Retrouvaille is excellent at dealing with communication problems between spouses. If that is the source of the marital problems, then fixing communication fixes the marriage. However, often there are deeper underlying problems that come to light once the communication problem has been fixed. What I have observed is that in a lot of cases one spouse is chronically depressed. This depression has been driving the antagonism within the marriage. Retouvaille cannot fix these sorts of problems. However, it can bring them to light. Then it is up to the couple to seek the help they need either through counseling or medical treatment to deal with the underlying problems. But improving the communication can only help.
And yes, fb2. If you attend Retrouvaille, you are expected to show up for the sessions and do the dialogues. That is what you went there for. The program can only work if you give it a chance. The weekend is work; working on your marriage. If you want a quiet weekend at a hotel to give each other space, then just book a vacation at your convenience. I do know that they prefer to hold the weekends at monasteries and other quiet locations, and avoid the hotel scene. But that is not possible in every city. They do the best they can to help as many people as they can.
