ONSITE: Couples In Conflict
With Ian Curtin and Cathy McNally
October 20 - 22, 2023
Gain clarity in your relationship in order to make healthy decisions while regarding one another with dignity and respect.
This weekend program is for couples who are having difficulty resolving conflicts. This may be the result of a lack of communication, an affair, extreme frustration, years of ‘all work and no play’, or the strain of blending two new families. Whatever the reason, you may be considering whether you want to be together, and how you can resolve differences and have the kind of relationship you want. In this program, you will not be told whether you ‘should’ stay together or not. Only you can make that decision. You will learn valuable tools and develop greater insight and clarity about your relationship.
Couples will work together as a pair in a small group setting with individualized attention. Also, each couple will receive a private counselling session to deal with their own particular issues. Various exercises will be presented to help bring clarity to your relationship, including ‘homework’ to be done outside of session hours.
Couples in Conflict is for you if…
- Learn skills for dealing with anger and conflict
- Learn how to rebuild goodwill with each other
- Learn how to regard each other with dignity and respect
- Separate with your self-esteem intact
Investment:
Package pricing starts at $1847.02 per couple and includes tuition, room, and meals. Full payment is due one month before the program start date regardless of tuition price.
You can find our cancellation policy here
Schedule:
Your program begins with dinner at 6pm and your first session at 7:30pm
Daily schedule:
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- Breakfast 8:00 – 9:00am
- Morning session 9:15am to noon
- Lunch noon to 1:00pm
- Afternoon session 3:00 – 6:00pm
- Dinner 6:00 – 7:00pm
- Evening session 7:30 – 9:30pm
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Afternoon and evening sessions can vary. Your program finishes with lunch on the last day
Transportation:
If you are travelling to Gabriola as a foot passenger on the Gabriola Ferry a shuttle to The Haven can be requested. Information on this option will be included in your pre-arrival email.
Recommended Resources:
Here are book titles that can complement and enhance your learning in this program. You can purchase when you are at Haven, or order online. Click to learn more:
- The Beauty of Conflict for Couples: Igniting Passion, Intimacy and Connection in your Relationship by Crismarie Campbell & Susan Clarke

- Joining: The Relationship Garden by Bennet Wong & Jock McKeen

Admission requirements: The student must have the desire and ability to learn. Must demonstrate a capacity for responsible self care, responsible self organization and sound mental health. The student must understand and speak English.
This program does not require approval by the registrar of the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training. As such, the registrar did not review this program. What does this mean? Click here to learn more.
Leaders
Ian Curtin BComm, DipC, specializes in facilitating dialogues within and between organizations, supporting relational leadership and teamwork, and promoting the art of living change. He believes communication habits form the building blocks of family relationships, work teams, and entire organizations. He has been associated with The Haven for 28 years, leading Come Alive and Couples in Conflict. He is a founding member of The Inner Activist.
Learn more about Ian Curtin
Cathy McNally BSc, DipC is passionate about people and possibility. Growing up in a mix of cultures, with a background in business and teams, Cathy is curious about the gift of differences, and is committed to connection and understanding. A particular joy is coaching relationships of all kinds. Following a major life change, she is exploring aliveness, loss and meaning through the adventure of movement, voice, creativity, nature, eros and community. Her trademark kindness, caring and fun make her a sought-after group leader. Associated with The Haven since 1989, Cathy believes that “living well, together” is necessary, urgent, and possible.
Learn more about Cathy McNally