1. Who is a Couples Therapy Intensive for?

An intensive can be ideal for couples who:

• feel stuck

• want accelerated progress

• desire focused attention

• have difficulty attending weekly sessions

• need focused support to address long-standing patterns

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A free consultation helps determine if this format is a good match.

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2. What kinds of issues can we work on during an intensive?

Common topics include recurring conflict, communication struggles, emotional disconnection, intimacy concerns, lack of repair after arguments, rebuilding trust, and navigating major life transitions.

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3. We’ve tried couples therapy before—will an intensive help?

Many couples who haven’t had success in weekly therapy find intensives helpful because the extended time allows for deeper exploration, nervous-system regulation, and meaningful progress without the interruption of weekly stop-and-start sessions.

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4. Is an intensive appropriate if we are in crisis?

Sometimes. A consultation helps determine whether an intensive is the best next step or if another form of support is more appropriate.

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5. What happens during the two days?

Day One of the intensive focuses on assessment, including a joint couples session and individual interviews.  The information gathers through these processes inform Day Two.  Day Two includes guided conversations, skill-building, communication practices, exploration of patterns, and nervous-system-based work designed to improve emotional safety and connection.

 

6. How much of the 12 hours is spent in therapy?

All 12 hours of the intensive are dedicated exclusively to your relationship.  While the exact flow may vary based on your needs, the time is typically divided among assessment, guided dialogue with therapeutic intervention, and scheduled breaks.

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7. Will we have breaks during the intensive?

Yes, absolutely — breaks are an intentional and important part of the 12-hour intensive.

The length and frequency of breaks vary based on the needs of your relationship. In addition to eating and hydrating, these pauses give your nervous systems time to regulate, integrate what you’re learning, and reset through rest or movement. Intensives are structured but flexible so you and your partner can stay within your capacity throughout the process.

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8. Do you offer virtual intensives?

Yes—virtual intensives can be effective, especially when couples have privacy and reliable internet.

 

9. What is the cost of a couples therapy intensive?

Pricing is discussed during the consultation and varies depending on the length and structure.  After the initial free 15-minute consultation, if a c

 

10. What if we need more than two days?

A third day can be scheduled if the couple feels it would be beneficial and the therapist determines it is clinically appropriate. When a third day is recommended, it is typically scheduled within 1–6 weeks following the initial two-day intensive.

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11. What should we bring or prepare before the intensive?

You’ll receive a pre-assessment packet and guidance with detailed information. Comfortable clothing, water, snacks, and openness to the process are generally all you need.

 

12. Will we receive tools to continue working at home?

Yes. Couples leave with personalized recommendations, communication tools, and next-step guidance.

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13. Do you offer ongoing therapy after the intensive?

Yes—ongoing biweekly couples therapy sessions can be scheduled when appropriate and depending on availability. Some couples may choose to return for follow-up sessions or mini-intensives.  If regular couples therapy is desired and the therapist does not have an available appointment, you may opt to be placed on a wait list or receive referrals for another provider.

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14. If we are already in couples therapy with another therapist, is a couples therapy intensive right for us?

We welcome couples who are already in couples therapy with another therapist to schedule a consultation to see if a couples intensive is right for them.  If it is determined that it is, the couples therapy intensive therapist will request you sign a release of informaiton to have communication with your current couples therapist prior to and/or after the intensive. 

 

After the intensive, you would likely continue therapy with your therapist, hopefully with a fresh perspective, new communication skills, a deepened connection and a renewed commitment to your relationship! 

 

In a case such as this, the couples therapy intensive therapist would NOT become your regular couples therapist.

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15. What if we’re not sure we want to stay together?

An intensive can help provide clarity. It is not designed to pressure a decision but to help you understand patterns, needs, and possibilities. If discernment counseling is more appropriate, that will be discussed in the consultation.

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16. Can intensives help after a major rupture or betrayal?

Yes—if both partners are committed to the process and willing to engage with honesty, empathy, and structure. In some cases, additional preparation may be recommended before beginning.

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17. I am in a polyamorous or ethically non-monogamous relationship. Is a couples therapy intensive right for me and my partner(s)?

Yes. While it’s called a couples therapy intensive to clearly communicate that this is a therapeutic intervention, the work itself is relationship therapy and can be adapted for polyamorous or ethically non-monogamous relationships.

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For partners in ENM or poly constellations, an intensive can be a highly effective way to deepen understanding, strengthen communication, and address relational challenges. Depending on the number of partners involved and the complexity of the relationship system, the length of the intensive may need to be extended. In many cases, scheduling the optional third day is recommended so there is adequate time for assessment, dialogue, and meaningful integration for everyone present.

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If you're unsure what format is best for your relationship, I’m happy to discuss your constellation and help determine the most supportive structure.

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18. How is an intensive different from a couples workshop?

Intensives are extended, private couples therapy sessions that are personalized and tailored to your relationship’s unique needs. While the intensive follows an overall structure, the content is shaped by what is most relevant to your partnership.

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Couples workshops, on the other hand, are psycho‑educational and conducted in a group setting. Their primary goal is to teach concepts and tools. Couples practice dialogues and exercises privately, and therapists serve in a coaching role rather than providing therapy. Therapists do not offer couples therapy during workshops.

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You can find more information about a Getting the Love You Want Couples Workshop or Retreat here.

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19. Will this "fix" our relationship?

Intensives are powerful, but no therapy can offer guarantees. You will gain clarity, skills, insights, and a stronger foundation—but ongoing integration helps maintain progress.

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20. Will insurance cover any part of an intensive?

Intensives are private-pay and not covered by insurance. A superbill can be provided upon request, though reimbursement is not guaranteed and is highly unlikely.

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21. How far in advance do we need to book?

Intensives are scheduled in advance due to the time reserved exclusively for your relationship. Availability varies and will be discussed during your consultation.