Marathon Couples Therapy
Why should I go for Marathon Couples Therapy (MCT)?
The traditional format of couple therapy works for many couples.
For some couples however, the once-a-week format may feel long-drawn or prove to be less effective, especially if your clinician is not able to schedule regular follow-up sessions at close intervals. Under some circumstances, the length of time that would have elapsed between therapy sessions may even prove to be counterproductive.
This may be especially true for those who are in a complex and acrimonious relationship, or where deep-seated issues between the couple or unhelpful engagement patterns hinder open and effective communication
Marathon Couples Therapy would be very useful under these circumstances.
What is Marathon Couples Therapy?
At Annabelle Psychology, we use the Gottman Method Couples Marathon Therapy.
The Gottman Method Marathon Couples Therapy is a specialised form of couples therapy designed to help couples who are facing significant relationship challenges.
It is an intensive, multi-day therapy program that is designed to help couples improve their communication, deepen their connection, and resolve longstanding conflicts. The program typically takes place over two or three days, and involves working closely with a Gottman trained therapist.
Is the Gottman Method Marathon Couples Therapy effective?
The Gottman Method is an evidence-based, structured couple therapy approach. Marathom Couples Therapy condenses months of regular couple therapy into days or weeks.
How does Couple Intensive Therapy Help?
The aim of the Intensive / Marathon Couple Therapy sessions is to help couples dialogue about gridlocked issues, learn to listen and express individual needs without triggering their partner, if necessary repair old hurts that have been buried and learn to be more connected with each other.
Marathon Couples Therapy involves a range of activities, including one-on-one therapy, joint therapy sessions, and group exercises. The goal of the different sessions is to help couples develop the tools they need to build a stronger, more resilient relationship.
One of the key components of Gottman Couple Marathon Therapy is the use of structured exercises and assessments to help couples identify areas of strength and weakness in their relationship. These exercises include the Gottman Relationship Checkup, which is a comprehensive assessment that helps couples understand their relationship strengths and challenges.
Another important aspect of the therapy is the focus on positive interactions and building emotional connections. This is accomplished through exercises like the Love Map exercise, which helps couples deepen their understanding of each other, and the Rituals of Connection exercise, which helps couples create meaningful, shared experiences.
The clinician will customise psychological interventions based on the couple’s unique make-up and challenges and select from a wide range of evidence-based theraputic modalities. The clinician will then guide the couple through these interventions and target their areas of concern in a safe and non‐judgmental manner, with respect and dignity. Couples are assured a safe space that will be created for both partners, and that the therapist will treat the couple as an entity without assigning blame or taking sides.
So how does Marathon Couples Therapy work?
In summary:
Ψ Intensive therapy over 2 or 3 days, 6 hours/day (9am-12pm & 1-4pm, with one-hour break for lunch)
Ψ Evidence-based approach, through longitudinal research conducted by John Gottman, by observing 3,000+ couples across 4 decades
Ψ Structured couple therapy, comprising assessment (i.e., intake with the couple – both face-to-face and via online battery of questionnaires), feedback, and intensive evidence-based intervention
Prior to the first day, each partner is required to complete an online battery of questionnaires to allow your clinician to better understand your situation. This online battery will take approximately 2 hours to complete. On the first day, an initial assessment will be administered through clinicial interviews with both partners and individually. A feedback session will then follow to help individualise the management plan according to the couple’s needs. Your clinician will then immerse the couple in an intensive series of back-to-back therapy sessions.
After the sessions, the couple needs to consistently apply the skills and strategies they have learned. Couples who need more support, usually continue with fortnightly follow-up appointments until they feel confident that they can sustain the new changes they have made to their relationship.
Research indicate that to prevent relapse, monthly sessions for a few months, followed by sessions every three to six months are helpful.
Should I choose traditional or Marathon Couples Therapy?
The two‐day MCT is a popular option and is recommended for:
Ψ couples without access to regular or intensive therapy;
Ψ couples who have found regular therapy formats to be unhelpful or counterproductive
Ψ one or both partners who struggle with addiction issues within the relationship
Ψ couples who would like to process an affair
Ψ couples who need to discuss a major concern or event
Ψ couples who are unable to attend typical therapy formats due to travelling, long working hours, or interfering travelling schedules or
Ψ couples who would benefit from intensive help
Who conducts Marathon Couples Therapy?
Couple’s Intensive Therapy is conducted by Wendy, Ling Ling, and Dr Annabelle Chow. Our Gottman practitioners are constantly fine-tuning their therapeutic techniques to address complex issues faced by couples in today’s challenging society.
If this sounds right for you and you would like to undergo Marathon Couples Therapy with your partner, call us in advance to make an arrangement. Your practitioner will need to block out entire and consecutive days for MCT.