Beyond Words™

An Empathy Workshop for Men

Real empathy is not a technique. It's a transformation.

In the aftermath of relational betrayal, the hardest thing for many men isn’t sobriety—it’s empathy. Not understanding what empathy is, but actually embodying it. Feeling it. Expressing it. Sustaining it.

That’s where Beyond Words™ begins.

This unique workshop, designed and led by Dr. Windell Gill, is a deeply experiential weekend for men ready to move beyond intellectual understanding and into embodied empathic presence. Drawing from years of counseling experience and spiritual formation, Windell has created a first-of-its-kind container for emotional training and spiritual growth, grounded in the Couple–Centered Recovery® approach and his own pastoral heart.

Upcoming dates: July 24–27, 2025.
To join the waitlist for the program, please fill out the application at the bottom of the page.

Why Empathy?

Empathy is the bridge between remorse and repair. Without it, no apology can be felt. No truth can land. And no healing can happen between partners.

Many men in recovery can talk about empathy. But they haven’t been trained in how to experience it—in their bodies, in their nervous systems, and in their relationships.

Beyond Words™ was born out of this gap.

This workshop isn’t about learning new definitions. It’s about building the capacity to sit with another’s pain—especially the pain you’ve caused—and remain grounded, present, and emotionally safe.

What Makes This Workshop Different?

Experiential Learning: This is a true workshop, not a lecture. You’ll be doing empathy, not just discussing it.

Faith-Integrated Approach: Dr. Gill weaves together spiritual formation, emotional intelligence, and somatic awareness into a uniquely sacred space for growth.

Trauma-Sensitive Practice: Rooted in Couple-Centered Recovery® principles, the workshop honors the neurobiology of trauma and the slow-building work of trust.

Small Group Setting: Intentionally limited to just 6 men for intimacy, accountability, and transformation.

Retreat Environment: Hosted at the serene Magnolia House, a beautiful riverfront property designed for rest, reflection, and reconnection.

You'll Walk Away With:

A somatic awareness of empathic resonance
The tools to regulate your nervous system during conflict
A framework for emotional repair in your most intimate relationships
Spiritual clarity and alignment around your values and purpose as a man in recovery

And perhaps most importantly:

The confidence that you can be a safe place for your partner’s pain.

Program Overview

Basic Information

Duration: Thursday evening through Sunday morning

Location: Magnolia House, a private, residential setting in West Chambers County, Texas, approximately 30 miles east of Houston

Participants: Limited to 6 men

Lodging: 6 single room accommodations, one of which has a private restroom

Meals: Includes Thursday night evening meal, plus breakfast, lunch, and snacks for the remainder of the program

Travel: Participants flying in for the program can fly into either Houston Hobby Airport (HOU) or George Bush International Airport Houston (IAH). We recommend using a Ride Share service for transportation to and from the airport. Uber or Lyft is approximately $50-$60 one way, which will be significantly less expensive than renting a vehicle for the week. This will also help us with parking at the residence.

Dates

Application Process

The application for Beyond Words™ can be found at the bottom of this webpage.

We recognize that no program is a perfect fit for all individuals. In our best efforts to ensure that this program is a good investment for those participating, we require that participants have already completed a therapeutic full disclosure process with their wives.

After reviewing your application, we will contact you if we need more information and let you know about your acceptance to the program.

Investment

Cost below includes programming, lodging, dinner the first evening, and breakfast, lunch, and snack for the remainder of the event (Thursday evening through Sunday morning).

As you consider your investment, please be aware that we offer financing options, including 0% interest and reduced APR, through CareCredit.

Single Accommodation Rooms, with Shared Restrooms (5 spaces available): $2,150 per person

Magnolia Suite, Single Accommodation Room with Private Bathroom (1 space available): $2,400 per person.
Individual room and private restroom with shower and large soaker tub.

A 50% deposit is required to reserve one's space in the program. This deposit is non-refundable if the participant cancels less than four weeks prior to the first day of the program. The balance will be due one week prior to the program's starting date. We require a working payment method be kept on file between the time of application and the conclusion of the program.

Learn more about the program's beautiful venue:

Empathy is essential for healing — for you and for your relationship.

Empathy isn’t just about helping your partner feel understood.

It’s also about becoming the kind of man who can hold space for pain—without needing to fix it, avoid it, or defend against it.

For men in recovery, empathy is often the missing link between remorse and real repair. It’s what makes accountability land, what allows trust to begin forming again, and what transforms shame into connection.

When you can feel with—not just feel bad—you shift from being a source of harm to a safe place for healing.

Empathy isn’t a soft skill. It’s a sacred one.

And it’s essential—not just for your relationship, but for your own growth, integration, and freedom.

About Dr. Windell Gill, PSAP, PMAP

Dr. Windell Gill is a Lead Coach at Daring Ventures, known for his compassionate presence, spiritual depth, and practical wisdom. With a background in pastoral ministry and a doctorate in education, Windell brings decades of experience walking alongside men in the midst of personal and relational transformation. He is passionate about helping men grow in emotional intelligence, integrity, and spiritual maturity.

Through his coaching, teaching, and facilitation, Windell creates safe, sacred spaces for men to confront the barriers that keep them disconnected—from themselves, from God, and from the people they love. His work is grounded in the Couple–Centered Recovery® model and integrates faith, neuroscience, and embodied practice.

You can learn more about Windell here.

How do I participate in Beyond Words™?

Click Here to Apply for Beyond Words™