If you and your spouse feel at odds or are unsure about the future of your marriage, a Marriage Intensive might feel like a big step. To help you better understand what to expect, here’s an overview of how our time together unfolds:

A Structured, Solution-Focused Approach

Each day of the intensive begins at 9:00 AM and ends around 4:30 PM, with a break for lunch. Unlike traditional therapy, which often spends significant time analyzing the roots of your problems, we focus on solutions. The goal is to pinpoint what’s keeping you stuck, identify practical steps for healing, and work toward a marriage that feels more joyful, connected, and fulfilling—both emotionally and physically.

 

There’s no unnecessary dredging up of childhood experiences or reliving painful moments just for the sake of “getting it out.” Instead, our time together is concise and purposeful. We begin by clarifying your goals for the intensive, gaining an understanding of why you’re seeking help now, and determining what steps you can take to transform your relationship.

Addressing Immediate Crises First

If you’re coming to the intensive because of a recent crisis (such as the discovery of infidelity), we’ll start there. It’s essential to address the most pressing issues upfront so that we can create a clear roadmap for healing. From there, we’ll also explore other aspects of your relationship that need attention, ensuring we take a holistic approach to strengthening your marriage.

A Research-Backed Therapy Model

Much of the work we’ll do together is based on Solution-Focused Therapy, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, and the Gottman Method. These evidence-based approaches emphasize your strengths and resources rather than dwelling on shortcomings. This approach is highly goal-oriented and has been used worldwide to help people create meaningful, lasting change. Drawing on my almost 3 decades of experience, education, and training, I help couples achieve breakthroughs and move forward with clarity and purpose.

Diving Into Your Relationship History

While our focus is on solutions, part of the intensive will involve an in-depth exploration of your relationship history. By reflecting on key events that have impacted the quality of your marriage, both of you will gain a deeper understanding of how the past has shaped your present. This process often allows couples to see their relationship from new, more compassionate perspectives.

Practical Tools for Better Communication

One thing I’ve observed in countless couples is the inability to have constructive conversations about heated topics. That’s why a portion of every intensive is spent learning down-to-earth, practical relationship skills that help you navigate disagreements without escalating into fights. These tools are designed to help you stop destructive patterns and start building healthier, more productive ways of communicating.

Specialized Support for Complex Issues

Beyond everyday struggles, many couples come to me because they’re dealing with crises that have shaken the very foundation of their marriage—issues like infidelity, midlife crises, or challenges with intimacy and sexual desire. Over the years, I’ve specialized in helping couples work through these deeply personal and often overwhelming challenges.

A Clear Plan for Moving Forward

By the end of the two days, you’ll leave with a written, personalized plan to help you follow through on the commitments you’ve made during the intensive. This plan serves as a roadmap for maintaining the progress you’ve achieved and staying on track as you continue to strengthen your relationship.

To ensure lasting change, you’ll also have follow-up options such as in-person sessions, phone or video sessions. Ongoing support is key to solidifying the breakthroughs made during the intensive.

The Results Speak for Themselves

The extended time of the 2-day intensive creates a unique opportunity for couples to fully address their issues without feeling rushed. Most couples walk away with major breakthroughs, a renewed sense of connection, and clarity about the steps they need to take to sustain positive changes in their marriage.

Marriage Intensives are not just therapy—they’re a focused, transformative experience designed to help couples rediscover hope, connection, and a path forward. If you’re ready to take that step, I’m here to guide you.