Burnout abroad: Why men’s relationships often suffer first
From a young age, many men receive the same messages loud and clear: provide for your family, measure your worth through success and push through problems without showing weakness. For expat men, these pressures are often even greater. Many are career-focused, work in high-stress positions and travel frequently for work. At the same time, they are far from their old support networks and may not yet have built new ones abroad.
Even when expat men have good friends around them, the unspoken rules of masculinity can make it difficult to open up. Problems are supposed to be handled alone. Vulnerability can feel impossible. But stress does not simply disappear. Instead, it often shows itself through moodiness, frustration or angry outbursts directed at a partner. Over time, this can create tension at home, making it even harder to cope with work pressure.
Men’s retreats near Berlin
Andrew G. Marshall, a marital therapist with 40 years of experience and the author of 20 books on relationships, understands these challenges well. After moving to Berlin eight years ago, he began working with many male clients who were overwhelmed, close to burnout or facing major life decisions without support. While many of their wives turned to friends to help them cope, these men often had nobody to talk to.
This inspired Marshall to begin running men’s retreats near Berlin, designed specifically for men experiencing stress, burnout or relationship difficulties. His programmes have helped participants feel less isolated, improve their wellbeing and strengthen their marriages.
What can you expect from the retreat?
The retreats bring men together for three days, creating space to disconnect from daily pressures and reconnect with themselves and others.
Feel less alone
It is easy to believe that everyone else is coping better. Spending several days together allows participants to get to know one another honestly and openly, often realising that many other men are struggling with similar feelings.
Build support outside your relationship
Relying entirely on a partner for emotional support can place strain on a relationship. Creating friendships and support networks with other men can reduce isolation and offer practical advice and perspective from people facing similar challenges.
Learning through stories and archetypes
Each evening, participants gather around the fire to explore Grimm’s fairy tales and the timeless themes within them. Marshall uses Jungian archetypes such as the King, the Hero and the Magician to help men better understand themselves and discover new ways of approaching modern problems.
Rituals and shared experiences
The retreats focus on experience rather than simply talking. Through rituals and guided exercises, participants are encouraged to move from one mindset to another, creating deeper emotional change and reflection.
A healthier and calmer environment
The retreat setting is intentionally designed to break unhealthy patterns. Smartphones are not allowed, work conversations are banned, and there are periods of silence throughout the programme. Participants also follow a balanced vegetarian ayurvedic diet and avoid alcohol, helping them properly rest and disconnect from constant demands.
The next retreat near Berlin
The next men’s retreat with Andrew G. Marshall takes place from Thursday, June 11 to Sunday, June 13, 2026, near Strausberg in Brandenburg, around one hour from Berlin.
The theme is “Balancing Priorities: Being both the Barefoot Warrior and the Embodied Lover”. Using Jungian archetypes, the retreat explores how men can remain strong and capable while also becoming more emotionally present and connected in their relationships.
Marshall explains that many men become overly identified with the “Warrior” role at work and in life. The retreat encourages participants to also embrace the “Embodied Lover” - someone who is fully present, emotionally available and connected both inside and outside the bedroom.
Want to know more about the workshop series? Visit Andrew G. Marshall's website.
Couples Therapy Berlin
Andrew G. Marshall also offers couples and individual therapy at his private practice in Berlin. For more information about his practice or to make a booking, visit the website.