About Us
Merel and Kathleen's journey to create Anchored Together Retreats began with a shared vision and a deep passion for community connection. Their friendship inspired them to combine their efforts to offer practical and meaningful spaces for couples slow down, reconnect, and invest in their relationship. Anchored Together is not just a project for them; it's a heartfelt mission to support couples and marriages not only in the Annapolis Valley but across Nova Scotia.
Meet Your Retreat Facilitators
Merel Voth, MSW, RSW
Merel is a Registered Social Worker and Certified Gottman Therapist who has been supporting individuals and couples since 2007. Her work focuses on helping people navigate life transitions, relationship challenges, anxiety, and personal growth while building stronger, more meaningful connections. Merel is known for helping people get “unstuck” and move forward with clarity and purpose.
Originally from British Columbia, Merel and her family relocated to the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia in 2025. She has been married for 14 years and is the proud mother of two children. Her work is grounded in the belief that even the most difficult relationship challenges can become opportunities for growth, deeper understanding, and renewed connection. Merel owns and operates Lakeside Counselling and Coaching virtually.
Kathleen Murphy, MSW, RSW
Kathleen Murphy is a Clinical Social Worker who supports individuals, couples, and parents. Her work focuses on helping people navigate relationship challenges, emotional stress, and patterns that feel hard to shift, while building stronger, more meaningful connections. Kathleen specializes in couples work and women’s mental health, and is known for helping people gain clarity and move forward with intention.
Kathleen lives in the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia, where she owns and operates Norwood Counselling. She is married, a parent of two, and a foster parent, bringing both professional and lived experience into her work. Her approach is grounded in the belief that even the most challenging seasons can become opportunities for growth, deeper understanding, and renewed connection.
Our Events
Offering workshops and retreats throughout the year
Anchored Together Retreats offers relationship-focused workshops and retreats throughout the Annapolis Valley and greater Nova Scotia, creating welcoming spaces for couples to slow down, reconnect, and invest in each other.
Workshops
Guided Date Nights
Anchored Together workshops give couples a guided space to slow down, tune into each other, and build stronger patterns of connection. Through practical tools, reflective exercises, and gentle conversation prompts, partners leave feeling more understood, supported, and equipped for everyday life together.
2 Day Retreats
Reset Your Relationship
Anchored Together’s 2-day immersive retreats offer couples an extended, distraction-free space to slow down, reconnect, and deepen their understanding of one another. Through guided practices, meaningful conversations, and intentional time, partners leave with renewed closeness and practical tools they can bring back into everyday life.
FAQ's
Some of our common inquiries
Is this like couples therapy?
This is not couples therapy, though it is informed by relational and therapeutic principles. Think of it as a guided, educational, and experiential space focused on connection, communication, and strengthening your relationship. If you are in therapy, this can complement that work; if not, it still stands alone as a meaningful relationship experience.
Do we have to share personal things in front of others?
No. While the experience may include group reflections or shared learning, you will never be required to disclose personal or sensitive details in front of others. Most of the meaningful work happens privately between you and your partner.
What happens during a retreat or a workshop?
Each retreat or workshop is a guided, structured experience designed to help you reconnect and strengthen your relationship. You can expect a mix of facilitated teaching, reflective exercises, and intentional conversations with your partner. Some moments are shared as a group, while many are private between you and your partner. Everything is designed to feel supportive, grounded, and accessible, no prior experience needed.
What is Anchored Together Retreats?
Anchored Together Retreats are structured, experiential spaces designed to help couples strengthen connection, improve communication, and deepen understanding of one another in a supportive and intentional environment.
Teaching
We begin with brief, accessible teaching that helps you understand key relationship patterns, communication dynamics, and connection skills. This content is designed to be practical and easy to apply, offering insight without overwhelming or academic language.
Exercises are structured, guided activities that help you and your partner put ideas into practice in real time. These moments are designed to build awareness, strengthen connection, and create new shared experiences together.
Exercises
Reflective Conversations
Reflective conversations are intentional, supported dialogues between you and your partner. They create space to slow down, listen deeply, and explore what matters most in your relationship in a safe and structured way.