1. Who else will be at the Retreat?

No more than seven other people. They'll all be committed Christians as well as the strong possibility of being in or formerly in some form of full-time Christian ministry, and all will be in some sort of life crisis. Most are married couples, but we also regularly welcome single individuals. Our guests are from varied denominational groups, ethnic backgrounds, mission sending agencies and many parts of the country and world.

2. Is everything confidential?

Confidentiality is a foundational principle of our Christian counseling ministry. Our staff and our participants are all committed to preserving each person's privacy.

3. What does the 8-day stay look like?

In short, eight days allow one to focus on the tough issues of life in an affirming, non-threatening environment.

Descriptions we've received from guests include:

-"The first place I've ever felt totally accepted."
-"A really safe environment in which to work."
-"As a couple, we had time to communicate without interruptions."
-"A Godsend."

4. Is there group counseling?

You'll experience 27 hours of group Christian counseling in a small group of fellow believers, clergy and spouses (no more than eight people). They are 30 unforgettable and usually remarkably transforming hours.

5. How much individual counseling will I receive?

Each person has three one-hour sessions of individual counseling. At times couples choose to combine some of their hours and meet together for two-hours.

6. We have very deep issues, is this enough time?

Our experience has been that the 8 days of intensive, focused time can provide the opportunity for significant progress even on "very deep,, core issues. We don't expect all the issues to be solved completely, however, and follow-up Christian counseling may be recommended.

7. What is brief intensive counseling?

Brief intensive counseling is designed to work on focused issues and limited goals that can bring symptom relief, new direction, better self-understanding, and new skill development for better coping. Rather than extended time commitment, the counseling demands intensive commitment over a short period of time. In our case, twelve days.

8. The problem is with me. Does my spouse have to come?

Yes!! We insist on spousal involvement for two reasons. First, so that we can understand you more fully with another perspective presented, and second, that you can re-enforce for each other the new understanding and new behaviors you're learning. It's like learning a new dance. It's much easier to master the steps if both partners are taught.

9. Can we bring our kids?

No. We are not equipped for childcare -- and we don't want you to be distracted by your children's needs while you are working on your issues.

10. How much does the program cost?

The fee is $2,800 per person, all inclusive. There are no other outside costs. $730 covers 9 nights of lodging and breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks each day. $2,070 covers the Christian counseling fee ($60/hr for group counseling, $150/hr for individual counseling.)

11. Will health insurance cover Christian counseling costs?

A portion of the $2,070 counseling fee may be covered under your health care policy. Clients must file claims and are the designated beneficiaries. Please check with your carrier regarding benefits for "intensive outpatient counseling."

Be aware of possible pre-certification requirements. With some policies, benefits will be denied if pre-authorization is not completed prior to beginning our program. Also, some insurance companies require your release of all confidential information in order to cover therapy.

Most all staff therapists are licensed, which is necessary for any insurance reimbursement. For more information please see our Memo to Health Insurance Companies. Feel free to print this memo and fax to your insurance carrier.

12. Why Marble Retreat instead of weekly counseling?

The opportunity to have uninterrupted, focused time to deal with relational issues allows much more progress over the same counseling hours (which is about the same as six months of weekly Christian counseling). We've had many guests who have had previous traditional counseling and report that this experience was much more effective for them. For most individuals brief, intensive counseling gives a "jump start" on the healing process.

13. How successful is the Marble Retreat program?

The vast majority of retreat guests leave with a renewed sense of hope, new tools for dealing with stress, and important self-discovery. Our feedback reports and records indicate that these factors continue to contribute to ongoing growth and healing in about 80% of our guests.

14. Do you have a waiting list?

Since we are ministering to people in crisis, we try to avoid putting anyone on a waiting list. We think if you're in a crisis you need help quickly. If we're totally booked for more than six weeks we will refer you to another Christian counseling caregiver. For those who prefer to wait for therapy at Marble Retreat we will keep names on a waiting list for possible cancellations which occasionally occur.

15. How is registration done?

Our Christian counseling registration process is handled by phone (see contact link at bottom of page). After you've checked out our program we require a telephone interview to assess the appropriateness of Marble Retreat for your needs. Next we'll discuss possible dates with you and schedule a session that works best for you. Your confirmation packet will be mailed and a non-refundable deposit then guarantees your reservation.

16. Why do people go to Marble Retreat?

Several circumstances that bring folks to Marble Retreat for Christian counseling are:

• dealing with depression and burnout
• marital conflict ( restoration following an affair, communication problems, etc.)
• vocational ( forced termination, mid-life crisis, thinking of leaving ministry, etc.)
• sexual addiction and sexual identity issues
  

17. Where is Marble Retreat?

We are about four hours southwest of Denver International Airport. From the Denver area, drive Interstate 70 to Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Travel south from Glenwood Springs on Hwy. 82. About 12 miles from Glenwood turn southwest onto Hwy. 133 at Carbondale. Continue on Hwy. 133 past the town of Redstone. Just before the ascent to McClure Pass, turn left onto County Road 3 toward Marble. Five miles from Hwy. 133 turn left onto Serpentine Trail. Follow this dirt road 1 mile and turn left at the Marble Retreat sign. The retreat lodge is at the cul-de-sac at the end of the dirt drive.

19. Are there other Christian counseling programs that might interest me?

Check our links page for a variety of Christian counseling centers.

20. Can you give me a good summary of your program?

Please explore our website, and check out this article about Marble Retreat.