Couples Therapy Retreats in Southeast Asia: Deep, Private Support for Relationships on the Brink
Utilising Terry Real’s Relational Life Therapy approach, alongside trauma-informed IFS and Brainspotting to transforming couples.
If the level of disconnection between you right now makes an image like this seem out of reach, read more about in-person couple retreats and how they can transform your relationship.
If your relationship feels like it's reaching a breaking point, or if you're simply tired of the same stuck patterns and ready to rebuild real intimacy and connection, this might be exactly the support you need.
I specialise in helping couples transform their relationship dynamics using the powerful model of Relational Life Therapy (RLT). Developed by renowned therapist Terry Real, author of Us, Fierce Intimacy and The New Rules of Marriage (you can read more about his books in this blog post about the Six Most Powerful Books For Couples), RLT goes far beyond surface-level communication tools. It teaches you how to stop the cycle of blame, disconnection and silent resentment, and instead reconnect with honesty, fierce love and accountability.
I’ve trained directly with Terry Real and his Institute, and I integrate his model into all my work as it’s the best I’ve ever worked with for couples therapy. I also use advanced trauma therapies like Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Brainspotting, particularly when past experiences are impacting the present relationship. But the foundation is always relational repair. This work is about learning how to show up differently together.
Why a Private Couples Retreat Might Be What You Need
Traditional weekly therapy can be helpful, but when a relationship is in crisis or at a crossroads, that slow drip of support often isn’t enough. What most couples need in these moments is a strong container of clarity, focus and skilled guidance. A place where you can do deep, real work quickly. As a result, a big portion of my couples work is deep-healing intensives which can take place online, you can read more here.
However, every year, I also offer, for a smaller number of clients, a face-to-face option. My private (just you, me and your partner) couples retreats are grounded in the RLT approach and offer exactly that.
Held in beautiful locations across Southeast Asia like Thailand, Bali, Malaysia or Vietnam, these retreats are designed for couples who are ready for meaningful change. They are especially well-suited to high-achieving or overwhelmed couples facing challenging family dynamics, career stress, identity transitions, ADHD or neurodivergence, or long-term relationship conflict.
What Happens During a Retreat
Every retreat is tailored to your specific needs, and always centred on the principles of RLT: truth-telling, emotional maturity and relational mindfulness.
Together we will explore the recurring patterns in your relationship, how each of you protects yourselves from vulnerability, and how to return to each other with accountability and care. The goal is to create lasting change, not just temporary relief.
Your retreat includes:
Extended sessions with me each day using the RLT model
Pre-retreat goal setting so we begin with focus and clarity
Optional trauma-focused sessions using IFS and Brainspotting for individual healing where needed
A carefully chosen location that supports nervous system regulation and reconnection and offers additional services to relax and soothe frazzled, dysregulated systems.
Time for deep reflection, emotional honesty and real relational repair.
There is no group work - as it’s just us, no generic curriculum - as it’s bespoke and no distractions - as it’s an intentional escape from those. This is a private, focused experience created specifically for you both.
Why RLT Is Different
RLT is not about light-touch communication tips or helping you talk “better.” It is about insight AND action combined, truthfully confronting what is not working, learning how to repair with love and clarity, and moving toward a more connected, adult relationship.
Many of the couples I work on in-person retreats with have tried therapy before. RLT often feels like a completely different experience. It is direct, practical and transformational.
If you’ve read Us, listened to Fierce Intimacy, or connected with Terry Real’s work, you’ll understand how powerful this approach can be. If you haven’t, I’m so glad you’ve found this impactful work!
Who This Is For
This type of retreat is ideal for couples who:
Are in crisis or at a major relationship crossroads
Want significant change in a short and focused timeframe
Are ready to do honest, deep emotional work together
Prefer a high-level, private approach rather than group therapy
Value discretion, depth and skilled relational guidance
It is not suitable for couples experiencing active abuse, addiction, or those not yet ready to commit to relational change.
How to Book a Retreat
Due to the highly personalised nature of these retreats, they are application-only and typically require a 3-month lead time. The investment begins at £5500 GBP, which includes accommodation but not travel or meals.
If you're serious about creating lasting relational change, I’d love to explore this with you.
👉 Click here to enquire about a private RLT couples retreat
If you're still exploring this work, start with my blog post on the top books for couples ready to grow together:
📘 Top 6 Books for Couples Ready for Real Change
And if you’re not currently able to commit the time and travel to an in-person retreat, online intensives are fantastically effective and I have proven recipes to make them feel like an at-home retreat for yoyu both. You can send me a message here to find out more about online intensive work for couples.
You are not broken, and your relationship is not beyond repair. With the right support, you can reconnect, rebuild and begin again.
Warmly,
Lucy
RLT Couples Therapist | IFS & Brainspotting Trauma Therapist | Consultant to High-Achieving, Expat and Neurodivergent Clients
