Intensive Couples Therapy on the Beach: Exploring the Role of Awe in Relational Healing
Thursday, September 12, 2024.
When considering the benefits of conducting couples therapy in natural environments, the role of the emotion of awe emerges as particularly significant.
Research on awe highlights its transformative potential, especially when we encounter vast, natural landscapes such as oceans, mountains, or forests.
This feeling of awe, described as a profound emotional response to something vast and overwhelming, has been linked to numerous psychological and social benefits that are relevant to couples therapy.
Understanding Awe and Its Psychological Benefits
Awe is a unique emotion triggered by experiences that transcend everyday life.
It often involves a sense of vastness, whether physical (such as viewing a grand landscape) or conceptual (such as contemplating complex ideas), and it can reshape a person’s understanding of themselves in relation to the world (Keltner & Haidt, 2003).
Awe is typically accompanied by feelings of smallness or a diminished sense of self, which can foster humility, open-mindedness, and prosocial behavior (Piff et al., 2015).
For couples, experiencing awe together in a natural setting can shift the focus from individual grievances or conflicts to a broader perspective. As awe often diminishes the ego and increases feelings of connection to something greater, it may help couples reframe their conflicts and see their relationship within a larger context, facilitating greater empathy and understanding.
Awe in Nature: A Therapeutic Catalyst
Research suggests that natural environments are among the most powerful elicitors of awe.
In a study by Joye and Bolderdijk (2015), participants who spent time in nature reported increased feelings of awe, which were associated with lower levels of stress and heightened feelings of well-being.
For couples in therapy, these feelings of awe can serve as a catalyst for emotional breakthroughs, helping them move beyond entrenched patterns of behavior or conflict.
Moreover, awe has been shown to enhance the perception of time, leading folks to feel that time is more expansive and plentiful (Rudd et al., 2012).
This shift in time perception can be particularly valuable in intensive couples therapy settings, where time constraints often pressure couples to resolve issues quickly. By fostering a more relaxed and expansive experience of time, awe may allow couples to slow down, reflect deeply, and engage more fully in the therapeutic process.
Awe and Its Impact on Relational Dynamics
Awe is a prosocial emotion, meaning it tends to promote behaviors that benefit others and enhance social connections.
Studies have shown that people who experience awe are more likely to engage in helpful and cooperative behaviors (Piff et al., 2015). In couples therapy, this prosocial effect can help partners be more generous, forgiving, and willing to compromise. Awe also increases curiosity and openness to new experiences, which can encourage couples to explore new ways of relating to each other.
Furthermore, awe has been linked to greater relationship satisfaction.
In a study conducted by Bai et al. (2017), participants who experienced awe in their daily lives reported higher levels of relationship satisfaction compared to those who experienced less awe.
This finding suggests that incorporating awe-inducing experiences, such as outdoor therapy sessions in breathtaking natural settings, can enhance a couple's overall sense of connection and satisfaction.
Philosophical Perspectives on Awe and Relationships
Philosophers like Immanuel Kant and Albert Schweitzer have highlighted the role of awe in deepening our connection to the world and to each other. Kant (1790) described awe as an encounter with the “sublime,” a feeling of being overwhelmed by something vast and incomprehensible, yet profoundly meaningful.
In a couples therapy context, awe can help partners move beyond their individual egos and connect to a sense of shared purpose or meaning.
Schweitzer (1949) also spoke of awe as a gateway to reverence for life, a quality that can be deeply healing in relationships. When couples experience awe together, they may be more likely to develop a sense of mutual reverence, seeing each other through the lens of separateness, but as part of something larger. This shift in perspective can foster greater compassion and patience, both of which are crucial in repairing and strengthening relationships.
Applications of Awe in Intensive Couples Therapy
In practice, outdoor therapy sessions can intentionally incorporate awe-inspiring elements to enhance therapeutic outcomes.
For instance, conducting therapy sessions at sunrise and sunset on a beach can amplify the sense of vastness and beauty, allowing couples to experience awe together.
Therapists can also guide couples to reflect on the awe-inspiring aspects of nature during the session, encouraging them to draw parallels between the natural world and their relationship dynamics.
For example, the ebb and flow of the ocean’s tides might be used as a metaphor for the natural cycles of conflict and reconciliation in relationships.
Nature retreats that are designed around the emotion of awe have already been implemented in various therapeutic settings, often with the goal of facilitating emotional openness and personal transformation. Couples who engage in these retreats report feeling more connected to each other and more at peace with their relationship challenges (Kaplan & Kaplan, 1989).
Limitations and Considerations
Despite the powerful effects of awe, it’s important to note that awe alone may not resolve deep-seated relational issues.
While awe can create the conditions for openness and reflection, it is still the role of the therapist to guide couples through the therapeutic process, helping them translate these emotions into meaningful relational shifts. Moreover, not all folks may respond to nature in the same way.
For some, the outdoors might evoke feelings of discomfort or anxiety, which could hinder the therapeutic process. Tailoring the therapy to the individual needs and preferences of the couple is essential for achieving the desired outcomes.
Reconnect and Renew with Intensive Couples Therapy on New Silver Beach on Cape Cod
Imagine stepping out onto the inviting sands of New Silver Beach, the sun rising over the horizon, painting the sky with hues of soft pink and gold.
The Atlantic breeze brushes gently against your skin as you take in the quiet beauty of this tranquil setting, far from the demands of your busy life.
Here, surrounded by the natural splendor of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, you and your partner can experience a profound transformation—both personally and relationally—through our science-based couples therapy, designed exclusively for accomplished couples seeking deeper connection and growth.
My intensive couples therapy sessions are grounded in the latest research from leading psychologists and relationship experts, such as John and Julie Gottman, whose methods focus on improving communication, reducing conflict, and fostering emotional intimacy.
Whether your relationship is weathering a storm or you simply wish to deepen your bond, these exclusive retreats provide the perfect opportunity to focus on each other without distraction, all while drawing on the restorative power of nature.
The Perfect Setting for Reflection and Reconnection
New Silver Beach in North Falmouth Massachusetts offers an ideal backdrop for relational healing when weather permits.
In the fall, the crisp air and soft warmth of the late afternoon sun create a serene, contemplative atmosphere as the waves gently lap against the shore. With temperatures typically ranging from 50°F to 65°F, it's the perfect time to experience quiet moments of connection as the sun sets, casting a breathtaking orange glow across the water.
Spring invites renewal not only for nature but for your relationship. At sunrise, the cool breeze and invigorating 45°F to 60°F temperatures provide a fresh, energizing start to your day. The budding greenery and chirping birds enhance your sense of new beginnings—ideal for couples seeking to rekindle romance and rejuvenate their bond.
For those seeking a summer retreat, New Silver Beach delivers the quintessential Cape Cod experience. These dates are expected to book quickly for 2025.
Mornings are soft and warm, with temperatures ranging from 65°F to 75°F, creating a comfortable environment to engage in meaningful conversations and exercises that enhance emotional intimacy.
As the sun sets, the light reflecting off the water offers a magical moment for reflection, inspiring a sense of gratitude and connection that can only come from shared experiences in such a beautiful place.
A Tailored Experience for the Accomplished
My exclusive couples therapy sessions are designed for those who have achieved success in their professional lives but now seek to enrich their personal relationships. There is anywhere from 5 to 7 hours of prep work that we will do beforehand on Zoom, and 12 hours of intensive couples therapy on and near the beach.
I understand the unique challenges that come with high-performance careers, and my approach integrates cutting-edge psychological research with strategies to help you maintain the harmony between work, family, and personal fulfillment.
Each session is tailored to your specific needs, ensuring that you and your partner leave with practical tools to improve communication, resolve conflict, and deepen emotional intimacy.
Whether you’re arriving from nearby Boston or flying in from across the country, North Falmouth Beach provides a luxurious, private setting to focus on your relationship, while the beauty of the ocean facilitates reflection and emotional growth.
Our sessions will combine evidence-based practices with the awe-inspiring power of nature, offering you and your partner a chance to rediscover the passion, joy, and mutual understanding that brought you together.
Don't miss the opportunity to experience this exclusive, transformative retreat. Begin your journey to deeper connection and personal fulfillment on the serene shores of New Silver Beach. I look forward to working with you.
For couples seeking comfortable accommodations in the Silver Beach area of North Falmouth, there are several options. These places offer privacy, beautiful coastal views, and a relaxing atmosphere:
Sea Crest Beach Hotel: Located on Old Silver Beach, this hotel offers direct beach access, oceanfront rooms, fine dining, and amenities like private balconies, a pool, and beachside service. It's ideal for couples looking to unwind by the sea while enjoying a luxury experience.
Woods Hole Inn: Though slightly farther from Silver Beach, this boutique inn in Woods Hole is a charming and upscale option. It offers personalized service, elegant rooms, and proximity to high-end dining. The quaint New England feel adds to its appeal for discerning couples.
The Palmer House Inn: Located nearby in Falmouth, this historic and upscale bed and breakfast offers a cozy yet refined experience. Couples can enjoy elegantly appointed suites, lush gardens, and gourmet breakfasts.
Final thoughts
The emotion of awe, particularly when experienced in natural settings like beaches, might be the next big think in science-based, intensive couples therapy.
Awe promotes emotional openness, reduces ego-driven conflicts, and enhances feelings of connection. Awe can accelerate the therapeutic process and lead to more profound relational healing.
As research on awe continues to grow, its integration into nature-based therapeutic interventions offers a promising avenue for couples seeking to reconnect and rebuild their relationships. That’s my heartfelt goal for you and your partner.
I’m reserving dates now. Let me know you if you want to do intensive couples therapy on the beach.
Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.
REFERENCES:
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.
Joye, Y., & Bolderdijk, J. W. (2015). An exploratory study into the effects of environmental awe. Frontiers in Psychology, 6, 1243.
Kant, I. (1790). Critique of Judgment (W. Pluhar, Trans.). Hackett Publishing Company.
Kaplan, R., & Kaplan, S. (1989). The experience of nature: A psychological perspective. Cambridge University Press.
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.
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.
Schweitzer, A. (1949). Reverence for Life: The Ethics of Albert Schweitzer for the Twenty-First Century.