The Couples Intensive is a structured, multi-day clinical intervention, not a retreat, not a workshop, and not an extended version of weekly couples counseling. It is designed to address the cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and intimacy patterns that maintain chronic relational dysfunction. The immersive format creates therapeutic continuity and momentum that weekly therapy cannot replicate. Rather than working in isolated 50-minute sessions separated by days of unresolved conflict, couples work intensively across consecutive days with two doctoral-level psychologists simultaneously present throughout the process.
The two-on-two format, two board-certified doctoral psychologists working with one couple simultaneously, is exceptionally rare in couples treatment. It allows for a depth and complexity of clinical observation and intervention that a single therapist cannot provide. Each partner's patterns, defenses, and relational dynamics are attended to in real time, by clinicians trained to work in coordination. The result is a level of clinical precision and relational attunement that significantly accelerates the treatment process.
The Couples Intensive is designed for couples experiencing chronic conflict that has not resolved through prior therapy, emotional disconnection or long-standing resentment, sexual or intimacy difficulties including desire discrepancy or erotic disconnection, infidelity, whether recent or historical, and its relational aftermath, communication patterns characterized by escalation, withdrawal, or contempt, and relationship deterioration following major life transitions. The program is not appropriate for all couples. An intake consultation is conducted prior to acceptance to assess clinical fit.
The intake consultation is the appropriate first step. During that conversation, the clinical presentation, history, and goals of both partners are assessed. If the intensive format is not the right fit, whether due to the nature of the presenting concerns, individual clinical needs, or other factors, that will be communicated directly, along with recommendations for more appropriate treatment. The program is selective by design.
The Couples Intensive includes a comprehensive pre-intensive clinical assessment and intake, multiple structured couples sessions per day, individual sessions as clinically indicated, cognitive restructuring and belief work, emotional regulation and processing interventions, intimacy-focused and sexuality-informed treatment components, behavioral restructuring and communication work, individualized homework and practice assignments, and a post-intensive follow-up plan developed prior to departure.
The program takes place over two to three consecutive days at Mallory Creek in Chemung, NY. The exact duration is determined during the intake process based on the clinical presentation and treatment goals of each couple.
The theoretical foundation of the Couples Intensive integrates Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, developed by Albert Ellis, with whom both Dr. Mike and Dr. Lidia trained directly for more than fifteen years, cognitive-behavioral principles addressing maladaptive beliefs and emotional regulation, evolutionary psychology perspectives on attraction, desire, and attachment, and specialized sex and intimacy therapy frameworks. Relationships are maintained not simply by what couples do, but by what they believe. The Couples Intensive works at the level of those beliefs, and at the level of the emotional and behavioral patterns they generate.
Yes. A significant proportion of couples who enter intensive treatment are experiencing some form of intimacy or sexual difficulty. Both Dr. Mike and Dr. Lidia bring specialized training in sex and couples therapy developed directly through their work with Albert Ellis, who was himself a pioneering figure in the clinical treatment of sexual and relational problems. Intimacy and sexuality are treated as clinical priorities within a non-pathologizing, cognitively sophisticated, and empirically grounded framework.
A structured follow-up plan is developed for each couple prior to departure. This includes follow-up consultation sessions available remotely or in person, maintenance planning and relapse prevention, referral coordination with local clinicians if ongoing weekly treatment is indicated, and booster sessions available as needed.
Yes. The same confidentiality standards that govern all licensed psychological treatment apply to the Couples Intensive. Details of the program's location, structure, and clinical content remain private. Couples are not required to disclose their participation to anyone.
discuss the clinical presentation, assess program fit, and answer any additional questions.Initial inquiries can be submitted through the Contact page. A consultation will be scheduled to
When you are ready to take the next step, submit an inquiry through the Contact page. A consultation will be scheduled to discuss your situation, assess whether the Couples Intensive is the right program for you, and answer any additional questions. The program is selective by design and the intake consultation is the appropriate first step for all prospective couples.
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