Couples Intensives
Do you ever feel like it is taking a long time to meet your goals and experience meaningful change? Do you have a hard time scheduling multiple appointments? Are you wanting a more in-depth experience? Is it important to work through your current issues quickly? Has past therapy not been as effective as desired?
If so, an intensive treatment session may be appropriate for you! ​​​
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Includes:
*A free 15-30 minute introductory video or phone consult
*4 weekly marathon sessions (6 hours) with special lunch break dates
*A comprehensive interview for both the couple and individuals
*A questionnaire packet to help guide a tailored approach to your treatment plan
*Therapist feedback with a personal copy of your analysis report
*Video coding of a sample conflict
*Relationship Builder software to complete homework modules and have as a reference when therapy is completd
*2 binders with extensive Gottman Method resources and tools
*Evidence-based and clinician led therapeutic conversations and practical strategies for healing your relationship
*Therapist consultation with an external certified Gottman therapist
*A booster session (to be used within one year)
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Q&A
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Q: What is the Gottman Method?
A: The Gottman Method is an evidence-based (well researched) structured therapy that has been shown to improve relationship functioning, marital adjustment and intimacy, communication skills, and reduced emotional divorce and conflict. It has also been associated with improvements in relationship satisfaction, connection, parental cooperation, and handling transitions. A further description can be found under the "treatment modalities" section of my website.
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Q:Who do you serve?
A: I am able to see couples who are newly united or been together for decades. Some couples come as soon as problems start to develop in order to "nip things in the bud" while others have been struggling with major issues for many years. Some couples will still be together, while others will be doing a trial separation, and others still, have decided to separate and just want to work on their co-parenting relationship. Others still need help to figure out what direction they will take. I see couples with histories of infidelity, addiction, or trauma, as well as military or Christian backgrounds.
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Q: What is involved in an intensive?
A: The first day will be thoroughly getting to know each other and what you need help with. You will have an interview as a couple as well as individuals. You will have completed measures ahead of time that will be reviewed. We will establish a general treatment plan and likely do some initial work in the afternoon. The bulk of the therapeutic work will be done on days 2 and 3. Day 4 will mostly be a review/summary of care and focus on relapse prevention and next steps. You will also be given assignments to do between sessions.
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Q: Where are intensives located?
A: My office is located in Truro, NS and I welcome clients from anywhere in Canada! However, because sessions are offered on a weekly basis, most couples will need to live nearby in order to engage in this model. If you are travelling more than 1-2 hours, please ask about accommodation and culinary options.
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Q: Do you offer virtual sessions?
A: Yes! While many couples feel that in-person work is easier to focus and build relationships, others have a preference for online therapy or have barriers to travel. Please note that even when you choose the virtual option, you do have to reside or at least be physically present in the province of Nova Scotia during sessions due to my licensing requirements.
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Q: What days do you offer intensives?
A: For in-person sessions, they will always be offered on four consecutive Sundays. Virtual sessions are more flexible and any day can be accommodated during consecutive weeks, as long as there is significant advance notice. Morning sessions will typically be 9am-12pm with a 60-minute lunch break and then afternoon sessions 130pm-430pm. These times may be adjusted slightly if accommodations are needed.
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Q: Why are the sessions weekly and not 4 days in a row?
A: While other intensive formats across the country offer therapy multiple days in a row, I find this model more helpful for many reasons. First, the couple may find multiple days in a row too overwhelming and by the third day be too emotionally exhausted to get effective work done. They also may feel it is over too quickly and even forget to bring up issues they intended to. The weekly break allows reflection time as well as homework assignments to get completed. It also allows me as your therapist to reflect on our sessions, get consultation, and rest myself to ensure you are getting exceptional service.
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Q: Can we see you after an intensive is over?
A: As part of your fee, you are entitled to one booster session. Typically, this is offered one month later, however it is available up to one year after you complete your intensive. After this, I encourage couples to either have a break or find a therapist that will offer follow-up work. Sometimes couples will have come from working with a therapist and then go back to them when it is over. This is to ensure I am able to manage my caseload and encourage people to work their hardest in the intensive knowing time is limited.
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Q: I see you are also trained in "Bringing Baby Home Essentials." Is an intensive the same as a workshop?
A: No! A workshop is typically shorter (1 day) and is focused more on education and activities to enhance a relationship that is generally doing well. This particular workshop is for new or expecting parents. If this is something you feel is more suitable, you can reach out to request a private offering. An intensive is reserved for couples who have multiple concerns or struggles in their relationship and need expertise to help facilitate difficult discussions and provide clinical intervention when needed.
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Q: How much does the intensive cost? Will my insurance cover this? Will a third party cover this?
A: Intensives are $6500 which covers an hourly rate of $200 and other fees associated with the program. While it is a large initial investment, you may find yourself saving money in the long run because results can be achieved more quickly. Some insurance companies will cover this, however it is your responsibility to check ahead of time before booking. I have not had experience with a third party covering fees, however if you would like to apply, I am happy to provide any supporting information they need and advocate on your behalf. Please be advised fees are due at the beginning of an intensive. You may reach out if you would like to discuss other payment options. Because this is a medical expense, many couples will at minimal receive a tax exemption.
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Q: Do you offer this therapy outside the intensive format?
A: Yes. Typically these are 90-minute sessions offered on a weekly or biweekly basis. The number of sessions is dependent on severity of issues and engagement in treatment recommendations. You may reach out if you would like to discuss which is more suitable.
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*Please note intensives have limited availability due to preparation and recovery time.*
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