Relationships & Family
The last thing either of them expected was to fall in love so profoundly, again...
A newly married couple in their 50’s came for a two week couple’s Intensive, because this time they wanted to get it right. They each had been married and divorced twice previously. The divorces had been painful and scarring. They wanted a good foundation before they stepped into another marriage, one that would allow this relationship to last until the end. As colleagues in the mental health field, they had referred many people to Maui Intensives. This time they needed the support for themselves and didn’t hold anything back. During their Intensive week, they developed a deep understanding of the personal issues they each brought into the relationship. They also gained insight into their relationship dynamics. Learning how to communicate in a way that was not threatening further increased their intimacy. They learned tools to navigate the rough spots and left with a clear vision for their lives together. Their goal was to leave the baggage behind.
After a ten year romance of splitting up and then getting back together, this couple knew they were meant to spend their lives together...
They loved each other so deeply, yet sometimes reacted so violently with each other. A friend, who had been to Maui Intensives, referred them to Rae and Judy for a 3 week pre-marital Intensive. They didn’t want to be one of those couples that looks great in public but not in private. Fortunately, these two individuals were willing to be transparent and vulnerable. The Intensive revealed nuances from their respective childhoods they both had tucked away. They had grown up in homes with a fair amount of drinking and occasional violence. In their minds, it was all normal and when they got hit they believed they deserved it. They were surprised at the repressed feelings that emerged. The safe setting of an Intensive allowed them to consciously move through the discomfort to a place of peace and calm. To wrap up the experience, they were taught a self inquiry tool to find gratitude and understanding for their parents. They left feeling more connected to their families, while holding a new awareness of how they wanted to parent their children some day.
His father just couldn't accept his son was gay. It went against the family's religion and everything their culture stood for...
This international family of means, who were often in the public eye, came to Maui for a family Intensive. It was easy to say they were taking a family vacation, when in reality the whole family participated in a one week family Intensive. There was a lot of tension in this family making communication volatile, so the first step was establishing connecting conversation where no one felt threatened. As facilitators, Rae and Judy hold a presence of safety and competence. This family learned and experienced that it is possible to have very different views and lifestyles while remaining connected, kind, and respectful with each other.