WHAT ARE MARATHON COUPLES THERAPY SESSIONS?

DEEP, FOCUSED COUPLES THERAPY FOR MEANINGFUL CHANGE — FAST

Are you a couple who…

  • Has tried weekly therapy, but feels the changes are incremental and slow?

  • Feels stuck in recurring conflict, distance, or misunderstanding?

  • Lives far from specialized couples therapy or has a schedule that doesn’t allow frequent sessions?

  • Is facing a crisis (infidelity, loss, major life transition) and wants to address it without waiting months?

Marathon Couples Sessions might be the shift you need — concentrated, immersive work designed to accelerate healing, deepen connection, and move toward lasting relational change.

What is a Marathon Couples Session?

Marathon Couples Sessions are multi-day intensives designed for couples in high distress or those who want to invest deeply in their relationship now. Instead of one hour weekly, we come together for several consecutive days of extended sessions — long enough to explore the roots of your struggles, practice new skills, repair wounds, and reconnect.

This format allows you both to:

  • Slow down and go beyond surface conflicts

  • Create safety over time so harder truths can be shared

  • Process past hurts and understand how they shape current patterns

  • Build new relational skills — communication, conflict repair, emotional attunement, forgiveness

  • Emergence of deeper connection and clarity about next steps

The Phases of Gottman Method Couples Therapy

  • Before we begin therapy, we’ll spend the first few sessions getting a comprehensive understanding of your relationship. This structured assessment helps set the foundation for effective, customized work.

    Here’s what to expect:

    • Session 1: Joint Meeting
      We meet together to explore your relationship history, areas of strength, and current challenges.

    • Session 2: Individual Sessions
      Each of you will have a private, one-on-one session to share your personal perspective and background.

    • Online Assessment: Gottman Relationship Checkup
      You'll complete a detailed, research-based questionnaire designed to highlight your relationship's strengths and areas for growth.

    • Session 3: Feedback and Planning
      I bring everything together—what we've discussed and what the assessment reveals—and provide tailored feedback along with a personalized plan for therapy.

    This thoughtful start ensures our work together is focused, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based insight.

  • After the assessment phase, regular therapy sessions begin. These are tailored to your goals and may include:

    • Improving communication and conflict management

    • Strengthening friendship and emotional connection

    • Rebuilding trust and intimacy

    • Creating shared meaning and long-term vision

    Most couples attend between 10 to 20 sessions, though some may benefit from more or fewer depending on their needs.

  • As we approach the final stages of therapy, we focus on maintaining the progress you've made and ensuring lasting success in your relationship.

    • Reinforcing Skills
      We review and strengthen the tools and communication strategies you’ve learned throughout therapy.

    • Deepening Connection
      Focus on building even greater emotional intimacy and trust.

    • Anticipating Challenges
      We identify potential stressors and life changes that could affect your relationship.

    • Creating a Long-Term Plan
      Together, we develop strategies to navigate future challenges and maintain the positive changes you’ve made.

    This phase helps you build confidence and resilience to keep your relationship thriving long after therapy.

HOW IT WORKS

What EMDR Intensives Include?

Pre-Intensive Session

A 50-minute initial session to clarify your goals for the intensive, define your desired outcomes, and fully prepare for the experience. We’ll work together to identify the painful memories, beliefs, and emotions you want relief from, setting the stage for a transformative experience.

Customized Treatment

The 3 EMDR Intensive sessions are held over 3 weeks, with 4 hours each day dedicated to the process. These sessions are customized to you, featuring targeted treatments and resourcing activities, ensuring a deeply effective and supportive experience.

Post-Intensive Session

A 50-minute session to debrief your experience and discuss the insights, relief, and transformation you’ve experienced. Together, we’ll create a clear plan for your next steps, setting you up for continued growth and healing long after the sessions end.

FAQs:

What others have wondered about intensive EMDR sessions

  • Intensives are concentrated treatment sessions, typically lasting part of a day over several days. Unlike weekly therapy, which is limited to a 50- or 75-minute sessions, they allow for deeper exploration and usually more efficient resolution of the root cause of issues.

  • Intensive EMDR sessions are effective for those ready to explore how their past has shaped their life, especially if they have done preparatory work (e.g., prior therapy, other personal growth endeavours). However, they may not be suitable for individuals in crisis, experiencing severe dissociation, or managing complex mental health issues. During our initial consultation, I'll assess the best approach based on your unique needs.

  • Intensive EMDR sessions may feel long, but time passes quickly because of how your brain stays engaged. While the first hour can be intense, the intensity usually fades as processing continues. You'll likely feel lighter, though a bit tired, as old memories and limiting beliefs are released. You'll be amazed at how quickly you start seeing real progress.

  • Research supports that intensive EMDR therapy is well-tolerated by clients and promotes faster symptom reduction, often yielding better outcomes. It reduces treatment time by focusing directly on trauma healing, without spending time on life updates, current crises, stabilization, or session recovery. Research shows that this approach is both effective and economically valuable for addressing the root causes of mental health issues.

  • Yes, intensives can help accelerate progress and complement your traditional weekly therapy. If needed, we can coordinate with your current therapist to ensure a smooth continuation of your healing journey.

  • Your results depend on the nature of your trauma or the issue being addressed. The intensive package is designed to equip you with the skills to maximize our work, allowing for deep, meaningful changes. While I can’t guarantee complete resolution of all symptoms, client’s generally experience accelerated healing and significant, lasting transformation in various aspects of their life..

  • EMDR intensives are a premium service. While the cost of an intensive package may seem significant, it is often more cost-effective than traditional weekly therapy. Weekly sessions are limited to 75 minutes, which includes time for check-ins and coping skills, while intensives provide a dedicated 4-hour block to focus solely on your concerns. This allows for faster progress, often achieving the same results in just a few days.

  • You just need to be in the province of BC or the Yukon in order for me to work with you. If you're out of province, you can travel to BC or the Yukon for the Intensive, and many people enjoy the experience as a getaway focused on healing and growth.

  • We'll start with a 50-minute virtual session to discuss your goals. Once you're ready to proceed, we'll schedule all your sessions at once for convenience.

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