Types of Couples Intensives & What to Expect
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Couples Intensives are immersive experiences customized for a couple, the issues they bring in, and the goals that each partner have in mind.
More will be learned during introductory screening calls and meetings with therapist.
BEFORE THE INTENSIVE
- Screening calls with couple to determine fit for the Intensive.
- Meeting with both partners individually to assess their personal goals.
- Determine type of Intensive based on issue to be addressed and partners’ goals.
- Completion of paperwork by both partners.
- Preparatory activities.
TYPES OF INTENSIVES
The descriptions below are tentative and can be changed depending on couples schedules and needs.
Half-day Intensives
- Ideal for couples who want to combine a few sessions together, e.g. 3 h sessions monthly.
- Can be used as follow-up maintenance after a longer Intensive.
1-day Intensives
- For marriage preparation.
- For emergency situations. It does not solve the problem per se, but it “stops the bleeding” temporarily. Subsequent days will be needed to address the issue more comprehensively. E.g., big conflict before a planned trip or a significant event (wedding, family celebration).
2-day Intensives
- Include an assessment of the situation and interventions for better understanding of past circumstances.
3-day Intensives
- Include an assessment of the situation, understanding of past circumstances, and tools to move relationship forward.
4-day Intensives
- For a combination of factors. Days maybe spaced out from each other to allow for more reflection and integration.
- Addresses more painful and emotional issues such as affair recovery and divorce discernment.
5-day Intensives
- For a combination of issues and trauma work for couples and individuals.
DURING THE INTENSIVE (6-8 h per day)
- Mornings and afternoons start with a check in, followed by a customized intervention, a break, another intervention and reflection.
- Lunch time will be about 1 hour.
- Evenings will be for reflection as well, with minimum activities and staying at home together. It is advisable to have kids and pets out of the house, having overnights at relatives or friends’ house.
AFTER THE INTENSIVE
What Happens Post-Intensive?
After the Intensive, you will feel a significant sense of relief and clarity. After all, you have just completed months of therapy in a few days. To continue this growth and prevent that past habits resurface, it is highly recommended that you do some follow-up work periodically. If you were referred by a counselor, we will send a summary report of your Intensive to that counselor so they can provide the follow-up to you. If you do not have a couples counselor, we will be glad to help you find one close to you. Also, if you live in Iowa, Washington State, or Florida, you could continue working with us through online mini-intensives every 1-2 months. It will be your decision on how to continue working on your relationship, and we will be glad to support you in any way you choose.
