prissilawikaq: The Clearing: Relationships Renewed, Refreshed, and Restored ...

Deep in the hearts of Texans are long-standing values and principles that remain true today.? At the center of those values stands the belief in strong healthy marriages, and as a result, thriving families and communities.? Although the value of marriage is still found at the Texas core, the common struggles found in every marriage can leave couples feeling their relationship was meant for so much more.? After seeing not only the the pain that comes from broken marriages within the lives of their patients, William and Margit Riley, both physicians, founded The Clearing, a non-profit organization dedicated to healing, restoring, and refreshing marriages.? Providing an alternative to traditional counseling, The Clearing offers Marriage Intensive Retreat programs to bring truth, hope, and love to couples, and ultimately to broken homes and future generations.? Through these programs, countless couples have discovered fresh intimacy and purpose as they embark together on rekindled journeys.

William and Margit Riley

?It seemed a God-given imperative to spend our time, talent, and treasure to do whatever we could to try to counteract the current cultural devaluing of marriage,? says Margit.? ?We became absolutely convinced this was the right program when a recently divorced young mother broke down in sobs in my office when told about our plans to bring group intensive marriage counseling to Texas.? ?We had tried everything, but nothing helped.? We thought we had to get a divorce to keep from fighting in front of the children. Had we only known that intensives existed, I know we wouldn?t be divorced today!??? It was then that we knew we just had to make intensives available to those who truly want a miracle for their marriage. Our only regret is that more people don?t know about and make use of this incredible resource for their marriage. Any and every marriage can benefit from and be upgraded by a periodic deep audit.?

Jordan Ranch

Located in the serene Texas countryside at the Jordan Ranch in Schulenburg, couples will find themselves participating in the life-changing work of The Clearing Marriage Intensive.? Greeted by a compassionate host couple, husbands and wives can escape life?s everyday concerns as they take in the breath-taking views, enjoy the grand yet intimate setting of the ranch?s facilities, refresh themselves in the refuge of the pool or Jacuzzi, savor 5-star gourmet meals, or relax in the privacy of their bedroom, all the while restoring their relationship through the encouragement and counsel of compassionate, Christ-centered therapists.? One client said, ?There were thoughtful touches everywhere and in every hour of the day.? God really used you at a time when we needed to be ministered to.? I have hope that our marriage may be salvageable for the first time in a long while.? Please know how very thankful I am.?? Over thirty hours of counseling are offered in four impactful days as core issues are attended to and couples discover the purposeful, covenant marriage God intended for them.

Frank and Jesenia Manzano

Each marriage intensive is led by professional licensed therapists equipped with years of training and experience.?? Always with a warm smile, genuine concern, and non-judgmental approach, each therapist works to deliver an in-depth counseling retreat to gently bring each couple to a place of renewed hope, direction, and intimacy.? Guy Gourley, MA, LPC, NCC and Tricia Cunningham, MA, LPC are currently The Clearing?s principal therapists.

Guy Gourley

Guy Gourley is a therapist, conference and seminar speaker and founder of the Legacy Center for Christian Counseling in Houston. He holds two masters degrees, one from Dallas Theological Seminary in Biblical Studies and another in Counseling from Colorado Christian University. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas and an active member in the American Association of Christian Counselors.? With over twenty-three years in counseling experience, Guy has a passion for people and relationship restoration and enrichment as he meets couples where they are to bring insight, compassion, and spiritual direction to where they need it most.

A Word from Guy?

?In counseling there are so many times I wish I had more time. I see couples on the brink of something really good happening and then I have to end the session. A marriage intensive allows me to take the time to really hear the deepest parts of the couple?s story. Every marriage has challenges and it often takes time for a person to feel safe enough to share their deepest wants, needs and desires. Sometimes the hurt is so deep they need the extra reassurance they are going to be heard and taken care of. ?A marriage intensive allows the couple to retreat, literally, and be taken care of physically, emotionally and spiritually. Join me on this journey and see the miracle that can happen.?

Tricia Cunningham

Tricia Cunningham is the lead therapist for The Clearing, and has demonstrated her wisdom and compassion in counseling couples who have come to the Marriage Intensive Retreats and Marriage Enrichment weekends. She began her career as a counselor at Gary Smalley?s counseling center, Today?s Family. She later became a certified lead therapist, director, and executive team member at the National Institute of Marriage. She is also a Certified Professional Life Coach. Tricia grew up in Argentina, the daughter of missionaries, and has spent her adult life in ministry with her husband in the Midwest. ?She has been married for eighteen years and has three children.

A Word from Tricia?

?I wish every couple in America could experience a marriage intensive.? Though most couples who attend are in crisis when they arrive, by far the majority leave hopeful and re-connected.? They learn so much about themselves and their relationship, and are given tools to help them stay close and healthy throughout the rest of their marriage.?

Couples may choose between a private, two-day intensive and the four-day group intensive for up to five couples and two therapists.? The group intensive provides a safe, caring environment where couples can learn from each other as they discover they are not alone.? Created to bring healing, restored hope, and refreshment to the soul, The Marriage Intensives truly work as they continue to bring transformation to marriages and families today.

Deborah Kristen

Are you in need of a miracle in your marriage or are you simply hoping your relationship could go from good to great?? Contact The Clearing today or visit their website for more details of the Marriage Intensive experience.? Program Director, Deborah Kristen, cannot wait to assist you with your questions and concerns.? Upcoming dates for the next intensives are July 29-August 2, September 16-20, and November 11-15.? God has a joy-filled purpose for every marriage.? Take the step to let Him touch your hearts and transform your marriage into the thriving relationship it was meant to be.