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COUPLES INTENSIVE
THERAPY

Is your relationship in crisis or in need of repair? Are you feeling overwhelmed or like problems just cycle without getting anywhere? Are your schedules demanding? 

If so, Couples Intensive Therapy may be a good fit for you.
Couple on the couch, woman not very happy

HEAL YOUR RELATIONSHIP, FASTER

Research supports that Intensive Couples Therapy, often referred to as Marathon Therapy due to the amount of time reserved, has better therapeutic outcomes than standard weekly counselling sessions. Intensive Therapy is short-term and provides a condensed and highly-focused approach that can help couples move quickly through specific issues and learn new skills in a short period of time.  

Some couples can feel that the standard session time is just too short and is not enough time to get traction, which can feel frustrating and like progress is being made at a snail’s pace. Couples Intensives allow the couple to carve-out a block of time with the therapist to dig deep intentionally and learn new skills that can support relational movement and progress. 

At STIR Psychology, Couples Intensives are private appointments where no other couples are present. This style of couples counselling is a time just for you and your partner. The program begins with an online Gottman Relationship Check-Up assessment and two individual check-ins, followed by a block of couples counselling (over two consecutive days). This grants the time needed for the in-depth work of uncovering the root of issues and patterns, addressing relationship trauma, setting goals where change is desired, and learning research-based interventions to make lasting improvements.

 

After the initial time is completed in the Intensive program, partial day Intensive sessions are staggered as-needed for ongoing support, accountability, and treatment planning. STIR Psychology also provides resources for continued independent work to practice new ways of communicating, connecting, and deepening empathy and understanding. Learn more here:  The Benefits Of Intensive Couples Therapy.

Couple learning together on a laptop

IS A COUPLES INTENSIVE FOR YOU?

YOU'RE IN CRISIS MODE

You have specific issues you need to address that may be affecting your day-to-day.

TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCE

You're experiencing trauma in their relationship, such as dealing with the aftermath of an affair. 

YOU'RE SEEKING RECOVERY

You're seeking recovery and reconciliation through couples therapy.

YOU'RE FEELING STUCK

You seem to cycle through the same problem without making any progress.

CONFLICT RESOLUTION

You're seeking to enhance your communication and conflict management skills.

YOU HAVE TRAVEL BARRIERS

You live far away and would prefer therapy in a condensed period of time, rather than travelling weekly.

WORK OBLIGATIONS

You require special scheduling needs for work or life obligations.

WANT TO STAY CONNECTED

You have a solid foundation and want to continue to be intentional about building the relationship of your dreams. 

Couple Holding Hands

TESTIMONIALS

The intensive therapy is a fantastic way to attempt to repair a damaged relationship. To honestly air out everything in the 10-12 hours opposed to seeing someone on a week to week or month to month basis was very helpful in our healing. Not only did it help our healing; I discovered more about myself and began a journey of self discovery and healing for myself facing my own trauma and challenges. I Highly recommend this type of relationship therapy not only for broken trust but also if your relationship is just not functioning as well as you would want it. Your partner can’t read your mind and you can’t read theirs.

Couple Holding Hands

TESTIMONIALS

I was extremely worried that doing 10 hours was going to be too much for me to handle. But Paula structured it and delivered the program in a way that was comfortable and made the time seem like nothing at all. Being able to sit and really get into things helped my partner and I be able to start healing and working together quickly.

Couple Holding Hands

TESTIMONIALS

We are so very fortunate to have found Paula. After finding out about my husband’s infidelity, we both wanted to find someone who was well equipped in this specific area that could help us navigate through the rough road ahead. Paula has a way about her that made our first counselling experience comfortable and natural. We both appreciated the Intensive Therapy option, as we were able to dive right into the thick of things and discuss all the complexities without multiple appointments. Paula is genuinely passionate about her work in couples therapy and helping her clients find what success looks like for them. We 110% recommend Paula to anybody who is looking for a phenomenal Couples Counsellor.

Couple Holding Hands

TESTIMONIALS

Our experience with Paula through the session was more than we could have hoped for. My wife and I were both very anxious going into the session. Throughout the session we were guided and maintained through our shared and individual experiences, and given supported space to express ourselves and work on better understanding each other, given opportunities for open dialogue and checked on toxic traits that needed work. We gained so much for our relationship tool chest to help repair and maintain our relationship.

Couple Holding Hands

TESTIMONIALS

Paula did a wonderful job leading and coaching the intensive for us. She is quick to politely re-direct when needed and coaches with respect and knowledge. We are so happy to have found her and the Gottman intensive method and have a lot more hope and peace coming out of the weekend for the future of our relationship.

Couple Holding Hands

TESTIMONIALS

I am forever grateful that Stir Psychology Intensive Therapy sessions were the first thing that popped up on my Google search when my marriage was in crisis due to infidelity. Being able to cover so much ground in two days versus having 1 hour marriage counselling sessions where you have to end the session just as you start making any headway was so productive and healing. During our intensive 10 hour program not only did we deal with the affair but other perpetual issues within our marriage and it provided a well rounded holistic springboard for my spouse and I to work off of. The tools we learnt and continue to use are invaluable. We still meet with Paula on average once a month and continue to grow and heal together. I believe successful affair recovery (or any pesky marital road block) is immensely increased through Intensive Therapy and I highly recommend it.

Couple Holding Hands

TESTIMONIALS

Paula literally saved our marriage. We were emotionally and physically drained and unable to communicate effectively. We saw each other in such negative light that we could not connect and express empathy. We were against each other. One weekend with Paula turned that all around. We are now on the same team and can see the person we fell in love with. We have a solid foundation for connection, friendship, trust, respect and admiration. We both cannot say enough good things about this session.

Paula Gurnett - looking out window and smiling, laughing

Paula Gurnett has completed Gottman Level 3 training, Gottman Couples and Addiction Recovery, and Gottman Treating Affairs and Trauma. She is passionate about her work with couples and believes that all individuals have the right to design a life they love, including a happy and healthy relationship. 


Paula admires the determination that couples hold, and those who have the courage to do the work it takes to be intentional about their relationship, family, and environment. She is committed to meeting each couple where they are at, as she promotes the seeking of understanding and holds a space founded on respect.

The Couples Intensive program may move you more quickly and intensely into the areas of difficulty. Therefore you may experience uncomfortable feelings like sadness, guilt, anxiety, anger, loneliness, and helplessness. Your couples therapy may also involve recalling unpleasant aspects of your history together and/or individually. 

 

As with couples therapy in general, there are limitations, and Couples Intensives may be unadvisable in the following situations:

  1. If there is active alcohol and/or drug addiction by one or both, from either partner’s perspective

  2. If there is current domestic violence in your relationship, threats by one or both partners that serious violence might occur, or fear of such violence on the part of one or both partners

  3. If either partner currently has an unmanaged major mental illness (schizophrenia, recurrent psychotic depression, or bipolar/manic-depressive illness.) This does not include past, successfully treated psychotic episodes (e.g. post-partum depression with psychosis).

  4. If there is an undisclosed, current affair that you are not willing to disclose 

Cozy Basket Arrangement

WHAT TO EXPECT

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Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.

- Rumi

INVESTMENT

10 Hour Intensive

  • includes online Gottman assessment

  • two, 30-minute individual check-ins

  • feedback and goal setting

  • 9 hours of relationship counselling

  • a take-home package of tools and supplementary support materials

  • a 50% deposit is due upon scheduling and the remainder is due 2 weeks prior to the booking

 $2800

  • includes online Gottman assessment

  • two, 30-minute individual check-ins

  • feedback and goal setting

  • 11 hours of relationship counselling

  • a take-home package of tools and supplementary support materials

  • a 50% deposit is due upon scheduling and the remainder is due 2 weeks prior to the booking

$3360

12 Hour Intensive

14 Hour Intensive

  • includes online Gottman assessment

  • two, 30-minute individual check-ins

  • feedback and goal setting

  • 13 hours of relationship counselling

  • a take-home package of tools and supplementary support materials

  • a 50% deposit is due upon scheduling and the remainder is due 2 weeks prior to the booking

$3920

*Cancellations can be made up to 30 days before your scheduled appointment with a $300 cancellation fee. 50% is non-refundable within 30 days; the full amount is non-refundable within 14 days. Your session can be rescheduled one time. However, the new date must be within three months of your original date. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​See our Cancellation Policy at checkout.

CONTACT US TO
BOOK AN INTENSIVE

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Tell us a little bit about yourself and what type of Therapy Intensive you're looking for (couples/personal) or to inquire about consultation for therapists. We'll get back to you to discuss options.

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