What is Intensive Couples Therapy Weekend (ICTW)
This is an intensive 3-day weekend couples bootcamp that help couples navigate crisis in their relationship and to build skills to better make informed decision on next steps, from their wise mind rather than from a place of emotion. ICTW help couples feel unstuck, develop skills to be better prepared to navigate future challenges should they arise, to feel more connected and live better. The goal of the weekend is not to fix all your issues. It is more like a relationship emergency service.
This is an intensive 3-day weekend couples bootcamp that help couples navigate crisis in their relationship and to build skills to better make informed decision from their wise mind rather than from a place of emotion about next steps. ICTW helps couples feel unstuck, develop skills to be better prepared to navigate future challenges should they arise, to feel more connected and live better. The goal for the weekend is not to fix all your issues.
You may be wondering, why Intensive Couple Therapy Weekend (ICTW): Here are some reasons why you may want to attend an ICTW with your partner:
- You feel like your relationship has reached a point of no return, but would like to fight for your relationship because you still love your partner, but have no clue what to do or where to start
- Your relationship is in crisis or maybe you are beginning to consider separation or divorce but would like to explore possibilities of salvaging the relationship).
- You and your partner cannot attend regularly traditional weekly couple therapy because of work or time constraint.
- You and your partner are currently in therapy, but you would like to speed things up because of time constraint or severity of the problem
- You had couple therapy in the past but feeling stuck and would like a booster shot and speed up your recovery.
- Your relationship may be doing ok but you would like to invest in your relationship to increase your connection and reignite the passion and intimacy.
Therapeutic approach used in Chapters ICTW
Our approach is integrative using the best evidence-based models around, such as EFT, Gottman Methods of Couples Counselling, and Family systems.
Emphasis would be on an integration of Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) and Gottman Methods of Couple Therapy. If you and your partner are stuck in your relationship and are in need of an effective couple therapy, EFT is one of the best and most effective model around. EFT is an evidenced based model created by Dr. Sue Johnson with an 70% success rate for couple therapy.
Gottman Methods of Couples Therapy
Dr. Gottman began working with his wife, clinical psychologist Dr. Julie Schwartz Gottman, developing the Sound Relationship House (SRH) theory and interventions based on John’s research. Dr John Gottman and Dr, Julie Schwartz Gottman has revolutionized the study of marriage. For nearly five decades they have conducted research on all facets of relationships. The Gottman Method is an approach to couples therapy that includes a thorough assessment of the couple’s relationship and integrates research-based interventions based on the Sound Relationship House Theory. Interventions are designed to help couples strengthen their relationships in three primary areas: friendship, conflict management, and creation of shared meaning.
Family Systems Theory
Looks at the couple as a sub system that is part of a bigger system. An understanding that a change in one system would lead to change on the whole system.
Our Couples therapists are trained in EFT , Gottman Methods and Family systems.
ICTW is a supplement to regular couple therapy:
ICTW does not replace your regular meeting with a couple therapist. It takes time and corrective emotional experience to rebuild a relationship. The goal of ICTW is to help you and your partner to make better connection. Ideally you would want to engage in couple therapy on a regular basis (e.g. weekly or bi-weekly), for lasting results
ICTW is offered only once a month. It is important to make your booking in advance to guarantee a spot.
Format of ICTW: ICTW consists of a 3-day weekend: 3-4 hours on Friday, 5 hours on Saturday, and 5 hours on Sunday. For in person clients, there will be short breaks and refreshment during the sessions. There are also 2 hours of Zoom meetings– one before the weekend and one after. (checkin)
OUT OF TOWN CLIENTS
For clients coming from out of town, no need to worry. Our office is located on the 5th floor of the HSBC tower, opposite Hilton Hotel in Markham, Ontario. There are other beautiful hotels close to our office location, so you will have ample lodging arrangements to choose from to fit your budget.
Please note that Chapters does not make hotel arrangement. Ensure you make your personal lodging arrangement in advance,
Process of ICTW:
Before the actual weekend meeting there will be 2 screening process:
- The first screening process is free. The couple would be required to complete a short questionnaire to be to determine whether you and your partner will benefit from ICTW. There is no charge for the first screening process. Once we determine it is a good fit, we will begin the second screening process.
- The second screening process is much more of an elaborate process to get to know you before we even meet. There is a charge for the second screening process. This comprises of at least 8 questionnaires about your background, relationship, attachment history, attachment style, relationship status, etc. The screening questions need to be filled out by each of you separately – this will help me focus on the right things when you come to therapy – making our time more productive. It may take up to 1.5 hr to complete the questionnaires. These questionnaires need to be completed 1 week before the scheduled weekend. It takes about 10 hours for the couple therapist to analyze the data and manage administrative issues before your arrival for the weekend. If you don’t complete the questionnaires, it will hinder our work during the weekend.
Please make sure you and your partner can commit to the whole process – it is a big investment for the three of us.
Therapy Fee: Therapy fee may differ depending on the therapist. More information about fees and mode of payments will be communicated upon receiving your initial booking for the weekend therapy.
Intensive Couple Therapy Weekend is a huge investment, no doubt, but Divorce and separation are much more costly, not just financially but emotionally. ICTW is well worth the time, money, and effort!!!
Free 15 minute consultation
ICTW is Offered by Chris & Christie
3601 Hwy 7 East, Suite 504, Markham. ON. L3R 0M3.