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Couples Intensives

"I thrive on the energy and focus that goes into an intensive experience. I observe that couples are also in that same place, they know that they are investing a great deal in the experience and that investment and focus opens the door for changes not often seen in traditional therapy." - Carolyn Wenner 

What is an intensive?

Intensives are an accelerated form of therapy. The therapeutic work is “accelerated” because you are securing the focused work of therapy for extended sessions in a two – three day format. Instead of a week’s worth of time between sessions, as in traditional therapy, intensives include shorter breaks between therapeutic segments over the course of the day. This, in theory, allows for therapeutic gains to come quicker due to the shortened time between therapeutic experiences.

Why book an intensive?

There are many reasons a couple would find an intensive beneficial. Intensives are a practical way to access needed change in your relationship. Perhaps there is a lot of distress or the relationship is on the verge of ending and an intensive can help bring some stability or clarity on how to move the relationship forward when there isn’t the opportunity to dedicate months, or years, to traditional couples therapy.

Why book an intensive with Carolyn?

I have never been afraid of the intensity of couples counseling. I am invigorated and excited by it. Often, when meeting with a new couple for traditional therapy, I am told by them “I hope you’re ready for us, we’re a tough case” and I light up inside! I enjoy the challenge and delight in the successes we can create together. There are two reasons for this. I have always, since adolescence, been fascinated with relationships. This passion for safe, healthy connection hasn’t ever faded. Also, I trust the EFT model and its ability to move couples from distress to security in a real, lasting way. I’m just as passionate about EFT as I am about relationships.

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What’s the difference between an intensive and one of the workshops?

The workshops (Created for Connection or Hold Me Tight) are, what I would call, “light intensives.” They are intense because you are dedicating two full days, blocking out all other distractions, or parts of life, to focus on your relationship. They are “lighter” because you are doing that with other couples present in the workshop. Though the workshop benefits each couple, it is not tailored to each couple as with a therapeutic intensive.

 

Another important difference is that the workshops are psychoeducational in nature, rather than therapeutic. This means that the focus is mostly on teaching concepts, with some dedicated time to practice together with your partner. An intensive is extended therapy time, which is greater “practice” and less psychoeducation, or teaching.

What and who to consider when booking an intensive:

Though offering intensives has been a goal of mine for some time, it wasn’t until I

listened to the podcast linked here (YouTube video also provided) that the decision was solidified. The speakers address both therapists and couples and give important considerations. Namely, they describe the therapist as one that has the capacity to engage with people deeply for longer stretches of time, creating a safe connection with the couple. It might give you a better sense of what to expect and, also, what to ask yourself and the therapist before booking an intensive.

Ready to get more information about Couple Intensives? 

First, click the button below to fill out the Couples Intensive Request Form.

Second, schedule a free consultation call to see if we are a good fit.

Frequently Asked Questions:

+ What is the cost for a Couples Intensive?

$3000 for a 2 day intensive and $4500 for a 3 day. 

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+ How do I prepare for a Couples Intensive?

I suggest reading any of these books included below. They will introduce you to the EFT model, which we'll use in the intensive, and help familiarize you with the language and perspective you'll hear me take in our work together.

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Hold Me Tight by Dr. Sue Johnson, Created for Connection by Dr. Sue Johnson and Kenneth Sanderfer, Secure Love by Julie Menanno. 

You are safe here:

“I am committed to a non-judgmental experience. I look through a lens that honors what makes us human. We are relational beings, hard-wired to connect. What makes me different is where I want to be especially open, curious and never presume that I am the expert. I welcome all, including sexual orientation, age, race, disability, ethnicity/national origin, gender identity and religious/spiritual affiliation.”

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