The University Counseling Center is encouraging couples to learn more about marital communication and mutual support by sponsoring a retreat for married students Feb. 11 – 12.

The Married Students Retreat is a two-day retreat designed to encourage successful communication among wedded students. The weekend event is $65 per couple and includes meals, one overnight stay at the Abilene Courtyard by Marriott and participation in four sessions covering the theme, Communication: Key to Your Marriage.

ACU counselor Steve Eller has directed the event for the last three years and said he believes students will essentially leave with a new language of understanding.

“In everything we know about conflict, males and females function in two different ways of communication,” Eller said. “This retreat will help them learn more about those different ways.”

Participants and their spouses will hear from guest speakers Dr. Chris Grace, professor of psychology at Biola University in California, and his wife Alisa Grace. Presentations by him and his wife will explore both sides of a marriage, encouraging a mutual understanding of spousal differences.

“Communication takes practice, not just willpower,” Eller said. “Actually going through the steps will help make you better.”

The retreat is in conjunction with Sacred Relationships Week, which starts Monday, Feb. 7. The week will include guest speakers in Chapel as well as several Chapel forums. Speakers will cover topics such as “Top 10 Dumbest Reasons to Date,” “Friends Don’t Let Friends Date Dumb” and “Living Life’s Questions and Searching for Answers.”

Steve Rowlands, director of the University Counseling Center, said he encourages married students to evaluate just how important their marriage is.

“The most important things in life are relationships so why not invest time to make yours better,” Rowlands said. “Whether your marriage is in a very good place or a difficult place, this event will only help strengthen it.”

Retreat participants will also attend one follow-up session mid-spring but the University Counseling Center offers marriage counseling for ACU students or staff members at any time.

Students interested in the retreat are encouraged to register as soon as possible as space is limited. Information and registration forms can be found at www.acu.edu/retreat.

For further information on the retreat or the University Counseling Center, contact Steve Eller at steve.eller@acu.edu or the University Counseling Center at 674-2626 or counseling@acu.edu