Created 4 Connection
A Retreat for LDS Couples in Beautiful Nauvoo, IL
“God created us to connect—to Him and to each other.”
In a world that is louder, faster, and more demanding than ever, the most precious parts of life can easily fade into the background—your marriage, your sense of peace, and your covenant relationship with each other and with God.
Date
October 12-15, 2026
Cost
$1,995 per couple
(sign up before July 31 and save $100!)
Location
Inn at Old Nauvoo 1875 Mulholland Street Nauvoo, IL 62354
Reconnect. Restore. Rekindle.
In Sacred Nauvoo
If you’re like many faithful Latter-day Saint couples today, you’ve spent decades raising children, building careers, serving in the Church, and caring for others. Now, as the nest empties and life slows down, you’re looking at each other and wondering…
- Where did the spark go?
- Why do we feel distant, even though we’re still committed?
- How do we talk without misunderstanding or shutting down?
- What’s next for us—and how do we move forward stronger together?
- When our relationship is already good, can we feel even closer?
Welcome to Created 4 Connection,
A One-of-a-Kind 4-Day Retreat Experience in Sacred Nauvoo, IL
Where Your Healing, Reconnection, and Future Begin
Why Nauvoo?
This isn’t just a getaway—it’s a spiritual homecoming.
Come to where covenants were first made, where the Nauvoo Temple stands as a symbol of eternal connection, and where the peaceful Mississippi sunsets and historic sites invite you to slow down, tune in, and feel the Spirit of your ancestors.
Nauvoo is a place of healing. It’s a place where the veil feels thin, and where you can remember who you are—and what your marriage was always meant to be.
Come to Nauvoo – A Place of Peace, Healing, and Eternal Perspective
Nestled along the banks of the Mississippi, Nauvoo offers more than historic charm. It’s a sacred space to feel the Spirit, connect to your covenant roots, and receive personal revelation about the most important relationship in your life.
- Glorious sunsets over the Mississippi
- Quiet reflection at the Nauvoo Temple
- The strength of the pioneer spirit that still echoes here
- The peace to slow down and truly see your spouse again
The Integrative Relational Transformation (IRT) Method
Created 4 Connection is built on the Integrative Relational Transformation (IRT) method, a modern approach to relationship growth that works with both the relationship and the individual at the same time.
Traditional relationship programs often focus on communication skills or insight alone. While those can be helpful, couples frequently remain stuck because deeper emotional blocks and old relational wounds are still active beneath the surface.
The IRT method addresses both sides of the equation — what happens between partners and what is happening within each partner.
This is what we call the Between and Within approach.
Between:
Couples learn the principles of attachment relationships and begin to recognize the patterns that create distance, conflict, and misunderstanding.
Through the Relationship Mastery Sessions, couples develop new ways of seeing each other and responding to one another that increase emotional safety and connection.
Within:
At the same time, Guided Breakthrough Sessions help partners access and release the deeper emotional blocks, beliefs, and unresolved experiences that often drive those patterns.
By working with the subconscious mind in a respectful and focused way, individuals can resolve the emotional roots that keep them stuck.
When both levels are addressed together, couples often experience movement much faster than with traditional approaches.
Why This Approach Works
When couples work only on the relationship, individual emotional blocks can slow progress. When individuals work only on themselves, the relationship patterns may remain unchanged.
The IRT method brings these two levels together.
By strengthening the emotional bond between partners while simultaneously resolving the emotional blocks within each partner, couples are able to move out of stuck cycles and into healthier patterns of connection, understanding, and intimacy.
You Were Created 4 Connection
The Created 4 Connection retreat provides eight different modules. These guided modules help couples understand how relationships actually work from an attachment perspective. Couples learn how the brain, emotions, and relational expectations shape the way partners interpret and respond to each other.
Through these sessions couples learn to:
- Recognize the interaction patterns that keep them stuck
- Understand how attachment needs influence reactions and misunderstandings
- Shift from defensive cycles into greater emotional safety
- Develop healthier patterns of connection and communication
These sessions create the awareness and relational understanding needed for meaningful change.
Guided Breakthrough Experience
Insight alone is rarely enough to change long-standing relationship patterns.
Guided Breakthrough experience help partners work directly with the subconscious emotional material that often drives those patterns.
Many relationship reactions are shaped by earlier emotional experiences, generational patterns, and beliefs formed long before the current relationship began. These emotional imprints can quietly influence how partners interpret each other and respond under stress.
Through guided breakthrough experiences, individuals are able to:
- Identify emotional blocks that keep them stuck in reactive patterns
- Release old emotional imprints and limiting beliefs
- Resolve unresolved relational wounds
- Integrate previously protective “parts” of the personality in a healthy way
This work supports emotional regulation, clarity, and greater freedom in how partners show up with each other.
You Were Created for Connection
Drawing from decades of attachment-based relationship work and the Integrative Relational Transformation (IRT) method, this retreat brings together faith-based principles, modern relationship science, and guided experiences that help couples reconnect in meaningful ways.
In a peaceful and spiritually uplifting environment, couples are invited to step away from daily pressures and focus on strengthening the emotional and spiritual bond that marriage was meant to offer.
During this retreat couples will:
- Heal past emotional wounds and resentments
- Better understand the patterns that affect connection in their relationship
- Reduce emotional triggers that create conflict or distance
- Improve communication and emotional safety
- Rekindle affection, closeness, and intimacy
- Deepen spiritual unity and covenant-centered love
- Participate in immersive experiences that strengthen their relationship
This isn’t Therapy
This is transformational learnig, spiritual rejuvenation, and emotional reconnection in an immersive experience – at a level that lasts.
Imagine this:
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Sitting hand-in-hand by the river at sunset, feeling closer than you have in years
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Learning how to speak your heart in a way your spouse can truly hear—and respond with love
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Replacing conflict with compassion, silence with connection, and distance with intimacy
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Experiencing a safe, sacred space where you are seen, loved, and healed
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Feeling the Spirit whisper peace as you walk the temple grounds or worship side by side
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Returning home stronger, more secure, and spiritually bonded—ready to lead your family with love and light
What’s included:
- 4-Day Guided Couples Retreat in Nauvoo, IL
- Pre-Retreat Assessment & Preparation Materials
- All retreat experiences led by trained facilitators
- Couples workbook and resources
- Time to explore Nauvoo historic sites, the temple, and surrounding nature
- Catered meals
- Lodging discounts and recommendations available
Connect to Your Covenant Roots. Strengthen Your Covenant Relationship.
Many of our retreat couples share something else in common: adult children who have strayed from the covenant path.
You want to help. You want to guide. But sometimes you feel powerless.
The truth is this: you can’t pour from an empty vessel.
Your connection is the first step in your family’s healing. Your secure, loving relationship can become a beacon of hope—a living witness of Christ’s power to bind, to heal, and to restore.
Lead with love. Start with each other.
What you’ll experience:
4 days of immersive learning, growth, connection, and fun
- Guided relationship learning designed to strengthen emotional connection
- Guided Breakthrough Experiences that help clear emotional blocks that interfere with closeness
- Guided conversations that build understanding, safety, and trust
- Opportunities for temple worship, reflection, and spiritual connection
- Time to rest, reflect, and reconnect in a peaceful, Spirit-filled setting
- Visiting historic Nauvoo sites
- Group activities that support connection and shared experiences
Couples often return home feeling stronger, more secure, and spiritually united—ready to lead their families with love and light.
Whether your relationship needs a booster shot or a complete reboot, this experience will take you to a new place—emotionally, spiritually, and relationally.
Created 4 Connection is perfect for LDS couples who:
- Feel a little lost—or just ready to reignite what’s already good
- Are empty nesters, or preparing to be
- Are active in the Church and committed to their covenants
- Want to prepare for missions, retirement, or a new chapter
- Love travel, learning, and spiritual growth
- Want a stronger, deeper, more joyful relationship
- Believe marriage is eternal—and worth investing in
What Happens if You Don’t Invest in Your Relationship?
Let’s be real: The cost of not investing in your marriage relationship is higher than you think.
- Disconnection becomes resentment.
- Silence turns into loneliness.
- Unhealed wounds pass on to the next generation.
- Your love story stalls—when it was meant to soar.
Don’t let years of love fade quietly. Bring it back to life. Come back to each other. Come back to your covenant. Come back to peace.
Reconnect with Each Other. Reconnect with God. Reconnect with Your Covenant Roots.
Join us for a transformational retreat experience designed to help couples strengthen their connection and build a relationship that can flourish for a lifetime—and eternity.
Date
October 12-15, 2026
Cost
$1,995 per couple
(sign up before July 31 and save $100!)
Location
Inn at Old Nauvoo 1875 Mulholland Street Nauvoo, IL 62354
Meet Your Facilitators
Dr. Carol Ann Conrad, EdD
Dr. Carol Ann Conrad is a licensed clinical psychologist in the State of Illinois and Iowa and is also licensed in the States of Washington and Idaho. She is a certified Emotionally Focused Couple’s therapist (EFCT) and certified EFCT supervisor. Dr. Conrad has been a practicing couple and family therapist for more than 26 years. She taught both undergraduate and graduate courses as an adjunct professor in marriage and family therapy and was clinical director of her own couple and family therapy clinic in Kennewick Washington (couplefamilyinstitute.com) where she supervised and trained therapists in EFT.
She has facilitated Hold Me Tight® couple retreats (the more secular version of Created 4 Connection) for nearly a decade, and has been in private practice for more than 20 years. More recently, Dr. Conrad semi-retired and moved to Nauvoo, IL with her husband where she has a small online practice seeing primarily couples. Dr. Conrad is also a very active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and volunteers her time in the church and community. She is an accomplished pianist and organist, playing for the local orchestra, choir and church as well as other events.
Participants from previous retreats Dr. Conrad has facilitated have this to say about her and this program:
“We simply can’t recommend working with Dr. Carol enough! Our marriage had been struggling for a long time, and we went into counseling skeptical (but hopeful) that things could be different. After the Hold Me Tight® retreat and hard work together with Carol, we are happier in our relationship, closer than we thought possible, and even better parents. We are eternally grateful to Dr. Carol and EFT; we know the tools we learned have saved our marriage!”
“If you are open, I guarantee you will learn how to create love and trust in this retreat!”
The retreat was a great place to open up and really explore our relationship & feelings in a safe & encouraging environment.” “Going through the Hold Me Tight® retreat “process” has helped my husband and I communicate more effectively. Knowing what the demon dialogue does to us & how to stop our dance has been pivotal to us really letting each other in”
Alissa Wakefield
Alissa is a certified Integrative Processing Technique Facilitator. In addition to her facilitator’s certificate, she graduated with a Clinic in Excellence Award from the Institute of Healing Arts. She is completing her certification as a coach practitioner in the Processing Healing Method, or MAP (which stands for Make Anything Possible). She currently has her own private practice where she works with individual clients in an online format. Alissa is known for her ability to help her clients dig deep – intuitively and compassionately helping them release their trauma and identify their outdated belief systems, thus making room for forgiveness, light, truth and joy in their lives.
For 13 years, she owned and operated Wakefield Music and Performing Arts, located in Twin Falls and Mountain Home, Idaho. She directed children’s theater and taught piano and cello. She also volunteered in her community where she directed the Mountain Home Community Choir and Theater. On direction from the Spirit, she moved to Nauvoo, Illinois a year and a half ago where she is the director of the Nauvoo Orchestra and Choir. She is on the board of the Nauvoo Arts Council and has directed local theater productions. She no longer teaches, but has dedicated her life to helping people heal from their trauma. Alissa is the mother of 6 children, four of which are special needs that she adopted out of foster care. She has two grandchildren. She is an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In her free time, she enjoys walking, biking, kayaking, gardening and serving in the church and community.
Alissa’s clients have this to say about her:
“Integrative Processing Technique with Alissa is the healing modality that has permanently changed my life for the better…Alissa has a special skill in helping others heal. She is incredibly intuitive, and has a way of knowing how to make the most out of every session.” Eshe
“About three months ago when my wife first met Alissa, my marriage of 11 years was on life support. At my wife’s recommendation, I started working with Alissa to address my childhood traumas and faulty belief systems. We are both amazed at how quickly things have changed for me and for our marriage. The process works! We have never been happier or more connected as a couple. Alissa is an amazing facilitator and all-around wonderful. She has my highest recommendation.” Dan “Working with Alissa has been truly transformative…Alissa is a powerful facilitator…she is helping me name my emotions and offering me steps to release the past, connect with my present and understand the “programs” I’ve created can be changed. I feel significant changes: emotionally and mentally, as well as physical freedom that I’ve not had before because Alissa invites me to do the work.” Amanda
Register
View the Agenda
Day 1 of the retreat
8:00 Registration, check in, pick up booklets and name tags
8:30 Introductions, overview
9:00 Map introduction/Meditation
9:30 Presentation and activities
10:00 am–break and connection time
10:15 Presentation, couple and group activities
12:00 Map meditation
12:30 lunch break and assignment
12:30 Catered Lunch in Conference room
2:00–Meet for Historic Nauvoo Group Tour meet at Visitor’s Center
Day 2 of the retreat
8:30 Group Discussion of assignment
9:00 MAP meditation for the day
9:30 Presentation and Activities
10:45 Break
11:00 Presentation and Activities
12:00 Map Meditation
12:30 PM Lunch Break and assignment
12:30 Catered Lunch in Conference Room
2:00 Meet at Carthage Jail for Group Tour
6:45 Gather for Sunset By the Mississippi at the outdoor amphitheater.
Day 3 of the retreat
8:30 Begin with discussion of homework and feedback about the second day and overview of the day
9:00 MAP meditation for the day
9:30 Review Raw Spots/Rocky Moments and begin Hold Me Tight Conversation
10:00 Video on HMT and workbook together
10:45 break
11:00 Discussion of Forgiveness Conversation
11:30 Workbook together on Forgiveness Conversation
12:15 Discuss assignment and MAP Meditation
12:45 Break for lunch and assignment
12:45 Catered Lunch in Conference Room
2:00–Break for afternoon activities on your own
Temple
Historic Exploration
6:00pm-8:00pm –Historic Ballroom Dance Lessons and Dance with Grants in Conference Room
Day 4 of Retreat
8:30 Begin with Discussion of day before assignment–overview of today
9:00–MAP meditation
9:30 Review of entire week, especially yesterday’s HMT and Forgiveness
10:00 Discussion of Bonding through touch and video and workbook
10:45 break
11:00 Discussion as a group
11:15 Keeping Love Alive discussion and presentation
11:30 Couple discussion and assignment
12:00 Closing meditation
12:30 State Park Picnic
1:30 Ropes Course Exercise with partner
3:00 Conclude Retreat
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Inn at Old Nauvoo
The Inn at Old Nauvoo is a charming and historic hotel nestled in the heart of Nauvoo, just steps from many of the town’s iconic sites. If you’d like to stay where the event is happening, you’re in luck—guests are welcome to book rooms directly through the Inn’s website