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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs | Marble Retreat

We know you have questions. And if you have additional questions, please reach out by contacting us.

Counseling Intensives FAQ
Soul Care Retreats FAQ

Counseling Intensive FAQ

Who else will be at the Retreat?

No more than seven other people. They’ll all be committed Christians as well as the strong possibility of being in or formerly in some form of full-time Christian ministry, and many will be in some sort of life crisis. There are married couples, but we also regularly welcome single individuals. Our guests are from varied Christian denominational groups, ethnic backgrounds, mission sending agencies and many parts of the country and world.

Confidentiality is a foundational principle of our Christian counseling ministry. Our staff and our participants are all committed to preserving each person’s privacy. And as a professional counseling center we are required by law to maintain confidentiality except for when the law requires us to break it.

The 8 days is a purposeful combination of counseling and breaks for rest, prayer, and recreation. After three days of counseling the weekend break is a time to reflect and play and explore the Colorado Rockies. Following the weekend break another three days of counseling allows time to dig deeper into what was discussed earlier and gives opportunity to get practical with next steps.

Descriptions we’ve received from guests include:

  • “The first place I’ve ever felt totally accepted.”
  • “A really safe environment in which to work.”
  • “As a couple, we had time to communicate without interruptions.”
  • “A Godsend.”

Each person or couple receives 9 hours of individual counseling and 18 hours of group counseling.

A counseling intensive can cover as much ground as 3 to 6 months of one hour per week counseling. Our experience has been that the 8 days of intensive, focused time can provide the opportunity for significant progress even on “very deep, core issues. We see the Retreat experience multiplying the effectiveness of the time in counseling. We don’t expect all the issues to be solved completely, however, and follow-up Christian counseling may be recommended.

Brief intensive counseling is where one receives multiple hours of counseling within a short time. It is designed for those who are stuck, in crisis, or who want to take a significant step forward in a short period of time. The “disconnection” of the mountain retreat setting also allows guests to fully focus on what they came to work on without the distractions of work and home. It is designed to work on focused issues and specific goals and can bring symptom relief, new direction, better self-understanding, and new skill development for better coping. Rather than extended time commitment, the counseling demands intensive commitment over a short period of time. In our case, eight days.

Yes!! And No. We strongly recommend your spouse comes. First, if you are in ministry you can know for sure that your spouse is also being affected by the life of ministry whatever their role. Second, you both will bring different perspectives that are so helpful for your counselor to hear. Third, if only one spouse comes and they experience big breakthroughs and plans for next steps, it is difficult for the spouse not there to be on the same page. Fourth, if there are any marital issues to be worked on then definitely having both spouses present greatly improves the effectiveness of a marital intervention.

However, we understand that there are situations where it is impossible for both spouses to come so please talk with us about your situation so we together can determine the best scenario for you.

No. We are not equipped for childcare — and we don’t want you to be distracted by your children’s needs while you are working on your issues.

The opportunity to have uninterrupted, focused time to deal with issues allows much more progress over the same counseling hours (which is about the same as six months of weekly Christian counseling). We’ve had many guests who have had previous traditional counseling and report that this experience was much more effective for them. For most individuals brief, intensive counseling gives a “jump start” on the healing process.

The vast majority of retreat guests leave with a renewed sense of hope, new tools for dealing with stress or the focused on issue, deep spiritual and emotional healing, and important self-discovery. Our feedback reports and records indicate that these factors continue to contribute to ongoing growth and healing in about 80% of our guests.

If the intensive that you desire to sign up for is already full, then you can be placed on a waiting list in case there are any cancellations. Sometimes we have openings within the same month you call and sometimes our next intensives are already full and either you can take the first opening that is available, be put on a waiting list, or we can give you referrals if you are looking for something sooner than we have available. If you know you want to come months down the road because you have a break or sabbatical coming then you can also schedule coming to an intensive at a later date.

Feel free to contact us via phone (970) 963-2499 or email ministrycare@marbleretreat.org to get started. We will discuss your situation and needs to determine if we are a good fit. We will also look at dates and openings to determine the intensive that works best for you and that is available. Then when an intensive is decided upon you send in your registration form and make a deposit to hold your spot.

Several circumstances that bring folks to Marble Retreat for Christian counseling include:

  • dealing with depression and burnout, compassion fatigue, trauma on the mission field
  • marital conflict ( restoration following an affair, communication problems, etc.)
  • vocational ( forced termination, mid-life crisis, thinking of leaving ministry, etc.)
  • sexual problems including pornography use

Marble Retreat is located at the end of a road, against National Forest in the heart of the western Colorado Rockies. Our location ensures peace, quiet, and anonymity, as well as beauty and majesty.

We are about four hours southwest of Denver International Airport. From the Denver area, drive Interstate 70 to Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Travel south from Glenwood Springs on Hwy. 82. About 12 miles from Glenwood turn southwest onto Hwy. 133 at Carbondale. Continue on Hwy. 133 past the town of Redstone. Just before the ascent to McClure Pass, turn left onto County Road 3 toward Marble. Five miles from Hwy. 133 turn left onto Serpentine Trail. Follow this dirt road 1 mile and turn left at the Marble Retreat sign. The retreat lodge is at the cul-de-sac at the end of the dirt drive.

Check our Ministry Resources page for a variety of Christian counseling centers.

Soul Care Retreat FAQ

Who is this retreat for?

This retreat is designed for pastors, missionaries, and ministry leaders who are not necessarily in crisis but are seeking spiritual renewal, rest, and intentional leadership development. It’s ideal for those on sabbatical, feeling burned out, or simply desiring a deeper connection with God and renewed purpose in ministry.

While our traditional intensives focus on leaders in active crisis, Shaping the Heart of the Leader is a proactive experience. It’s designed for spiritual renewal and leadership development, not clinical counseling. It’s about thriving—not just surviving—in ministry.

You’ll engage in six days of structured coaching sessions focused on five core dimensions of sustainable leadership, balanced with time for personal reflection, guided recreation, group interaction, rest, and worship. The retreat also includes space to process your personal story and reconnect with your calling. You will have evenings and the weekend free to rest, play games, interact with others, or enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

The retreat investment is $3,150 per person. It includes 8 days of lodging in a private suite, chef-prepared meals, all coaching and leadership content, outdoor guided experiences, and access to all retreat amenities. Scholarships available.

Yes!! In fact, we strongly encourage your spouse to attend. You are in ministry together. Your spouse is an integral part of what you do. This retreat will be of great benefit to both of you. We believe your primary ministry is in your home. Both you and your spouse need to remain aligned in life and leadership to flourish and finish well.

The lodge has 5 suites available. Each retreat is limited to 5 participants (singles or couples). This ensures a highly personalized and intimate environment for meaningful interaction, deep coaching, and authentic community.

No. While many participants will attend during sabbatical seasons, this retreat is open to any ministry leader who feels called or has the need to step away for spiritual renewal and development, regardless of formal sabbatical status.

You’re not alone; welcome to the ministry life!!. This retreat is a safe space to pause, reflect, and re-engage with God and your calling. While it’s not clinical counseling, it offers space to explore what’s next with clarity, compassion, and wise guidance.

Depending on the season, you can participate in fly fishing, hiking, horseback riding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, wildlife viewing, and more. These are optional but highly encouraged as part of the healing and reflection process.

Located in the stunning Crystal River Valley of Marble, Colorado, the retreat center is surrounded by mountains, rivers, and wilderness. The peaceful setting creates a rare opportunity for quiet reflection, soul care, and intimate encounters with God in creation.

The retreat is led by Dave and Jayne Walters, ministry veterans with over 30 years of experience. They are trained and certified coaches well versed in theology, leadership, conflict resolution, and spiritual formation. Their heart is to walk alongside leaders with compassion and wisdom.

You can either call Marble Retreat or fill out the contact form on the website to apply or schedule a discovery call. Space is limited, and we encourage early registration. We’d love to hear your story and help you discern if this retreat is the right next step for your journey.