Are Extended Couples Therapy Sessions Right for You? | 6 Questions to Help
Extended couples therapy sessions can be a powerful tool for creating meaningful change in your relationship, but how do you know if they’re the right fit for you? These longer sessions, ranging from two hours to full-day intensives, aren’t for everyone. They’re designed for couples who want to go beyond surface-level fixes and dig deep into the dynamics that shape their relationship.
Here are some key questions to help you decide if extended sessions could be the solution your relationship needs:
1. Are you stuck in recurring patterns or conflicts?
Do you find yourselves having the same arguments over and over?
Have past attempts to resolve issues felt like they’ve only scratched the surface?
Extended sessions can give you the time and space to break out of these cycles and address the deeper issues at play.
2. Are you in a high-stakes moment in your relationship?
Are you recovering from a breach of trust, such as infidelity or dishonesty?
Are you deciding whether to stay together or separate?
If your relationship feels like it’s at a crossroads, longer sessions can provide clarity and direction.
3. Do you have a hard time making progress in traditional therapy?
Have you tried weekly sessions but felt like you were just rehashing the same issues?
Do you feel like there’s never enough time to get to the root of the problem?
Extended sessions allow for deeper exploration and more focused work, without the time pressure of traditional formats.
4. Are you ready to commit to intensive work?
Are you both willing to show up fully and engage in the process?
Do you feel ready to tackle the tough conversations that might come up?
Extended sessions require emotional energy and focus, but they can also lead to transformative breakthroughs.
5. Are external factors putting extra strain on your relationship?
Are work stress, parenting challenges, or life transitions making it hard to connect?
Extended sessions can help you carve out dedicated time to prioritize your relationship and rebuild connection.
6. Do you want to move beyond therapy as a crutch?
Are you looking to gain tools and skills to manage conflict on your own?
Do you want to avoid the “fight of the week” dynamic where therapy becomes a referee session?
Extended sessions can help you build the independence and resilience your relationship needs to thrive outside the therapy room.
How to Decide
If you’ve answered “yes” to several of these questions, extended couples therapy sessions might be the right next step. They’re particularly helpful for couples who are ready to dive deep, face the hard stuff, and work toward lasting change.
What to Expect
Time to Go Deep: Extended sessions allow for uninterrupted focus on the issues that matter most.
Tailored to You: Your therapist will customize the session to meet your unique needs and goals.
Real Progress: Many couples find they can accomplish weeks’ worth of work in just one extended session.
Ready to see if extended sessions are right for you? Let’s talk and figure out the best approach for your relationship.