Couples Therapy Intensives and Retreats 

Our couple’s therapy intensives are designed for partners seeking a concentrated, evidence-based therapeutic experience that allows for greater depth than traditional weekly sessions. Intensives create the space to identify entrenched relational patterns, address underlying emotional needs, and begin restructuring interactional cycles that sustain disconnection. 

Our Clinical Approach

We examine the couple within the broader relational system, exploring how patterns of interaction, family-of-origin influences, and external stressors shape the relationship dynamic. This systemic lens helps partners understand not only their individual roles but also the cycles they co-create.

We provide a structured framework for helping couples access and express core attachment needs and emotions. Through guided interventions, partners can shift from defensive or critical patterns to more open, responsive, and engaged interactions.

Structure of the Intensive

  • Initial assessment of presenting concerns and relational history.

  • Identification of negative cycles and unmet attachment needs.

  • Facilitated dialogues that foster emotional safety and connection.

  • Skill-building and strategies to support lasting change beyond the session.

  • Short Breaks are built into intensive sessions.

Who is this for?

  • Couples experiencing chronic conflict or recurring negative cycles.

  • Partners seeking to repair after relational ruptures such as betrayal.

  • Couples desiring accelerated progress or who are unable to attend weekly therapy.

The Why

The extended session format allows for sustained therapeutic engagement, which is often necessary when addressing complex relational dynamics. By slowing down the process, partners can move past surface-level conflict and access the vulnerable emotions that drive their interactions. This creates the conditions for corrective emotional experiences, increased empathy, and strengthened attachment bonds.

The Couples workshop is led by Kristine Baker, LMFT. With over a decade of experience working with couples and families, she has seen that when partners gain a deeper understanding of relational dynamics and have a willingness to learn new skills, almost any relationship has the potential to thrive. That’s why the Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work Couples Workshop can be a true game changer. It offers dedicated time to focus solely on your relationship, strengthening communication, deepening connection, and building lasting bonds.

  • Insurance usually does not cover intensive sessions, couples, or family therapy. We accept HSA/FSA payments, but please check with your insurance provider regarding your coverage for behavioral and mental health services.

  • Intensive couple’s sessions often yield faster results than weekly hour-long meetings. These focused sessions address personal and relationship challenges through assessment, dialogue, and skill-building.

  • Active affairs – Trust and honesty in a relationship require both partners to participate willingly in their growth together.

    Abuse – If you are currently experiencing any form of abuse, intensives are not suitable. Abuse involves deeper individual issues that make it unsafe to address relationship concerns in this setting.

    Addiction—Active addiction in either partner limits therapy, since both must be present and willing to participate.

  • Prior to the intensives, there are two (1 hour) individual sessions provided for assessment. 

    A 1-hour session is held to plan a customized couples intensive for you and your partner.  

    Both one-day and two-day intensive options are available.  The one-day option lasts 6 hours, while the two-day option is 6 hours per day. A lunch break and other breaks are incorporated as needed throughout the day.  

    Following the completion of the intensive program, couples have the option to schedule two additional 1.5-hour therapy sessions. These follow-up sessions are designed to reinforce the progress made during the intensive, offering guidance and support as couples integrate new insights and skills into their daily lives. The timing of these sessions is flexible and arranged based on the couple’s request and needs. 

  • Both approaches are effective and beneficial, but the choice between intensive and regular couples therapy often comes down to your needs, goals, and preferred pace. Intensives are ideal for those seeking more immediate results, as they offer concentrated time and focused support, helping couples address issues in a structured and immersive environment. If you value accelerated progress or have limited availability for ongoing sessions, intensives can be an excellent option. On the other hand, weekly or bi-weekly therapy allows for gradual change and ongoing support, which may suit couples who wish to integrate insights at a steadier pace.

  • Group therapy provides a unique and powerful space for healing and growth. It allows you to connect with others who may be navigating similar struggles offering both support and perspective. 

FAQ