A weekend to find your way back.
Created for Connection® is a Christian couples retreat grounded in Emotionally Focused Therapy — helping couples move from distance and conflict toward safety, warmth, and real closeness.
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
John 13:34 · NIVCreated for Connection® is built on Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) — the most extensively researched approach to couples work, with more than 20 outcome studies demonstrating lasting results.
Developed by Dr Sue Johnson, EFT helps couples understand the patterns pulling them apart — and find safer, more connected ways of reaching for each other. The Created for Connection program brings this science into a Christian framework, exploring how faith and attachment can work together.
Over two days, with the support of a skilled clinical team, you will move through structured conversations, guided exercises, and gentle teaching — at your own pace, mostly in private with your partner.
The most cited couples researcher in the world, with over 30 years of clinical research and more than 20 controlled outcome studies. Created for Connection® is her evidence-based program for Christian couples — and the book is mailed free to every couple who attends.
Hear directly from the creator of Emotionally Focused Therapy on what this program is, why it works, and what it can offer couples.
The weekend follows a clear rhythm so couples can connect and reflect without feeling overwhelmed.
Secure your spot and you’ll receive a welcome email with everything you need before you arrive — including optional accommodation suggestions. Your complimentary copy of Created for Connection® by Dr Sue Johnson will be mailed to you straight away, so you can read ahead if you’d like.
Short teaching sessions in plain English, video demonstrations showing how conversations can unfold, and private, guided time with your partner. You set the pace.
You’ll leave with a shared language for talking about your relationship, practical tools, and your completed workbooks — resources to return to as you continue your love story together.
Each area builds on the last — moving from understanding your patterns to practising new ways of reaching and responding.
Recognise the “Demon Dialogue” — the pattern that keeps pulling you apart — and begin to see it for what it is.
Understand the deeper needs beneath conflict — what each of you is really reaching for when arguments escalate.
Practise reaching and responding in ways that create safety and openness, rather than escalation or withdrawal.
Learn how genuine repair — not just apology — can become real and do-able, even after painful moments.
Explore bonding through physical and emotional closeness, approached with gentleness and respect.
Explore how Christian faith and attachment science can work together — inviting God into the work of rebuilding closeness.
Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves.
Romans 12:10 · NIV
Each session combines short teaching, video demonstrations of real conversations, and private guided time with your partner. You will spend most of the weekend talking with each other — not sharing in front of the group.
Short teaching in plain English — explaining the patterns couples often experience, without jargon.
Video demonstrations — showing how new conversations can unfold in real relationships.
Private, guided conversations between you and your partner. Group sharing is always optional.
Catered breaks — morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea each day, from the award-winning IndigiCafe.
Time to walk the grounds and breathe — the IndigiScapes setting is calm, green, and genuinely restoring.
Two full days of teaching, demonstrations, and guided couple exercises.
Morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea both days from IndigiCafe.
Experienced clinicians available throughout the weekend.
Created for Connection® by Dr Sue Johnson, mailed to you after registration.
A curated list of nearby accommodation options emailed after booking.
Nature-filled grounds to walk and breathe in between sessions.
Accommodation is not included. Registration is per couple.
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13 · NIVIf you’d like to hear about our next one, please click here to join our mailing list.
Lead Facilitator · Clinical Psychologist · ICEEFT Certified EFT Therapist & Supervisor
Created for Connection® is facilitated by Dr Katie Kjelsaas — a Clinical Psychologist and one of only a small number of ICEEFT Certified Emotionally Focused Therapy Supervisors in Australia.
Katie brings deep clinical expertise to a warm, safe, and spiritually grounded weekend experience. With a background in Christian faith and a commitment to the science of attachment, she holds space for couples to do real, lasting work — gently, with care, and at their own pace.
The facilitation team takes safety seriously. For the wellbeing of all participants, Created for Connection® may not be suitable in circumstances where:
Not at all. Many couples come because they want to protect and strengthen a relationship they already value — not because things have broken down. The weekend is designed for any couple who feels there is room to grow in understanding, connection, or closeness.
No. You will spend the majority of the weekend in private conversation with your partner. Group sharing is always optional. The format is designed so that meaningful work happens between the two of you — not in front of the room.
The program is designed for couples with Christian faith and integrates that framework throughout. If you’re exploring faith or one partner is less certain, please contact us — the team is happy to have a conversation about whether it would be a good fit for you.
Accommodation is not included in the registration fee. After booking, the team will email you a short list of nearby accommodation suggestions if you’d like them. Many couples choose to stay locally and make it a full weekend away together.
Full terms, conditions, and the cancellation policy are available on the checkout page before you complete registration. If you have specific questions before booking, please contact us.
Created for Connection® is an educational program, not a substitute for individual couples therapy. It draws on the same EFT framework used in clinical practice to provide psychoeducation, structured conversations, and practical tools — in a supported group format. For couples needing more intensive or tailored support, individual therapy may also be appropriate.
The weekend is led by Dr Katie Kjelsaas — Clinical Psychologist and ICEEFT Certified EFT Therapist and Supervisor — supported by a team of three experienced clinicians: Kerrin Van Der Kruk (Psychologist), Kara Choi (Clinical Psychologist), and Karen Nickelson (Accredited Social Worker and Counsellor). The support team may be subject to change.
Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything.
1 Peter 4:8 · The MessageWe would love to run a Created for Connection® event tailored to couples in your church or community. If you would like to explore the possibilities, we would love to hear from you.
Enquire About a Custom EventThis weekend is now fully booked — but the journey doesn’t have to end here. Be the first to hear when the next Created for Connection® retreat opens.
Join the Mailing ListCreated for Connection® · Facilitated by Dr Katie Kjelsaas