**FEBRUARY 2026 RETREAT IS FULL, but stay tuned for something new!

Outdoor dining area on a balcony with a view of the ocean, featuring a table set with plates and utensils, and seating including chairs and cushioned sofas under a wooden ceiling with a ceiling fan.

HEALING CONNECTIONS

A Therapeutic Retreat for Couples

February 3–8, 2026 | Roatán, Honduras

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FACILITATED BY

A man with curly gray hair and black glasses smiling at the camera.

AUSTIN HOUGHTALING
Ph.D., LMFT

KEITH HAYS
MMFT

An Invitation to Grow, Heal, and Connect

Luxury terrace overlooking the ocean with outdoor seating, sun loungers, a dining table, and decorative plants under a wooden roof.

Escape to the stunning Caribbean island of Roatán for a 5-night therapeutic retreat designed to help couples reconnect—with themselves and each other—in a supportive, spacious, and deeply restorative setting.

This retreat blends intentional group therapy work with leisure, reflection, and tropical adventure. Through expert facilitation, meaningful group experiences, and the serenity of island life, you’ll have the chance to explore what healing connection looks like in your relationship.

Dining room with large windows showing tropical palm trees outside, a wooden dining table set with plates and glasses, modern white chairs, and a cozy gray sofa

This program is facilitated by Austin Houghtaling, Ph.D., LMFT, and Keith Hays, MMFT, both of whom bring significant professional and life experience working with couples. The therapeutic approach is trauma-informed and pulls from family systems and attachment theories, psychodynamic and experiential therapy modalities, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy for treating trauma, and incorporates psychoeducation on relevant topics.

Outdoor patio with white lounge chairs, a beige sectional sofa, and a wooden coffee table, overlooking the ocean at dusk with the moon visible in the sky.

This incredible experience includes:

  • 3½ Days of Healing Connection Group Therapy
    Led by two experienced therapists in an intimate, small-group format

  • 5 Nights at a Private Lodge
    Located in the heart of West End Village, featuring spacious lounging areas and two plunge pools

  • Island Adventures & Relaxation
    Daily free time to enjoy beach lounging, snorkeling, scuba diving, massages, and shopping in the vibrant village

  • Catamaran Excursion
    A special group outing to soak in the beauty of Roatán’s crystal-clear waters

Time-Tested & Proven Program

Austin Houghtaling developed the curriculum and structure of the multi-couples group therapy program that provides the foundation of this experience. It is a tested and proven effective way of working with couples.

More than 250 couples have gone through this experience over 10 years and across multiple states. Couples from around the United States have participated with overwhelmingly positive reviews.

Reviews for Healing Connections

  • “There are many programs for our couples…we have attended several over the years. In my opinion, none are better than this one. I was never more equipped, inspired and empowered! I was left with hope.”

    – Robert

  • “Words cannot express my gratitude for your guidance, kindness and the wisdom you brought to my life. The impact you and your team has made in our life…the value you have added to our marriage with your inspirational guidance is actually priceless.”

    – Howard

  • “I was impressed by the vast knowledge of the counselors of how to break through to the heart of it all so quickly. I was amazed.”

    –Dina

  • “We have attended other couple workshops and this by far was the most effective. It was well scheduled, moved along, and was individualized in a group setting. I found myself rooting for the other couples to get closer, recognizing my marriage in their struggle and feeling empowered to change what goes wrong in my own behaviors.”

    – Elizabeth

  • “The personnel running the program and doing the counseling were freaking awesome. Their knowledge on the subjects and the way they incorporated it into the program…was just amazing.”

    – Adam

  • “The instructors were amazing. I will hold this as special in my heart. This really helped my marriage.”

    – Michael

  • “I connected with my husband in a way that was new and refreshing.”

    – Kim

  • “I was able to reconnect with my wife and create a plan for continuing and nurturing that connection.”

    – Darryl

  • “It was so refreshing to know and learn that there are so many other couples out there that struggle with the same issues. It really opened our eyes and mostly our hearts! I know my husband and I gained so many valuable lessons and discovered so many things about each other that we never knew.”

    – Bonnie

FAQs

  • $8,000 per couple (First-time in Roatán discount—Normally $10,000 per couple)

  • ✔ Therapy & group facilitation, as well as morning mindfulness meditation opportunities.

    ✔ Lodging, opening evening dinner, and all breakfasts and lunches. Dinners occur during recreational times and will be the responsibility of each couple. You are free to choose your own dining options while out and about. (alcohol not included)

    ✔ Transportation to and from the Roatán airport and the private lodge.

    ✔ Catamaran adventure.

    • How to turn barriers to intimacy into bridges for connection

    • Ways to turn toward your partner in times of stress, rather than away

    • Skills to communicate with more clarity, curiosity, and compassion

    • How to grow as individuals while staying rooted in your relationship

  • This retreat is for any committed couple wanting to heal, reset, or strengthen their relationship in a supportive, enriching, and beautiful space. You don’t need to be in crisis—just ready for honesty, openness, curiosity and connection.

  • Each interested couple will first connect with one of the program facilitators via telephone or video conference to ask any questions, voice their hopes and goals for the program, and for the facilitators to ensure group appropriateness.

*This program is not appropriate for couples currently experiencing violence in the relationship or where physical safety is a concern. Facilitators reserve the right to screen interested participants, as well as discharge participants for behavior deemed inappropriate by the facilitators. Discharged participants will be responsible for all costs and arrangements required for travel back home and will forfeit all program costs.