A clear path forward
Getting started
The process begins with an enquiry, followed by a short initial consultation. We use this conversation to understand what has brought you to us, assess whether we can help and clarify what you would like to achieve through an intensive. We can also discuss the different formats and help you consider which may be most appropriate for your needs, circumstances and the time you have available.
The consultation gives you an opportunity to ask questions, decide whether the approach feels right for you and discuss the possible next steps. There is no obligation to continue afterwards.
If you decide to proceed, you will each complete a detailed questionnaire about your relationship history, the difficulties you are facing, any previous therapy and what you hope to achieve through the intensive. Completing this separately gives each partner the opportunity to describe their experience in their own words and helps us prepare for the work in advance.
During the intensive
At the beginning of the intensive, we help you clarify and structure your goals so that the time is focused on what matters most to both of you. We then explore in greater depth the issues that have brought you to us, making space for each partner’s perspective and helping you understand what is happening between you more clearly.
This may involve identifying cycles of conflict, withdrawal or disconnection, exploring the relational wounds beneath them and looking honestly at what each partner contributes to the dynamic, without reducing the difficulty to blame. As the work develops, we help you move beyond assumptions about each other towards a fuller understanding of what each of you is experiencing, needing and trying to communicate.
Our extensive experience working with couples allows us to recognise the patterns beneath the immediate problem, respond to what emerges and know when the work needs to deepen or change direction. The intensive is structured around your particular relationship rather than a fixed programme, and we use the time to help you move from understanding the difficulty towards identifying practical ways to address it.
Our goal is for you to leave with a clear understanding of what is happening between you, the dynamic that has kept you stuck and what you need to do next.
After the intensive
At the end of the intensive, we revisit the goals you set at the beginning and consider directly whether, and in what ways, the work has addressed them. We also identify any new issues or goals that have emerged and discuss what may still require attention.
Together, we set out clear next steps so that you understand what you are leaving with, what each of you needs to work on and how you can begin applying this to your relationship. Where further support would be useful, follow-up sessions are available to review your progress, consolidate what has changed and work through any difficulties that arise as you return to everyday life.
Where it takes place
Couples therapy intensives are available in person in London and Portugal, and online where appropriate. Subject to availability, we can also travel to work with you in other locations worldwide. Where travel is required, the cost of our travel and accommodation will be added to the intensive fee and agreed with you in advance.
We regularly work with international couples, including those based in Switzerland, Monaco and elsewhere in Europe, as well as couples travelling from further afield. We can help you consider the most suitable location and format around your circumstances and the time you have available.
When an intensive may not be suitable
An intensive requires both partners to participate voluntarily and to be willing to engage honestly with the work. It may not be appropriate where one partner feels pressured to attend, has already made a final decision about the relationship but is withholding it, or is attending only to persuade the other person to accept a particular outcome.
It may also be unsuitable where there is current domestic abuse, coercive control or fear of what may happen after difficult subjects are discussed. In these circumstances, working together may increase risk or prevent one partner from speaking freely. Immediate mental health crises, active addiction or other difficulties that require more specialised or individual support may also need to be addressed before couples work can begin.
Suitability is considered during the initial consultation. If we believe that an intensive would not be safe or helpful, we will explain our concerns and, where possible, suggest a more appropriate form of support.