Skip to main content

Frequently Asked Questions

Program FAQs

What are the benefits of doing a Counseling Intensive, as opposed to doing counseling in a more traditional format?

In contrast to the typical fifty-minute hour, the intensive counseling approach is structured to achieve both rapid and lasting results by providing two to three hours of daily counseling over a five- to ten-day period. The depth and complexity of issues are addressed without the disruption of work schedules, family obligations, or other personal responsibilities. QuietWaters’ clients are able to go deep and stay focused, sustaining the intensity to accomplish the changes they long to make. Obstacles are removed that often hinder the change process as clients are prone to remobilize defensive structures and repeat dysfunctional patterns between weekly sessions. There is a higher level of concentration and personal contemplation on core issues. In the midst of these benefits, leaders finally get the time they need to hear from God as individuals and as couples. The transformational effects of the intensive approach are often comparable to at least six months of weekly traditional counseling.

Can I bring my spouse?

Yes, Intensives and Retreats are available to couples.

How much free time will there be?

The sessions are usually in the morning, Monday through Friday, and meals are shared with the Host Couple and other guests. The rest of the time in the afternoons, evenings, and weekend between a two-week Intensive is free time. The counselors do give certain assignments to work on throughout your time at the Retreat, but there will still be plenty of time for you to rest, read, hike, and take a trip to town or the mountains. The counselors recommend a good balance of reflection, study, and recreational activities. Here are a few ideas:

The QuietWaters Retreat Center: There are many places throughout the Retreat for family discussions, lounging around in your robe and slippers (bring those both with you) while you read and rest including the Pikes Peak Library, the Mt. Evans Drawing Room with its gas fireplace, the lower level recreation area with a large flat screen television and fireplace, and winged backed chairs in the kitchen next to the fireplace. Or you can retreat to your own private bedroom for solitude. The fitness center at the Retreat Center is available for you to use, as well as a hot tub just a few steps out the back door. You will enjoy lovely mountain views and abundant Colorado sunshine from the large deck. Many enjoy walking on the rural road around the Retreat. An outstanding feature of the Retreat is the prayer garden with its three-tiered fountain and fire pit. You can wander on the sidewalks that lead to several patios where you can relax or have a quiet time of prayer.

Is there a waiting list?

While there is not typically a waiting list, the months of April through August and October tend to be our busiest times of the year. Most of our Counseling Intensives and Spiritual Formation Retreats are scheduled 2 to 4 weeks in advance while Sabbatical Counseling Intensives are normally scheduled 6 to 8 months in advance.

Can I participate in my sessions remotely via telehealth?

Teletherapy is offered without limitation to those within Colorado where our licenses are held. On a case-by-case basis we will seek to provide this service to those out of the state of Colorado based on approved interstate and interjurisdictional privileges. For further information contact our office to verify our availability.

Telehealth Benefits

  • Has been shown to be effective in treating individuals, couples, families, and groups for a variety of presenting problems.
  • Works well within various therapeutic modalities.
  • Can help people obtain services when normally they could not.
  • Busy professionals can access with more ease.
  • Parents with no childcare or with busy schedules can obtain services.
  • Treatment can happen quicker in many cases using telehealth. (early intervention)
  • Privacy reduces stigma.
    Flexibility of scheduling.
  • Rates are cheaper due to not having travel, Retreat Center expenses.
Are any of the programs offered in Spanish or other languages?
Yes, Counseling Intensives are all available in Spanish.
Are there any financial aid options?
Yes, QuietWaters never wants finances to be a barrier. Please reach out for costs and apply for financial assistance, if necessary.

Retreat Center FAQs

Where will my counseling or spiritual formation sessions take place?

All of your sessions will occur at the Retreat Center in the privacy of the Pikes Peak Library or the Mt. Evans Drawing Room both of which are comfortable, roomy and beautifully decorated to make you feel safe and relaxed. These rooms also have white noise machines for added privacy.

Are meals provided?

Yes, a Host Couple will prepare and serve your meals. All meals are provided for a one-week Intensive. For a two-week Intensive, all meals are provided except a few meals on the weekend between a two-week Intensive (Saturday lunch and dinner, Sunday breakfast and lunch).

Are there laundry facilities at the Retreat Center?

Yes, laundry facilities including soap, etc. are available at the Retreat for you to use.

Is there WIFI at the Retreat Center?

Yes, Wi-Fi is available.

Travel FAQs

Do I need a rental car?

We do recommend that you rent a car if possible because the Retreat is fairly isolated and transportation will not be provided to you while you are there. However, if you are flying to Denver and are not able to rent a car, we can help arrange for transportation to and from the airport. The drive from the airport to the QuietWaters Retreat takes about forty-five minutes.

What clothes should I bring?

Denver’s weather can be unpredictable, especially in the winter, so we recommend bringing layers. In the winter, the temperature could be into the 70’s or below freezing and snowing so it would be best to be prepared for both. Make sure you bring your swimsuit if you would like to enjoy the hot tub and workout clothes if you’d like to take advantage of the fitness equipment.

Altitude Sickness

The City of Denver is at an altitude of 5,280 feet, and the Retreat Center is at 5,869 feet above sea level. If you are arriving from a lower altitude, we highly recommend that you drink more than your usual amount of water while here. Bottled water is always available. Altitude sickness usually begins after 2-3 days if your water intake is limited.

Things to do while in Metro Denver and Colorado

While the primary purpose of our clients’ time at QuietWaters Ministries is spent on their counseling and resting at our retreat home in Colorado, guests often want to see the local attractions and experience the grandeur of the state.

When considering afternoon and day trips, please note that the Retreat Center is located in the Southeast part of Metro Denver. There are numerous national chain and local restaurants and shops just minutes away. To assist you in your travel plans, please note the approximate travel times listed below:

Denver International Airport to QuietWaters Retreat Center – 45 minutes

Retreat Center to Castlewood Canyon State Park – 20 minutes

Retreat Center to Downtown Denver – 45 minutes

Retreat Center to Colorado Springs – 1 hour

Retreat Center to Boulder – 1 hour

Retreat Center to Winter Park Ski Resort or Loveland Ski Resort – 1.5 hour

Retreat Center to Rocky Mountain National Park – 2 hours

Retreat Center to Aspen – 4 hours

Denver and the rest of Colorado have hundreds of different attractions, but here are a few that you may want to consider:

Focus on the Family

Castlewood Canyon State Park

16th Street Mall-Downtown Denver

Pikes Peak Highway

Denver Seminary

Garden of the Gods

Park Meadows Mall

Mount Evans Scenic Byway

Colorado Christian University

Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Cherry Creek Mall

Peak to Peak Scenic Byway

Denver is serious about its professional sports! While tickets are relatively easy to get for the Denver Nuggets NBA team, the Colorado Avalanche NHL team and the Colorado Rockies MLB team, the Denver Broncos NFL team tickets are rather difficult to come by.

Fitness Centers – Lifetime, 24 Hour, Recreation Center and many more

Golf – Several courses within 20 minutes of Retreat Center

Horseback riding – The area has numerous riding stables

Hikes and mountain biking – We have four mountain bikes available for you to ride and there is a trail behind our Retreat Center that you can bike or walk. Many other hiking and biking trails are also nearby.