What Is a Couples Intensive?

A couples intensive is an extended therapy session designed to help couples make more progress in hours rather than spreading the work across months of weekly sessions.

Instead of stopping right when important conversations begin, intensives allow us to:

work through communication barriers in real time

identify patterns that keep couples stuck

improve emotional awareness and communication

strengthen intimacy and emotional connection

rebuild trust and safety

create practical next steps for moving forward together

Many couples describe intensives as feeling more productive, focused, and emotionally impactful than traditional therapy sessions.

Who Are Couples Intensives For?

Couples intensives may be a good fit if:

communication frequently turns into conflict or shutdown

you feel emotionally disconnected from one another

trust has been damaged

resentment has built over time

intimacy challenges are impacting the relationship

you struggle to resolve issues between sessions

stress, anxiety, or burnout are affecting the relationship

your schedules make consistent weekly therapy difficult

you want deeper and faster progress than weekly sessions provide

I frequently work with high-functioning professionals and couples navigating relationship stress, communication difficulties, anxiety, emotional disconnection, and intimacy concerns.

Intensive Options

Half-Day Couples Intensive

3 Hours — $1,500

A focused option for couples wanting dedicated time to address communication issues, conflict patterns, emotional disconnection, or intimacy challenges in a structured and supportive format.

This option is ideal for:

recurring communication difficulties

rebuilding emotional connection

improving intimacy and vulnerability

navigating life stressors together

couples wanting momentum beyond weekly therapy

Full-Day Couples Intensive

6 Hours — $3,000

A deeper immersive experience designed for couples needing more time and support to work through longstanding relationship patterns or high-conflict dynamics.

The full-day intensive allows us to:

slow conversations down

identify deeper emotional patterns

improve communication in real time

process difficult topics without feeling rushed

strengthen emotional safety and connection

develop a clearer path forward together

Full-day intensives include structured breaks throughout the day.

What to Expect

Before the intensive, both partners will complete intake paperwork and pre-intensive questionnaires to help guide the process and identify areas of focus.

During the intensive, we will focus on:

understanding relationship dynamics

identifying recurring emotional and communication patterns

emotional awareness and regulation

intimacy and emotional connection

conflict resolution strategies

rebuilding trust and vulnerability

creating actionable next steps

The environment is collaborative, supportive, and structured — not about assigning blame or choosing sides.

My Therapeutic Approach

My approach is integrative, relational, psychodynamic, and collaborative. I help couples better understand not only the conflicts happening on the surface, but also the deeper emotional patterns underneath them.

Together, we explore:

communication dynamics

attachment wounds

emotional triggers

unmet emotional needs

recurring relationship patterns

vulnerability and emotional safety

the impact of stress, anxiety, burnout, or past experiences on the relationship

I combine psychodynamic therapy with evidence-based interventions to help couples gain insight, improve communication, strengthen emotional connection, and create healthier ways of relating to one another.

My work also incorporates:

DBT-informed interventions

attachment-focused work

nervous system regulation

communication and boundary work

emotionally focused relationship interventions

The goal is not simply to “stop arguing,” but to help couples better understand themselves and each other in a deeper, more meaningful way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do we need to already be in couples therapy?

No. Couples can participate in an intensive whether or not they are currently in therapy.

Can we continue therapy afterward?

Yes. Some couples continue with weekly or biweekly therapy after the intensive, while others use the intensive as a standalone experience.

Are intensives appropriate for every couple?

Not always. Intensives may not be appropriate in situations involving active domestic violence, ongoing affairs without transparency, severe untreated substance abuse, or circumstances where one partner is unwilling to participate meaningfully.

Are sessions virtual or in person?

Currently, intensives are offered virtually for clients located in states where I am licensed.

What states are you licensed in?

New York, Florida, Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina.

Choosing to invest in your relationship can feel overwhelming, but many couples find that dedicated focused time creates momentum that weekly therapy alone has not provided.

I offer a free 15-minute consultation to discuss whether a couples intensive may be a good fit for your relationship needs.

Contact Information

Shaynel Roberts, LCSW

shaynelroberts.com

Phone: (718) 912-7715

Email: info@robertsintegrativetherapy.com

Licensed In:

New York • Florida • Virginia • West Virginia • North Carolina