Relationship Workshop for Illinois Couples
The Relationship Bootcamp
When things aren't working, you have two choices: keep doing what you've been doing, or try something different.
If you're reading this, you're probably ready to try something different.
For Illinois couples in Chicago, Rockford, Naperville, Peoria, or Springfield — the Relationship Bootcamp in Edina, Minnesota offers exactly that. It's a two-day intensive workshop that teaches the practical skills most couples never learn, how to communicate clearly, how to repair conflict, and how to rebuild intimacy.
Yes, Edina is about 6.5 hours from Chicago (or a quick 90-minute flight to Minneapolis). But here's what Illinois couples tell me: the distance is worth it. Getting away from your daily routine helps you focus. And what you'll learn in two days could change everything.
I'm Sarah Borrell, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist certified in Relational Life Therapy (RLT). This workshop is based on the work of Terry Real, whose approach is known for creating rapid, lasting change. It's not inspirational. It's practical. And it works.
Why Illinois Couples Choose an Immersive Workshop
Traditional couples therapy is valuable, but it takes time. You meet for an hour a week. You make some progress. Then life happens, old patterns kick back in, and you're back where you started.
The Bootcamp is different. It's immersive. You get two full days of focused learning — no distractions, no interruptions. You step away from the stress of daily life and invest in your relationship.
By the end of the weekend, you'll have:
• A shared language for talking about what's not working
• Specific tools to stop the same fight before it spirals
• Clarity about where your patterns come from and how to break them
• Hope that things can actually change
Illinois couples choose this workshop because it delivers results quickly. You're not waiting months to feel different. You leave day two with tools you can use immediately.
What You'll Experience Over Two Transformative Days
Day One - Understanding Your Patterns
The first day is about insight. You'll learn where your reactions come from — why you shut down, why you get defensive, why certain things trigger you. You'll understand how your past shapes how you show up today. And you'll see your relationship with fresh eyes.
Day Two - Building the Skills
The second day is all about practice. You'll learn the specific communication tools that repair conflict and rebuild intimacy like how to:
Say hard things without blame using the Feedback Wheel
Listen when you're triggered — instead of defending yourself or planning your response
Repair after a fight — because conflict isn't the problem; it's how you repair that matters
Set boundaries without shutting down — protecting yourself while staying connected
These skills are based on Relational Life Therapy (RLT), the framework created by bestselling author Terry Real. RLT is different from traditional marriage counseling. It's faster, more direct, and it focuses on what actually works.
Curious about what to expect?
[Read about what happens at the bootcamp]
For Couples and Individuals Alike
The Bootcamp is designed for:
Couples who are tired of the same fights and ready for real change
Engaged couples who want to build a strong foundation before marriage
Individuals who want to understand their patterns and show up differently in relationships
Couples considering separation but willing to give it one more real try
Travel & Logistics for Illinois Attendees
Edina is a suburb of Minneapolis, easily accessible from Illinois:
By car: Chicago to Edina is about 6.5 hours. Rockford is about 5 hours. Many couples make it a road trip — time together without distractions.
By plane: O'Hare (ORD) to Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) is about 1.5 hours. Flights are frequent and affordable. From MSP, Edina is a 20-minute drive.
Where to stay: There are several hotels within 10 minutes of the workshop location, including options in Edina and nearby Bloomington. There are hotels listed below.
The Relationship Bootcamp is held in Edina, MN.
Upcoming Dates & How to Register
March 6-7
(Fri & Sat)
May 16-17
(Sat & Sun)
August 13-14
(Thur & Fri)
Oct 23-24
(Fri & Sat)
9am-5pm
Edina, Minnesota
This is an authorized presentation of Terry Real’s Relational Life Therapy Bootcamp, using the skills and principles from his Relational Life Therapy (RLT) model.
Questions from Out-of-State Participants
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Read more about what each day looks like and the skills you will learn here: https://sarah-borrell.com/blog/rlt-bootcamp-what-to-expect
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Yes. Illinois couples consistently tell me the trip was worth it. You'll learn in two days what most couples spend years trying to figure out. Plus, the time away from your usual environment helps you see things more clearly.
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The workshop runs two full days, typically 9am–5pm each day. Plan to be fully present for both days — no multitasking, no checking emails. This is focused time for your relationship.
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Come alone. Many people attend without a partner. The skills you learn apply to all relationships — romantic, family, friendships, work. And sometimes, when one partner changes, the dynamic shifts on its own.
LOCATION
7201 Metro Boulevard
Edina, MN 55439
First Floor Conference Room
ACCOMMODATIONS
There are hotels near the event venue. Below are a list of hotels and their website links.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bloomington - Minneapolis South
7800 Normandale Blvd
Edina, MN 55439
(952) 835-7800
Sheraton Bloomington Hotel
5601 W 78th St
Edina, MN 55439
(952) 835-1900
Renaissance Minneapolis Bloomington Hotel
5500 American Blvd W
Bloomington, MN 55437
(952) 831-8000
Don't let distance keep you stuck.
Illinois couples travel for this workshop because it works.
Register for the Relationship Bootcamp or schedule a consultation call to see if this workshop is right for you.
The trip takes a few hours. The impact could last a lifetime.
