the same level of support. Some are destination workshops or group retreats, while others provide private, clinician-led experiences tailored to each couple’s needs. Before choosing a retreat, couples should consider the clinicians’ credentials and experience, whether sessions are private or group-based, the total number of clinical hours, how many therapists are involved, and what intake, assessment, and aftercare procedures are provided before and after the retreat.
Some couples come to IBWHC after attending other retreats that did not meet their expectations. They may have experienced group-based programs with limited clinical intervention, less experienced clinicians, or a heavy focus on activities such as sound baths and massages rather than intensive therapeutic work. For couples looking for focused, individualized support, understanding these differences is an important part of choosing the right retreat.
At IBWHC, our couples retreat offers a private experience with four specialist therapists working with one couple over 16–20+ hours of focused clinical work, for a total cost of $18,500. In comparison, a couples intensive typically involves one experienced therapist and 8–12 hours of therapy for $5,000. Understanding these differences can help couples decide which format best fits their relationship needs, goals, and budget.
Not sure whether the four-therapist retreat or a one-therapist intensive is the right fit for your relationship? Schedule a free consultation with Dr. Perleoni to talk it through before you decide.
Planning Your Trip to a Florida Couples Retreat
If you are traveling to Florida for our couples retreat, it is helpful to plan ahead so you can focus on your relationship without the added stress of travel and everyday responsibilities. As mentioned earlier, we offer a complimentary travel concierge to help couples coordinate their travel arrangements and plan activities if they choose to extend their stay.
We recommend arriving the day before the retreat to give yourself time to settle in and avoid feeling rushed. We also encourage couples to keep the evening between day one and day two unscheduled. After eight or more hours of clinical work, many couples feel tired, and some may experience emotions that come up between sessions. Having that time to rest and process the day can be helpful. It is also important to arrange childcare in advance and take time away from work so you can be fully present throughout the retreat.
If you decide to extend your stay, St. Petersburg offers a great opportunity to enjoy additional quality time together. Planning a few romantic activities, such as a sunset cruise, a special dinner, or a couples massage, can be a wonderful way to reconnect outside of therapy. However, we encourage couples to keep the two-day retreat focused on the clinical work and save these activities for before or after the retreat. This allows you to give the therapeutic process your full attention while also making time to enjoy each other and your time away together.
Traveling from out of state? Our complimentary travel concierge helps you plan flights, lodging, and time together so you can arrive ready to focus on each other. Call (813) 538-0385 to get started.
What Happens After the Retreat When You Live Outside Florida
For couples traveling to Florida for an intensive retreat, planning for continued support after returning home is an important part of the process. Each couple receives a two-hour follow-up session two to three weeks after the retreat to check in, discuss their progress, and address any additional needs.
IBWHC clinicians are licensed in Florida, which means ongoing virtual couples therapy with these clinicians is available only when clients are physically located in Florida. For couples who live out of state, the aftercare plan will depend on their individual needs and the options discussed with their clinicians before the retreat concludes.
At IBWHC, we want couples to feel supported beyond their time at the retreat. For those returning home to another state, we will help them identify appropriate resources and find the support they need to continue building on the progress they have made. Our goal is to ensure couples leave the retreat with the tools and guidance to continue working toward a healthier relationship.
How to Book Your Florida Couples Retreat
If you are interested in booking a Florida couples retreat, the first step is to schedule a free consultation. You can call our main office line, and a client care coordinator will put you in touch with Dr. Perleoni and she will be happy to provide a free consultation and answer any questions you may have and help determine whether the retreat is the right fit for your relationship. Once your retreat is booked and the clinical team is selected, each partner will schedule an individual 90-minute intake session to help the therapists better understand their background, concerns, and goals. With the couple’s permission, we can also communicate and collaborate with their individual therapists or current couples therapist to help support the work being done during the retreat.
To learn more about our couples retreat and take the first step toward getting support for your relationship, contact us to schedule your free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the It Begins Within couples retreat held?
The It Begins Within couples retreat is held at the IBWHC St. Petersburg office at 12425 28th St, Suite 100, St. Petersburg, Florida 33716. St. Petersburg is accessible through Tampa International Airport and St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport, making it convenient for couples traveling from out of town.
Can couples from outside Florida attend?
Yes, couples from outside Florida are welcome to attend the It Begins Within couples retreat. Many couples travel to St. Petersburg to receive focused clinical support and step away from their everyday routines. We also offer a complimentary travel concierge to help coordinate travel arrangements and activities for couples who choose to extend their stay.
How long is the couples retreat, and what does it cost?
The It Begins Within couples retreat includes 16–20 or more hours of focused clinical work over two consecutive days. Four specialist therapists collaborate with one couple throughout the retreat. The total cost is $18,500, and the experience includes both individual and couples sessions tailored to the couple’s needs.
Can we continue therapy with your team after we go home?
Each couple receives a two-hour follow-up session approximately two to three weeks after the retreat. Because our clinicians are licensed in Florida, ongoing virtual therapy is available only when clients are physically located in Florida. For couples living out of state, we can help identify appropriate ongoing support and coordinate with their existing therapists, with permission.
