Gottman Marathon Couples Therapy is a dynamic alternative to traditional weekly sessions in Gottman Method Couples Therapy. It is a condensed and focused approach to relationship counselling that will provide you with the time you need to address specific issues. In this powerful approach to relieving couples distress, you and your partner will meet with me for two consecutive days and engage in intensive couples therapy for up to 6 sessions per day.
During the course of therapy, you will have the time to talk in-depth about the struggles and challenges of the relationship that may be harder to get into in the traditional style of couples therapy. The research suggests that the intensity of these sessions can help build momentum to process past injuries that have never healed. There is time to understand how these injuries have impacted the relationship. There is time to learn and practice new communication skills to help you have more productive conversations. There is time to rebuild.
The therapist will provide an environment of safety for both partners. You will be treated with dignity and respect, without judgment, throughout the process. Couples who have experienced this form of therapy usually describe it as life-changing and transformative.
Marathon Couples Therapy offers practical benefits as well. It’s a good fit for couples who want a more intensive experience of therapy, for couples whose schedules do not allow for them to go to weekly therapy sessions and for couples who need to get help immediately.
Prior to your marathon sessions we will have a brief non-committing conversation about the process where you can ask any questions about the therapy or myself. If you decide to move forward, you will each be emailed a link to a comprehensive assessment for each of you to complete. The assessment is completed online using highly secure servers that conform to the requirements for medical information security and confidentiality. Only your therapist will have access to this information. Lastly, I will also conduct a brief individual session with each of you via zoom prior to us all meeting together for our marathon session.
Based on this information, I will have some understanding of your relationship’s status, your strengths, interaction patterns and relationship challenges. These findings will be shared with you so that we can collaboratively identify specific outcome goals for your relationship.
A one-day marathon is also available and is appropriate for couples interested in premarital preparation or couples seeking to enrich their relationship as well as preventative care for couples with some minor issues to work out.
The cost of your marathon including the thorough pre-marathon assessment process, 2 full intensive days working on your relationship in a safe, calm, professional and private environment with the full attention of an experienced clinician, a toolkit full of resources and information is $3.500. Cost for one day is $ 2000 SD.
It is important, however, that you also understand the risks involved. Despite the “nuts and bolts” approach of this method, the Marathon Couples Therapy format may move you more quickly and intensely into the areas of difficulty to be addressed. Therefore, you and/or your partner may experience uncomfortable feelings like sadness, guilt, anxiety, anger, loneliness, and helplessness. Your therapy may also involve recalling unpleasant aspects of your history together and/or individually. In such situations you may want to return for more individual or couples sessions or wish to be referred to a therapist more suitable to your needs.
Willow Psych Services 