by Scott G. Koeneman

Abstract

Marble Retreat is an interdenominational psychotherapy treatment facility dedicated to treating clergy in crisis. Its mission is to facilitate healing and restoration to those who are in vocational Christian ministry through a Christ-centered approach to brief, intensive psychotherapy. The doors of Marble Retreat have been open since 1974. Over the past 33 years, Marble Retreat has worked with over 3000 clergy in crisis. Recently, Marble Retreat has changed directorship for the first time in its operation. In 2003, the Board of Directors of Marble Retreat officially appointed Steven Cappa, Psy.D. and his wife Patti Cappa, M.S., L.M.F.T., CAC II to oversee ministry operations.

In an attempt to assess both the strengths and areas of growth in the current treatment modality employed by Marble Retreat, an outcome evaluation was conducted using a quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test and 6-month follow-up research design. In particular, the research assessed the treatment outcomes of clients who enrolled at Marble Retreat from January 2006 thru February 2007. Included are a brief history of Marble Retreat and its philosophy of treatment, as well as a review of the existing empirical research on the individual functioning of clergy.

At posttest Marble Retreat participants showed significantly reduced psychological distress, improved marital adjustment, and increased spiritual well-being. It is also concluded that at a 6-9 month follow-up the effects of treatment were sustained in psychological functioning and spiritual well-being, but not in marital adjustment. No differences were found in effects of 8 and 12 day treatment programs, which supports the decision to move to an 8 day treatment model.