Many couples have stereotypes about marriage counseling intensives or are unsure whether this or that particular couples counseling format is the best option for them.

I hear something similar to the following statement from my couples in Wake Forest, NC: “We are fine, couples intensives sound intense and are probably for those people who have severe issues such as the affair aftermath or serious financial issues. We only have communication issues.”

Here are the 3 TOP reasons why people seek marriage counseling intensives, to demystify myths and stereotypes and help you decide whether a marriage counseling intensive is for you and your partner.

1. You Get Stuck in Your Negative Cycle Between Sessions

Many couples who attend weekly marriage therapy sessions find themselves trapped in negative cycles between sessions that prevent them from moving forward and healing. You come in for your weekly session, work on your issues, go home, and experience more conflict. Then the next week comes and you do it all over again.

What are Negative Cycles?

Negative cycles are dysfunctional patterns of behavior and interactions that cause stress in your relationship. Problems in relationships typically happen in a cycle format: fight – a period of peace – a conflict escalates again, and so on. This negative cycle doesn’t allow you to find a resolution to your problems because it doesn’t allow you to pause, see things clearly, and understand your pattern of interaction.

Couples intensives that are based on Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) provide uninterrupted time which teaches you how to recognize negative cycles in your relationship and identify layers behind your conflicts. During a marriage intensive, you will feel empowered to understand the parallel dynamic that happens beyond your arguments. Once you start understanding the nature of your negative cycle and what to do to get out of it, you and your partner will be able to reach to one another for support and love even in times of distress.

2. You Feel that You are Not Making Enough Progress

At some point, you or your partner, or both of you may feel that couples therapy doesn't cut it for you anymore. Whatever the reasons may be, you feel unhappy and frustrated because your marriage therapy is not working the way you wanted it.

Not all forms of marriage therapy are suitable for all couples and their problems. Don’t make a mistake and keep coming to therapy if you are not making progress, though. This can only make things worse and leave you frustrated and disappointed.

When you feel that you are not making progress in weekly couples counseling sessions, consider a marriage counseling intensive.

Individualized couples counseling intensive takes place over a short period (usually 1-3 days). This format of marriage counseling is customized to your relationship's unique needs so it allows you and your partner to focus on each other and to get to the roots of your issues.

A marriage intensive counseling doesn’t offer magical solutions or quick-fix to your issues but gives you the opportunity to get away from distractions of your daily life and totally focus on one another.

3. You Feel Miserable and Need Relief ASAP

You may feel overwhelmed and trapped in negative patterns in your relationship that you don’t know how to untangle. You don’t know if there’s any hope in getting your marriage back.

You and your partner may feel that you have to choose between a miserable marriage or a divorce. You feel desperate, frustrated, and hopeless. 

Couples crisis intensives are a safe place to deeply and quickly work on your relationship challenges and get to the root of your problems. A marriage intensive is a place of transformation and restoration where you and your spouse feel empowered to truly get to know one another.

During intensive marriage counseling, your therapist will help you explore patterns and negative cycles in your relationship. You will work on planning strategies to develop trust and learn not to avoid conflicts but to pick up from them. 

Couples intensive counseling can help create a more secure bond between you and your partner and help you truly understand the dynamics of your relationship.

Marriage intensive counseling can help rekindle connection and get to the very origins of your problem. An intensive therapy option is the best choice for couples who:

·       Feel that their marriage is at the breaking point

·       Are experiencing a severe relationship crisis and cannot afford to wait for the next weekly session

·       Feel that traditional couples therapy doesn’t work for their relationship

·       Want to work on their issues intensely

Summary

Many couples would like to solve their relationship problems quickly and effectively but don’t feel that traditional marriage therapy helps them make enough progress. If you want to dig deep and work on your issues in an intense but safe context, consider marriage intensive counseling.

Intensive couples counseling format works for a variety of relationship issues because it helps you reach a resolution more quickly and learn skill sets to help you face further challenges more successfully.

I hope this information helps you better understand the reasons for the marriage intensives treatment option. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to give me a call at (703)347 3200 and schedule an appointment or your 15 min free intake online or in my Wake Forest office here