The tools that Retro provides are wonderful for improving communications in general for any relationship, but the weekends are geared towards relationships in crisis. When I went through the weekend, I thought that what they taught should be mandatory for couples entering into a marriage. There are no suggested time limits, and I think in most cases one of the partners is generally a reluctant participant. What I observed on the first weekend was an incredible transformation to how the couples interacted and communicated.
I'm not sure how well it would work for divorced couples unless there has been a joint decision to try and work things out again. There is ongoing 'homework' and several follow up weekends. It would be hard to get through this with two people that are communication challenged and living seperately.
As far as 3rd party, Retro requires that any other relations have ended prior to attending the weekend. A 3rd person in the picture is counter productive to the process.
