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Wild Flowers

Couples Counseling Intensives

Stronghouse Counseling

Couples Intensives in Richfield OH

Couples intensives typically occur once per month in a weekend format and are available to both in-state and out-of-state residents. They are designed for couples who are unable to attend traditional weekly therapy, who find travel worthwhile for specialized services, and who recognize the value of accelerated growth and change in an intensive setting.
 

Stronghouse Counseling offers couples intensives (also known as marathon therapy) in 2-day or 3-day formats, tailored to your specific needs and goals. Single-day or extended-hour intensives can be arranged on a case-by-case basis outside the regular monthly schedule.

The process

  1. Free Initial Consultation The process begins with a complimentary 15–30-minute phone or video consultation to determine whether we are a good fit and to discuss whether an intensive is right for you.
     

  2. Intake & Preparation If we agree to move forward, you will receive access to our secure Stronghouse portal to complete intake paperwork. Once paperwork is submitted and a date is secured, you will receive a link to complete the online Gottman Relationship Check-Up assessment. Your therapist will review and interpret the results before your intensive begins.
     

  3. Deposit & Cancellation Policy A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required to reserve your intensive date. Cancellations must be made at least 2 weeks prior to the scheduled start date.

What to expect

Day 1 (Friday evening, 5:00–8:00 p.m.) – Assessment
 

  • Building the therapeutic relationship

  • Clarifying your goals and reasons for seeking treatment

  • Oral relationship history interview

  • Observation of conflict discussion

  • Individual meetings with each partner

  • Review of the Gottman Relationship Check-Up results and Stronghouse assessment
     

Day 2 (Saturday, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.) – Treatment 

The first 30–45 minutes are devoted to case conceptualization and formalizing your customized treatment plan. The remainder of the day consists of Gottman-based exercises and therapeutic interventions focused on:

  • Rebuilding (or strengthening) friendship and intimacy

  • Improving communication

  • Managing conflict constructively

  • Healing past injuries

  • Creating shared meaning and a positive perspective
     

We break for lunch (12:00–1:00 p.m.) and end by 4:00 p.m. so you can relax and enjoy the peace, dining, and activities that Richfield and the surrounding area offer.

Day 3 (Sunday, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., with optional extension) – Integration & Skill Practice We review progress, address any remaining themes, deepen newly learned skills, and practice them in real time. You will leave with a clear aftercare plan for continued growth.
 

Note: 1-day and 2-day intensives follow a condensed version of the same process.

Aftercare

Couples traveling from within Ohio may continue with us online or in extended formats, or we can help connect you with a local therapist. Out-of-state couples are encouraged to continue with a qualified local Gottman-trained therapist; we are happy to consult with your ongoing therapist (with a signed release of information) to ensure continuity of care.

 

Stronghouse therapists provide a warm, emotionally safe, non-judgmental space filled with encouragement and grace. You are worth investing in—let us help you build your Stronghouse together.

Costs

  • Initial Assessment (Friday 5:00–8:00 p.m.) Includes Stronghouse intake, Gottman Relationship Check-Up interpretation, case conceptualization, and treatment planning → $540
     

  • 2-Day Intensive Assessment + full Saturday session (9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.) → $1,660 total
     

  • 3-Day Intensive Assessment + Saturday session + Sunday morning (9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.) → $2,140 total (Any additional time needed on Sunday is prorated at the regular hourly couple rate.)

Our couples intensives are primarily facilitated using the Gottman Method Couples Therapy model. This approach provides the time and focused attention needed to address longstanding relationship issues, heal past hurts, build effective communication skills, and deepen friendship and intimacy—all in a condensed timeframe. What we often accomplish in 2–3 days can take 6–18 months (or longer) in traditional weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly therapy.

 

Because of the intensive format, we are able to move through challenging relationship themes relatively quickly. This can lead to liberating, hope-filled breakthroughs; however, it can also surface uncomfortable emotions such as anger, sadness, guilt, shame, grief, anxiety, or loneliness. We intentionally highlight and build on the positives in your relationship while also (when necessary) addressing painful memories and historic wounds that may be blocking deeper connection.

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