COUPLE & FAMILY INTENSIVES

We have heard from some of our clients that committing to regular therapy sessions over many months may be logistically challenging amongst the competing demands of modern life. We have sometimes been asked if we can work more intensely by offering the same number of therapy hours over a much shorter time period. To meet this need, we have developed Couple and Family Intensive packages in order to deliver several months of therapy in just one or two days (6 and 12 hours respectively).

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We believe that Intensives can be a great way to really tune in and attend to your needs as a couple or family. Sometimes allocating a specific and more intense window of time to focus on the issue can help to unstick things, increase mutual understanding, reach a decision or kick-start change.

 

​Our experience has also shown us that some couples and families can benefit from a one-off consultation to iron out a very specific dilemma, overcome a disagreement or reach a decision. To meet this need, we offer one-off 90-minute Systemic Consultations if you want to explore a specific issue or dilemma, or think about whether a lengthier intervention would be helpful.

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How can Couple and Family Intensives help?

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Intensives can quickly address a pressing issue that needs speedy resolution or help with decision-making.  Intensives can create clarity, insight and traction when relationships are under pressure by providing a concentrated block of time to focus on the issue.

 

Intensives can be helpful for couples and families facing a crisis, but can also be beneficial for couples who are approaching, or are in the early stages of marriage or civil partnership, who want to build a strong foundation for their future together.  Intensives may also be beneficial for couples or families who are approaching change or transition (for example, blending families; planning for parenthood; adjusting to life changes).

 

We don’t believe that Intensives are a ‘miracle cure’ or ‘quick fix’, but we do believe they can be a powerful method for kick-starting change.

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Are Intensives right for us?

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Intensives require significant time and effort, so you will all need to be highly motivated to engage in the process and work on the relationship(s). If any party has significant ambivalence about going ahead, then it is recommended that conventional couples or family therapy is undertaken instead, as this allows for a slower pace, more opportunity to get accustomed to the therapy process, and the option to change your mind about proceeding without having made a time and financial commitment.

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Intensives are designed to get to the heart of the matter quickly, and the process is emotionally challenging and has the potential to feel overwhelming.  We therefore strive to ensure psychological safety for our clients by making sure this is the right approach for you.

 

Due to the nature of Intensives, we do not recommend this intervention if the following issues are currently present in your lives:

 

• Ongoing infidelity

• Problematic use of drugs and alcohol

• Domestic/family violence

• Severe mental health problems that require treatment in the NHS

• Having thoughts of harming yourself or others and have acted on these, or plan to act on them

• Currently undertaking couples therapy or counselling elsewhere.​

 

If you have a history of severe trauma, or if you have difficulty regulating your emotions, or concerns that you may be overwhelmed or shut down by the intensive format, then the slower pace of conventional couples or family therapy will be a more suitable approach.

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Conventional couples/family therapy allows more time and space to process what has been discussed, try out new ideas, skills and behaviours, pace yourself and have continuous support should new issues emerge. 

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