Couples Intensives, Couples Retreats & Us
Many couples benefit from the traditional model of weekly 50‑minute sessions. For those who want to accelerate their progress, deepen their connection, or address long‑standing challenges more quickly, we also offer Couples Intensives, sometimes called Couples Marathons or Couples Retreats.
Couples Intensives are designed for partners who want to:
Build a strong foundation in a newer relationship
Prepare for commitment or marriage
Know your relationship needs help, but not sure what exactly
Explore new areas of growth together
Reconnect after periods of distance or disconnection
Repair and rebuild after ruptures, betrayals, or unresolved conflict
By condensing several couples therapy sessions into a focused, immersive experience, Couples Intensives allow you to jumpstart your journey or make meaningful progress in a shorter period of time. Many couples choose to participate in an Intensive alongside their ongoing weekly or bi-weekly couples therapy, while others transition into standard couples therapy afterward.
What’s New
Complimentary 15–30 Minute Consults
We offer brief, no‑cost consults to help you get a feel for your Therapist’s approach. These conversations provide a chance to meet, ask questions, and share a bit about your relationship so you can determine whether an Intensive is the right fit.
Flexible Intensive Length Options
Instead of a single fixed format, you can now choose from a range of options - from a minimum of 3.25 hours up to 2.25 days. This flexibility allows couples to select the level of depth and pace that best meets their needs.
More Scheduling Choices
For Intensives of 3.25 hours or longer, you will take your online assessment during the week and may schedule your couples intensives on either Saturday or Sunday.
For the 2.25‑day format, you can complete the experience in one weekend or spread it across two consecutive weekends (one full day each weekend).
What to Expect
Our work pulls from The Gottman Method, attachment‑based and systems theories, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and mindfulness practices. Each Intensive is tailored to the unique history, needs, and goals of the couple and relationship.
Comprehensive Assessment
Your Intensive begins with a thorough assessment, which includes:
Joint and individual sessions with your therapist
An online relationship assessment
Exploration of your relationship history, communication patterns, conflict style, intimacy, and hopes for the future
Understanding relevant individual and family‑of‑origin experiences
This phase helps us gain a full picture of your relationship so we can tailor the work effectively.
Feedback Session
We then meet for a collaborative feedback session where we review:
Your strengths as a couple
Areas that need attention or strengthening
How past experiences may be influencing your current dynamics
This session sets the stage for the deeper therapeutic work ahead.
The Heart of the Intensive
From there, we move into focused, experiential work designed to support healing, growth, and reconnection. Depending on your needs, this may include:
Strengthening communication and emotional attunement
Rebuilding friendship, intimacy, and trust
Navigating conflict more effectively
Healing past wounds and ruptures
Developing skills for self‑ and co‑regulation
Understanding the building blocks of long‑term relational well‑being
Each exercise and conversation is guided with care, intention, and respect for your unique story.
Our Approach
We believe it is an honor and gift to walk alongside couples and relationships as they cultivate a more meaningful, authentic, and intimate relationship. Whether you’re seeking repair, renewal, or a deeper sense of partnership, Couples Intensives offer a powerful space for transformation.
Please note insurance companies do not pay for Couples Intensives and therefore, you are paying out-of-pocket for this service. Depending on your insurance, they may cover up to 1 hour of couples therapy session per day.
Contact us to learn more about tailored Couples Intensives by calling us at 312.725.3093 or emailing our Intake Coordinator at info@concentricchicago.com.
Learn more about standard Couples Therapy with Concentric.