Is a Couples Therapy Intensive right for you?
We often count on our relationships to reward us with companionship, emotional support, a sense of security—and, of course, love. But, we all know that relationships can become challenging and painful at times. Conflicts, fighting, or stony silences can ultimately damage previously close connections.Do you feel stuck in a cycle of negativity with your spouse or partner – a vicious pattern of miscommunication that leads to conflict and uncertainty about your future?
Have you been arguing for years, or can’t talk to one another anymore, without the conversation deteriorating? Is there a palpable distance between you?
Have you not had sex in a long time, or discovered a recent betrayal?
Have you found previous attempts at counseling discouraging, or you don’t have time to devote to weeks of therapy?
Would a weekend, or mid-week retreat solely focused on your relationship give you a chance to revitalize the intimate, emotional connection between you?
If so, a Couples Therapy Intensive might be ideal for you. A Couples Therapy (or Marriage) Intensive Retreat is a customized, in-depth therapy experience geared towards highly distressed relationships, couples in crisis, or those simply wishing to jump-start the treatment process. Intensives are also a great option if one or both of you travel, your responsibilities make weekly sessions difficult, or you need absolute privacy, and therefore do not wish to see a therapist in your local area.
My integrative approach — blending attachment and differentiation theories — can not only revitalize your relationship and provide you with tools for strong communication, it can empower you both to really show-up to your relationship in an authentic way.
The intensive is a private, personalized experience. The intensive is also the quickest and most effective way to get to what you want. The primary goal is to facilitate lasting corrective emotional and relational change for couples. Other goals include improving communication, learning how to manage conflict productively, navigating deep hurts that have festered, and improving all aspects of intimacy.
So, how do we get started, and what does an intensive look like?
The first step is to contact me for a complimentary, introductory phone call to determine if the Intensive is the right modality for you.Once we’ve agreed and secured a date for the intensive, you will be given extensive questionnaires to fill out. These forms will help me to customize the experience.
As part of the intensive experience, I will schedule an individual appointment with each person.
The actual two-day experience usually has a 9-4:30 schedule, with a ninety minute break for lunch. Many people elect to stay at a nearby hotel or resort so that they have ample private time to solely focus on their relationship. My office is located in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Many couples extend their time in South Florida to create a memorable experience that includes the wonderful resorts and amenities available in our area.
Before we wrap up the Intensive, we will review and solidify the progress we’ve made in the past two days and prepare a plan of action for you to use as you move forward together. You will be given a folder of handouts and tools that you can regularly refer to. We will schedule a ninety minute follow-up (in person or virtually) a few weeks later to track the progress you have made.
So to review: What is included in the 2 day Couples Intensive?
A telephone consultation to determine whether an intensive is appropriate for your situation.An individual session with each partner to fully clarify each person’s perspective and goals.
A series of questionnaires will be sent to each person to carefully fill out prior to our work together. I will spend a great deal of time prior to the Intensive, carefully reviewing the materials. I will make a thorough assessment and a review of your strengths and challenges. This will enable me to strategize our areas of focus prior to starting the intensive.
Two full days of private, dedicated time to work on your marriage/relationship without any distractions.
Individually tailored folders (one for each partner) with extensive tools and learnings that you can refer back to during, as well as after, the intensive.
Follow up summary of the weekend and next steps.
A 90 minute follow up session 3-6 weeks after the intensive.
