Cultivating Closeness in Relationship
with Mary Goodman and Peter Goodman
November 13 - 15, 2026
Dorje Denma Ling is delighted to offer Cultivating Closeness in Relationship, a retreat led by Mary Goodman and Peter Goodman who bring together three kinds of experience rarely found in one teaching team:
Contemplative insight: a lifetime of Buddhist and mindfulness practice
Therapeutic expertise: decades of professional training and experience as counselors
Firsthand knowledge of the challenges and possibilities of intimate relationship, informed by forty-six years of being life partners
Their approach is grounded in the conviction that all human beings possess genuine health and dignity and that difficult situations can become opportunities for greater understanding and connection.
We all know what it’s like to want to be close to another person.
We also share the heartache and confusion of feeling disconnected from someone who is important to us.
But we are not well-trained in knowing how to work with bad feelings and conflict when they arise in close relationships.
- Where do these feelings come from?
- What are the repetitive patterns we find ourselves in?
- Can we learn to love and listen to the hurt and confused parts within ourselves?
- Can we learn to do the same with our close ones?
- How do we cultivate the vulnerability that underlies genuine connection?
This retreat is for anyone who wants to understand and work with obstacles to closeness with others.
Featured image: “Love” Sculpture by Ukrainian artist Alexander Milov, 2015 Burning Man Festival
Who May Attend
Open to couples and to individuals who wish to attend on their own.
What Will Happen
The weekend will unfold over five sessions and a closing circle, offering a mix of presentations, light meditation instruction, emotional exploration with communication exercises, and discussions.
Arrival Day – Friday
3 – 5 pm Check-in
6:30 Dinner
7:30 Orientation & Session #1
Saturday
8:00 Breakfast
9:30 Session #2
12:30 pm Lunch
2:30 Session #3
4:00 – 4:30 Tea Break
6:30 Dinner
7:45 – 9:00 Session #4
Departure Day – Sunday
8:00 Breakfast
9:30 Session #5
12:30 pm Lunch
1:30 Closing Circle
Cost
$250 – 510, depending on lodging choice
Pay in full or place a 30% deposit to hold your spot
Generosity Policy
If this retreat is right for you, don’t let financial concerns prevent you from attending.
Learn more about our Generosity Policy, financial aid and scholarships.
Read About Our Generosity Policy
NEW! 30 & under discount is available during registration.
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About the Leaders
Mary Goodman
Mary Goodman, Ph.D., retired in late 2020 after more than 20 years in private practice as a registered counselling therapist in Nova Scotia, where she worked with both individuals and couples. Her master’s degree in clinical psychology (Naropa University, Colorado, 1981) prepared her to apply contemplative approaches to therapy, while her academic doctorate in psychology […]
Learn more about Mary Goodman
Peter Goodman
Peter Goodman is a Professional Counsellor and Transactional Analyst, with 45 years of clinical experience. He has certification in the treatment of addictions, post-traumatic stress disorder, and conflict resolution. He practices contemplative psychotherapy with individuals, couples, families, and groups. Therapeutic sessions are devoted to understanding the nature of personal trauma, as well as discovering inherent […]
Learn more about Peter GoodmanCategories : Featured Events, On-Land Programs & Events, Public Program