“It was a pivotal moment in our relationship – we went to The Haven as the last straw before separation. We are now so much more connected and very, very hopeful about a happier future together. Such an amazing experience.”

-J., Couples Alive

Couples Alive is our renowned 4-day program for couples. If you’re wanting more out of your primary relationship and are prepared to go beyond the familiar to find it, Couples Alive is for you!

Couples Alive is our core offering for people in a primary relationship. Much of what makes Come Alive (our core program for individuals) so unique and transformative is the foundation of these programs, but with a distinctly couples focus. With support and guidance from highly skilled leaders, you will learn and practice The Haven’s models for communicating and relating with your partner and learn from the diversity of experience around you. All couples meet together during the day and into the evenings, with breaks for relaxation, connection, or adventure in between. In addition to group activities, experiential learning, and discussion, there will be opportunities for the program leaders to support each couple with coaching and feedback.

Couples Alive program highlights:

• 4 focused days together improving, revitalizing, and expanding your relationship
• A chance to get away and visit Gabriola, one of BC’s most accessible gulf islands
• In-depth exploration and application of Haven’s tried-and-tested Communication Model from a distinctly couples perspective
• Many years of continued success with hundreds of diverse couples
• A truly unique approach to relationships developed – and lived – by our founders, Dr. Ben Wong and Dr. Jock McKeen
• A variety of breathing and body-awareness experiences that you can take home to continue nurturing your connection and growth
• Discovery of your boundaries and development of skills to express your wishes, wants and needs with each other
• Opportunities for self-care and/or quality time together with our oceanfront hot tub, onsite bodyworkers, gym, meditation room, forest trails
• The magic of being with a diverse group of couples and the rich opportunity to learn from and relate to each other in this setting
• Something different from your traditional couples counseling sessions – couples often report accelerated outcomes compared to individual sessions (though we believe there’s a place for both)
• Coaching and feedback from experienced and professional leadership who are highly trained both at The Haven and in their own professions
• A program that offers opportunities to continue to learn and grow together…
• We welcome all people in a primary relationship, whether the individuals identify as male, female, or non-binary
• Participants will be invited, but not required, to share what’s going on for them and their relationship in the larger group. As with all Haven programs, how you participate is your choice

“We are modeling a healthier relationship for our children. What a legacy!”         

– Lori Appleton, Couples Alive I: Foundation

Investment:

Earlybird tuition is $1125/person or $2250 per couple.  Earlybird package pricing is available up to one month before the program start date, and starts at $3,410 plus tax per couple and includes a basic 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, followed by your first session at 7:30pm

Daily schedule:

• • • 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

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.