A focused deep-dive
for couples ready
to break through — faster.
Weekly therapy is powerful. But sometimes you need more than 50 minutes a week. A couples intensive gives you dedicated, immersive time to do the kind of work that transforms a relationship. I offer couples intensives in-person in Sebastopol and San Rafael, California.
WHAT TO EXPECT
More time.
More depth.
Real breakthrough
A couples intensive is an extended therapy experience — typically 12 hours of therapy in two days — designed to help you make meaningful progress that might otherwise take months of weekly sessions.
My couples intensives run as a full-day experience, with two 50 minute follow up sessions. We begin with an individual check-in with each partner, move into joint session work, and close with a shared integration and action plan. You'll leave with a clear picture of your patterns, new communication tools, and a roadmap for what comes next — whether that's continued weekly therapy or simply a stronger foundation to build on.
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Extended, uninterrupted time
Full-day formats give you the space to go beyond surface-level conversations and into what's actually driving the patterns.
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Focused on your specific dynamic
Every intensive is tailored. We identify what's keeping you stuck and work directly on that - no generic curriculum.
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Evidence-based approaches
Drawing from PACT, Gottman, RLT, and EFT - the most effective couples therapy modalities available - woven together for your needs.
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Available in-person & via telehealth
Meet in Erma's Sebastopol or San Rafael, CA office or online - serving all of California via telehealth
FORMATS & INVESTMENT
Format & schedule
Intensives include a pre-session intake consultation, breaks for lunch, and follow-up sessions.
IS THIS RIGHT FOR US?
An intensive might be
exactly what you need if…
Intensives aren't for everyone — but for the right couple who are ready for change, they're transformative. Here's how to know if it's a fit.
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You've been stuck in the same cycle for a long time and want to move faster than weekly sessions allow
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You're facing a major transition — a move, a new baby, a career shift — and want to get aligned before it gets harder
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You're both motivated and willing to do real work — not looking for a quick fix, but ready to go deep
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Scheduling weekly sessions is difficult due to travel, work, or logistics — and you want to make the most of dedicated time
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You feel more like roommates and have lost the connection. It works - but you don't feel close.
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Infidelity or betrayal. You want the relationship to work, but need to build back trust and safety.
Intensives are not recommended for:
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Safety concerns or verbally & physically abusive behavior. Couples in active crisis.
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Partners not willing to take responsibility for their impact on the relationship
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One partner has decided to leave and is not willing to work on the relationship
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Active and/or unaddressed mental illness or addiction that overshadows the relationship
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