THE GUIDEDOC PROFILE
Published by GuideDoc
A group couples retreat through White Oak Counseling, combining relationship education, guided practice and venue-specific accommodation arrangements.

These event dates have passed. New dates are not published. Program details and prices below refer to the past events.
- Program price
- $750USD per couple
- Program length
- 2 days
- Format
- Group
- Approach
- Therapy-based
A CLOSER LOOK
What to know about White Oak Institute
White Oak’s retreat brings together material from several approaches in a scheduled group experience. Choosing a date means checking the actual venue and lodging plan, as well as the teaching agenda. The room booking should not be assumed from the retreat ticket alone.
Locations
- Oglesby, Illinois
- Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
BEFORE YOU GO
The experience, in more detail
Two bodies of work inform the curriculum
The provider names Gottman’s Seven Principles and Russ Harris’s ACT with Love as influences. The retreat also describes guided imagery and breathing exercises, alongside discussion of shared values. Ask how these elements are divided across teaching and couple practice.
Reserve the stay that matches your schedule
The retreat information discusses different overnight arrangements, including Friday and Saturday or a Saturday-only stay, with accommodation at the venue or nearby. Confirm the event hours first, then book the nights that let you participate fully.
A staged payment option is described
The published payment arrangement describes an initial $250 payment followed by two $250 installments at 30 and 60 days. Check whether this applies to the event and registration category you are selecting, and ask how cancellation affects outstanding payments.

THE PRACTICAL DETAILS
Programs & prices
Prices below refer to the named program or package. Check the inclusions and separate costs before comparing totals.
| Program & location | Price | Length | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Couples weekend workshopPast event · Historical priceOglesby, Illinois | $750 | 2 days | Group |
| Couples weekend workshopPast event · Historical priceLake Geneva, Wisconsin | $750 | 2 days | Group |
PROGRAM 1
Couples weekend workshop
- Oglesby, Illinois
When it runs Recurring events · Sep 26–27, 2026; Mar 27–28, 2027
Past event. The program details and prices below are historical.
Cost & stay
- Program / package price
- $750USD per couple
- Packages & pricing details
- $750 standard per couple; early discount mentioned without amount.
- What’s included
- Assessment, workshop and two host-sponsored activities
- Additional costs / exclusions
- Accommodation; full meal coverage not established
- Lodging
- Separate cost
- Meals
- Partly included
Schedule & approach
- When it runs
- Recurring events
- Program length
- 2 days
- Sessions
- Six group sessions across 16 scheduled hours
- Format
- Group
- Approach
- Therapy-based
- Program type
- WorkshopScheduled group teaching or presentations with couple exercises are the main offering. A hotel venue alone does not make this a residential retreat.
- Published dates
- Sep 26–27, 2026; Mar 27–28, 2027
People & support
- Qualifications
- Wesley Dapkus, MA, LMFT, LCPC (provider statement).
- Who it is for
- Provider screening and eligibility need confirmation
- Follow-up support
- Not published
Location details
- Location
- Starved Rock Lodge, Oglesby, Illinois
- Location coverage
- Listed locations
PROGRAM 2
Couples weekend workshop
- Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
When it runs Recurring events · Dec 12–13, 2026; Jan 9–10, 2027
Past event. The program details and prices below are historical.
Cost & stay
- Program / package price
- $750USD per couple
- Packages & pricing details
- $750 standard per couple; early discount mentioned without amount.
- What’s included
- Assessment, workshop and two host-sponsored activities
- Additional costs / exclusions
- Accommodation; full meal coverage not established
- Lodging
- Separate cost
- Meals
- Partly included
Schedule & approach
- When it runs
- Recurring events
- Program length
- 2 days
- Sessions
- Six group sessions across 16 scheduled hours
- Format
- Group
- Approach
- Therapy-based
- Program type
- WorkshopScheduled group teaching or presentations with couple exercises are the main offering. A hotel venue alone does not make this a residential retreat.
- Published dates
- Dec 12–13, 2026; Jan 9–10, 2027
People & support
- Qualifications
- Wesley Dapkus, MA, LMFT, LCPC (provider statement).
- Who it is for
- Provider screening and eligibility need confirmation
- Follow-up support
- Not published
Location details
- Location
- The Geneva Inn, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
- Location coverage
- Listed locations
MAKE YOUR SHORTLIST COUNT
Questions to ask before booking
Use these questions when you contact White Oak Institute.
- What is the final balance between teaching and private couple exercises?
- Which overnight stay best fits the event timetable?
- Does the installment plan apply to our registration, and what are its cancellation terms?
THE REVIEW PICTURE
Reviews & GuideDoc score
A summary of what helps and what holds it back.
What helps
- Positive ratings for the business
- Schedule details are published
- The approach and activities are explained
What holds it back
- Limited number of reviews
- Follow-up support isn’t described
- Some inclusions aren’t clear