How are couples intensives different from regular couples therapy?

Couples intensives are an accelerated form of couples therapy designed for maximum impact.  Instead of waiting a week or two for the next session, and losing momentum, couples intensives allow you to have back to back sessions in one weekend.  The pace is quicker and the format is more structured for optimum results.  

What's different about your couples intensives?

For starters, our model is built around teamwork.  There are two seasoned couples therapists working with each couple for the entire weekend.  Imagine if you needed emergency surgery, with potential complications, and you had the option of having two expert surgeons in the operating room instead of one.  Relationships are complicated and having two expert therapists on your team makes a world of difference. We have found that doing a combination of individual and couples therapy in the same weekend leads to better results.  With two therapists, we can do this type of work without wasting anyone's time.  Amy and Mary each have different areas of expertise and tools they bring to the intensive, allowing for a more comprehensive experience than typical intensives with just one therapist.  We also create a personalized workbook for each couple so you can continue making progress after the intensive. It's a carefully curated book of tools that you will recognize from the work we've done together. 

What type of couple is the best fit for your intensives?

Couples who are ready to do the work and desire a straightforward and efficient approach tend to do best in our intensives.  We are serious about the work we do, we don't waste time, and we are committed to helping couples get back on track quickly. 

Will there be other couples participating or just us? 

Just you. It's important to note that this is not a class or a workshop. This is confidential couples therapy done in an accelerated format.

What models of couples therapy do you use?

We use a combination of The Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Imago, and Relational Life Therapy (RLT).  In addition, we may incorporate some other models, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and Trauma Informed Therapy, based on your needs.

Do you do anything before we arrive to get to know our issues?

Yes we do.  We have designed an extensive assessment phase that takes place before your weekend even starts.  Once a weekend is booked, you'll receive multiple assessments and questionnaires to complete confidentially, online.  We review these assessments in depth to begin prepping for your weekend.  We are also willing to collaborate with any current providers (individual therapists, couples therapists, psychiatrists, etc) prior to your weekend if you would like us to do that. Our intention is to hit the ground running when you arrive.  We are committed to giving you the absolute best experience we can, and that starts with a good assessment.

Where do your weekend intensives take place?

Our intensives take place in our office, located in Vienna, Virginia (about 15 miles outside of Washington, DC). We carefully designed our intensives room to feel warm, inviting, and comfortable.

How do we sign up?

The first step is a video consultation to determine if this is a good fit.  We want you to feel confident in your decision to work with us.  So the four of us will meet via Zoom to go over the agenda and answer any questions you might have.  If you decide to move forward, we require a signed booking agreement and a 50% deposit to hold your weekend. To schedule a video consultation, please fill out the contact form on the website, send us an email, or call/text us.