Couples Intensives

Not all couples can show up for weekly appointments at 9:30 on a Wednesday. Some people travel for work, some know most of the professionals in their small town, some have a problem returning to work after a therapy session. Perhaps there has been an affair or some other rupture in the relationship.
As my schedule permits, I offer “mini-intensives.” Typically I meet with the couple for two consecutive mornings for two weeks, with a follow-up two to three weeks later. Weekends may be available. This structure is primarily for couples from the greater Seattle area but there may be reason to work in this format with local couples. I love this format. There is enough time to let needs and longings for connection to develop—and get tenderly shared. There’s a relaxation in the room knowing that each person will have enough time to talk about what’s important to them.
We become a team focused on building more intimacy and, if relevant, healing wounds. Because it’s a “mini-intensive” (3-1/2 hours each day for four days) we all get a chance to recover from the intensity each day. The intensive works best if the couple has not added other obligations and have committed the time to one another after we meet each day. The intensive then becomes an opportunity to commit to fun together, to practice what you’re learning, and vulnerably explore the experience of change. I bring an internal roadmap of our work together but will tailor the work to your particular needs.
So what would your roadmap be like? There are certain stops along the way. We'll want to talk about:
  • What is bringing you to therapy?
  • How did you meet? What is the nature of your commitment to each other?
  • What have your histories been about seeking/receiving comfort from people in your backgrounds? And with one another? What is your attachment style?
  • Are we having a successful collaboration?
  • How do you get into stuck places with one another? What happens then? Do you repair from difficult conversations? Do you know how?
  • Can you “own” your negative cycle? Can we re-conceptualize the negative cycle as a possible portal to your deeper emotions?
  • How does it feel to reach to the other from that vulnerable, soft place that is so different from your negative cycle?
  • If you are more withdrawn, can you consider sharing more of your inner world with the person you love?
  • If you are more of a pursuer, can you consider keeping your heart open to learning more about the other?
As I mentioned, I am responsible for tracking where we’re going, where we are on the map. I am always happy to talk with you about where I think we are. I often check in as we’re meeting to see how each of you is responding to our work together. As you are building a stronger bond with one another, I am building a bond with each of you—and with your relationship. Your relationship is my client.
This may be a particularly useful model for you if:
  • You don’t have access to an EFT therapist in your area
  • One of you travels and it’s difficult to get momentum in your therapy
  • Your commitment to your marriage/partnership is weakening and you’d like a more concentrated “infusion” of understanding and intimacy
  • You feel time pressure to deal with an affair or other injury to the relationship
  • You’re from the larger Seattle area.
If you are interested, please call me at (206) 443-9810 or use the Contact page on this website. I’ll respond with more information, including cost. We'll also schedule a phone call to discuss your relationship and give you a chance to ask questions. I am hopeful this will be the first step to increase the likelihood of a successful match.

As my schedule permits, I offer “mini-intensives,” primarily for couples from outside Seattle.  This model is used by other EFT therapists.

Typically I meet with the couple from 8:30-11:30 on Thursday and Friday mornings for two weeks in a row, for 12 hours total, plus an assessment session for one hour before we meet in person.  Unless the couple has already started the transition to local care,  I schedule one more morning session for 3-4 weeks later.

This approach is appropriate for:

  • couples from the larger Seattle area (Whidbey, Tacoma, etc.) or
  • couples from out of state

Steps of our work together:

The process begins with a three way conversation for an hour to ensure we are a good fit.  We’ll discuss the appropriate media (phone, internet).

This conversation is followed by a detailed questionnaire that requires some time for each person to complete.  This information helps me assess if my skills are a good fit with the couple’s needs.  It also helps me begin to conceptualize the dynamics in the relationship.

I also ask that each partner read Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for Connection by Dr. Sue Johnson prior to the first meeting.

We start with a joint session for 90 minutes.  Next, I meet with each partner individually for 90 minutes.  These individual sessions focus on goals for therapy, attachment experiences and family history.  After these individual sessions are complete, we will most likely meet as a threesome for the remainder of our time together.  I’ll give some feedback about what I’ve learned from each of you in the individual sessions.

Even though this is a considerable amount of time together, there may be limits to what we can accomplish in a limited time, particularly if there have been threats to the basic connection between you, eg betrayal, consideration of divorce, etc.  This is why it is important for the couple to have EFT resources in their own community for follow-up to our work in the same model.   Local support is also necessary because I rarely have openings in my private practice.

This model of therapy is not appropriate in cases of emotional or verbal abuse, alcohol or drug addiction.

Details

Location: Either downtown Seattle in Pike Place Market area or NE Seattle near Children’s Hospital.

Cost:
15 hours for 90 min @ $300= $4500
+ 1 hour @ $185 (pre-meeting phone/Internet session)
Total: $4685, divided in payments over the five sessions

Housing and meals are on your own.

Because these intensives require a significant  time investment on my part, after the virtual meeting and before we meet I request half this amount ($2250) as a non refundable deposit.

I am happy to talk with couples ahead of the joint phone/internet meeting to assess if this is an appropriate option for your relationship.  Please contact me with any questions.

Susan Raab-Cohen, PhD
(206) 443-9810
Src443@comcast.net