Reconnect and Renew with Intensive Couples Therapy in the Berkshires: Where Nature, Awe, and Healing Intersect
Saturday, September 14, 2024.
Imagine this: the soft morning light filters through a dense canopy of trees, casting long shadows across the forest floor as you and your partner step onto a trail winding through the foothills of the Berkshires.
The crisp mountain air fills your lungs, and all around you, the landscape expands into rolling hills, and jagged peaks.
Here, in the embrace of nature’s grandeur, you’re invited to reconnect—with yourself, with your partner, and with something even larger than both of you.
This is no ordinary couples therapy session. In the Berkshires, awe is your co-therapist.
The Power of Awe in Nature
When it comes to couples therapy in natural settings, one emotion emerges as particularly significant: awe. Research on awe shows that this profound emotional response, often triggered by vast landscapes like mountains or forests, holds transformative potential for individuals and relationships alike.
In psychological terms, awe is described as the feeling we get when we encounter something so vast, complex, or beautiful that it transcends our ordinary understanding of the world (Keltner & Haidt, 2003).
It’s a humbling experience, one that makes us feel small in the best possible way—reminding us that our problems and conflicts are just one part of a much larger tapestry of life.
For couples, this shift in perspective is invaluable. Awe diminishes the ego, fostering feelings of connection and humility that can help reframe conflicts and lead to deeper empathy. When you experience awe together as a couple, it opens the door to seeing your relationship through a new, more expansive lens.
Nature as a Therapeutic Catalyst: Why the Berkshires?
The Berkshires, with their breathtaking mountain ranges, pristine lakes, and lush forests, are a natural wonderland designed to evoke awe. Whether you’re standing atop a peak gazing out over endless valleys or walking quietly through a grove of towering trees, the landscape itself becomes a catalyst for emotional breakthroughs in therapy.
A study by Joye and Bolderdijk (2015) found that spending time in nature leads to increased feelings of awe, which in turn reduces stress and boosts well-being. For couples in therapy, these awe-inducing settings can provide a fresh context in which to explore emotional wounds or entrenched patterns of behavior.
In the Berkshires, nature does much of the heavy lifting, allowing you and your partner to break free from the mental ruts that may have held you captive for years.
Moreover, awe has a unique ability to shift our perception of time (Rudd et al., 2012). Couples often come to therapy feeling pressured by time—pressured to resolve issues quickly, to make immediate progress, or to fix long-standing problems in just a few sessions.
But awe, particularly when experienced in natural settings, slows everything down. It allows you to feel as though you have all the time in the world to reflect, understand, and heal, which can be incredibly freeing during intensive couples therapy.
The Psychological and Relational Benefits of Awe
What makes awe so impactful in a couples therapy context? At its core, awe is a prosocial emotion—it pushes us to think beyond ourselves and to act in ways that benefit others.
Research by Piff et al. (2015) found that people who experience awe are more likely to engage in cooperative, generous behaviors. In therapy, this effect can translate into couples being more open to compromise, forgiveness, and new ways of relating to each other.
In fact, couples who regularly experience awe together tend to report higher levels of relationship satisfaction (Bai et al., 2017). This is why integrating awe into therapy through nature retreats or outdoor sessions is so powerful—it creates a space where couples can reconnect not only with nature, but with each other in a deep, meaningful way.
Philosophical Perspectives: Awe as a Pathway to Mutual Reverence
The idea that awe can deepen relationships isn’t just backed by science; it’s also rooted in philosophy.
Thinkers like Immanuel Kant and Albert Schweitzer described awe as a key to understanding our place in the world and cultivating reverence for life.
Kant saw awe as an encounter with the "sublime," a feeling of being overwhelmed by something vast and incomprehensible. This sense of shared wonder can help couples move beyond their individual concerns and focus on the broader, shared meaning of their relationship.
Schweitzer echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that awe opens the door to mutual reverence—an essential element of healthy, thriving relationships. When couples experience awe together, they’re reminded that they’re not just two people in conflict; they’re part of something much larger, a realization that fosters compassion, patience, and a sense of shared purpose.
Applications of Awe in Intensive Couples Therapy
In the Berkshires, couples therapy can be designed to intentionally incorporate awe-inspiring moments.
Picture this: you and your partner begin your therapy session as you cross a small wooden Japanese foot bridge for a morning hike along a perfectly mowed, flat trail, literally a 12 ft. wide golf-course like path winding through the lush beauty of the Berkshires.
As you look ahead, the vastness of the landscape takes hold. The towering trees, the sound of the wind through the leaves—all of it combines to create a sense of peace, connection, and awe.
You might reflect in these moments, drawing parallels between the natural world and your relationship dynamics.
Just as the seasons shift and change in the Berkshires, so too do the cycles of conflict and reconciliation in your relationship. By experiencing awe together, couples can break free from old patterns and embrace new ways of connecting.
Retreats in natural settings, particularly those focused on awe, are already gaining popularity for their ability to promote emotional openness and transformation.
Couples who engage in these retreats often report feeling more connected to each other, more in tune with their emotions, and more capable of navigating challenges together (Kaplan & Kaplan, 1989).
Practical Considerations: Tailoring Therapy to the Couple
Of course, not every couple responds to nature in the same way. While awe has powerful benefits, it’s important to recognize that some individuals may feel uncomfortable in outdoor settings, which can create additional challenges for therapy. This is why tailoring the experience to each couple’s unique needs and preferences is essential.
For some couples, the serene towering pines of the Berkshires might provide the perfect backdrop for healing. Others prefer the beach.
Perhaps a mountaintop sunset might evoke feelings of awe that might allow you both to see each other in a new light. The key is flexibility—crafting an experience that resonates with both partners while drawing on the transformative power of nature.
7 Great Hotels in the Berkshires for a Perfect Getaway
The Berkshires offer a beautiful blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and luxurious accommodations. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or a romantic escape, these five hotels in the Berkshires promise an unforgettable experience.
Blantyre
For a romantic escape, Blantyre is the ultimate destination. This Forbes Five-Star hotel is a Gilded Age mansion turned boutique resort, featuring elegantly decorated rooms, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and a world-class spa. Blantyre is perfect for couples seeking luxury, elegance, and a touch of history in the Berkshires.
The Wheatleigh
Set in a beautiful 19th-century Italianate mansion, The Wheatleigh is one of the Berkshires' most exclusive hotels. Surrounded by 22 acres of parkland, it combines European-style luxury with modern amenities. The on-site restaurant offers exquisite dining, and the intimate atmosphere makes it a great spot for a romantic getaway or special celebration.
Learn more about The Wheatleigh
Miraval Berkshires Resort and Spa
A tranquil oasis in the heart of the Berkshires, Miraval is another wellness-focused resort, offering a variety of holistic programs, including yoga, meditation, and nutrition workshops. The luxurious spa, breathtaking views, and commitment to mindfulness make this resort a favorite for those seeking a peaceful, rejuvenating stay.
Learn more about Miraval Berkshires
The Red Lion Inn
For travelers seeking a historic charm combined with modern comfort, The Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge is a wonderful option. Established in 1773, this historic inn has been welcoming guests for centuries. It offers cozy rooms, fine dining, and a quintessential New England atmosphere. Whether you’re relaxing by the fireplace or exploring the charming town of Stockbridge, The Red Lion Inn delivers a memorable Berkshires experience.
Learn more about The Red Lion Inn
The Porches Inn at MASS MoCA (North Adams, MA)
A boutique hotel with a quirky, artistic vibe, The Porches Inn is located near the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA). The inn features retro-industrial decor, an outdoor heated pool, and beautiful gardens, perfect for a relaxing stay while exploring the nearby cultural attractions.
Learn more about The Porches Inn at Mass MoCA
Kemble Inn (Lenox, MA)
A chic and modernized Gilded Age mansion, Kemble Inn offers luxurious rooms with a contemporary twist. Located in Lenox, the inn provides stunning mountain views, high-end dining at Table Six, and a peaceful, elegant atmosphere for guests looking to unwind in style.
Learn more about the Kemble Inn
Reconnect and Renew in the Berkshires
The rolling hills of the Berkshires in Massachusetts offer an idyllic setting for intensive couples therapy.
Here, amidst awe-inspiring natural beauty, you and your partner can experience a profound transformation—both personally and relationally.
Science-based couples therapy draws on the latest research in psychology, while also integrating the emotional and spiritual benefits of awe. Whether your relationship is facing challenges or you simply wish to deepen your connection, the Berkshires provide the perfect environment to reflect, renew, and reconnect.
Ask me about intensive couples therapy in the Berkshires
Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.
REFERENCES:
Keltner, D., & Haidt, J. (2003). Approaching awe, a moral, spiritual, and aesthetic emotion. Cognition and Emotion, 17(2), 297-314.
Piff, P. K., Dietze, P., Feinberg, M., Stancato, D. M., & Keltner, D. (2015). Awe, the small self, and prosocial behavior. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 108(6), 883-899.
Bai, Y., Maruskin, L. A., Chen, S., Gordon, A. M., Stellar, J. E., McNeil, G. D., & Keltner, D. (2017). Awe, the diminished self, and collective engagement: Universals and cultural variations in the small self. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 113(2), 185-209.
Rudd, M., Vohs, K. D., & Aaker, J. (2012). Awe expands people’s perception of time, alters decision making, and enhances well-being. Psychological Science, 23(10), 1130-1136.