Intensives
Multi-Day Focused Therapy
Give your relationship the focus it deserves.
In a Couples Intensive, all the time and attention is devoted to you, your partner, and your specific concerns. We will have a full day or multi-day of focused therapy tailored to your individual relationship. Privacy and anonymity are paramount; there is no group therapy during your time with us. The goal is to help you resolve the concerns that brought you to us and to help you move forward.
A Dedicated Timespan to Create Change
Take Home Relationship Tools
Is a couples intensive right for you?
Those in acute distress but are seeking reconciliation
Intensives are NOT recommended to couples in crisis or those considering divorce. For those considering divorce, we encourage you to consider our Discernment Counseling services. You can read about this service here.
Intensives are best for couples who are ready to dive in and willing to do the work. It is INTENSE, with specific purposes and goals for each couple.
Clients with restricted access
What can you expect from a couples intensive?
A free, brief phone consultation with one of our clinicians who offer intensives is required before scheduling. This is required by us, but it is also to your benefit.
Intensives are scheduled at least one month in advance and typically take place on the weekend.
Clinicians do NOT travel for intensives—clients come to us. We have four lovely locations where intensives take place.
Please note: If you are traveling for an intensive, you are responsible for food and lodging.

Norfolk's East Beach

Norfolk's Waterside

Williamsburg

Old Town Alexandria
What happens during an intensive?
Intensives are structured by the therapist while allowing for break times as needed. Below is a sample of how an intensive is generally structured:
- 9:00am: start time
- 9:00am-12:00pm: assessment, goal setting, overview of remaining time
- 12:00pm-1:30pm: lunch on your own
- 1:30pm-4:30pm: mapping out communication cycle, exploring individual emotional experiences, sharing experiences with one another in new way
- 5:00pm: wrap up for the day
Please note: Intensive schedules are catered to each couple. The schedule above is just an example of what we might do for you.
Theoretical approaches and interventions are tailored to each couple and their unique needs and goals. The following approaches are typically utilized during Intensives:
- Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy
- Gottman Method
- Imago Therapy
Rates and insurance for an intensive
Please inquire about rates for Intensives. Note that Intensives are not covered by insurance, nor is it possible to receive reimbursement from insurance companies for these services.