Couples Intensives

Your relationship has become low priority.

School, work, after-school activities, vacations, holidays, or life in general have changed your relationship and not for the better.

For too long, your relationship has been at the bottom of your list. It often takes a back seat to everyday activities, leading to further separation and distance from your partner.

At this point, it is time to take back the marriage you once had.

Make your relationship a priority.

Because it is not easy and sometimes truly not possible to get on a regular schedule to address the issues in your marriage, an alternative way to approach marriage counseling is available.

I offer you the opportunity to make your marriage a priority and get it back on track. In the course of one or two days of an “intensive” session, we will work together on your marriage. You can decide whether to commit to a short three-hour intensive or complete the two-day, 10-hour intensive. Weekends are available.

Over the course of one day or two, you can change your marriage. These long sessions or intensives provide an opportunity to feel that your partner hears what you are saying and understands how you feel. Additionally, having an unbiased third party who can moderate what and how messages are conveyed, as well as help each partner understand what the other is saying and feeling, can be beneficial.

Why is moderating conversations so important? Sometimes, hearing what an outsider says has more impact than what your spouse may have been trying to convey for years! Feeling that your partner “gets you” reduces the time spent in conflict. Instead of fighting, you begin to find a solution or a compromise. Your needs and the needs of the relationship get met.

Any issue or issues can be addressed.

Over the course of two days, couples can work through their struggles with communication, conflict management, emotional disconnection, family and in-law issues, as well as finances, intimacy, and any other issue impacting the quality of their relationship.

When a couple decides to commit to an intensive weekend or a two-day intensive, they are sent a thorough assessment which questions all aspects of a relationship, including communication, trust, family relationships, values, dreams, goals, conflict, marital satisfaction, intimacy, and more.

The couple decides which issues are most in need of attention. Additionally, the couple is allowed to reflect on both aspects of their relationship that are going well and those that require attention. Goals are set.

Couples can break and return to the session.

The couple is given time for lunch. After a break, each partner is asked about their past relationships and childhood in relation to the current relationship. This can be done jointly or through a private one-on-one with the therapist.

After the assessment, one-on-one conversations, and goal setting, the couple begins to transform their relationship. This continues into the following day.

There will be sufficient progress that weekly or bi-weekly sessions will no longer be necessary. After the two-day, ten-hour intensive, couples are invited to attend a free one-hour session at a time of their choosing.

Shorter intensives involve three hours to one day.

For couples choosing a shorter, “intensive” session of three hours to one day, the above format is similar. However, fewer goals or issues can be addressed. However, the couple will still address the issues that are most in need of resolution. Couples are invited to continue every month. There will be sufficient progress that weekly or bi-weekly sessions will no longer be necessary.

What do I do in a session?

Working with couples is fun and exciting, even amid chaos and sadness. I strive to understand each perspective and refrain from taking sides or passing judgment. That’s not my role. What I often do is summarize what one spouse says in a different way to help the other spouse understand the meaning and feelings behind their partner’s point of view.

I help couples see the “deeper issue.” It is not about the dishes, the dog, or coming home late. Instead, it may be about feeling unappreciated, not respected, or valued, for example. I aim to help the couple transition from conflict to understanding, ultimately leading to a solution or compromise.

When needed, I help a partner say, “I’m sorry,” and for the other to hear those words and accept with love and grace. In “real time,” I will let couples know what they are doing that is working, and what is not!

I also tend to use humor and may tease and poke fun at my couple and myself. Sometimes a good laugh will clear tension.

Make your relationship a top priority!

Intensives can accelerate Couples Therapy, allowing you to dedicate significant time to exploring the details that are impacting your relationship.

Relationships require effort, and learning how to communicate effectively and nurture a meaningful connection can make all the difference.

For intensives, I do not take insurance and charge $185 an hour.

Let’s work together to take back your relationship. For more information on intensives, contact me for a free telephone consultation.