Program Overview
The Couples Intensive is a focused, 4-hour session designed for highly-motivated couples seeking rapid, meaningful change in their relationship. Unlike traditional weekly couples therapy, which spreads progress over months, an intensive allows couples to dive deeply into Gottman-based strategies and complete concentrated relationship-building work in a single day.
This format is especially helpful for couples experiencing acute distress, feeling stuck in recurring patterns, or wanting accelerated progress.
Why Choose an Intensive Program?
01
Faster, More Focused Progress
Intensives allow couples to stay deeply engaged in the work without the interruption of ending a 50-minute session just as meaningful insights emerge.
02
Immediate Skill-Building
Couples leave with concrete tools grounded in Gottman Method principles—communication strategies, conflict-management skills, and improved emotional connection.
03
Deep Healing Work in One Sitting
Many long-standing conflicts require time and space to unpack. An intensive allows couples to break through gridlocked issues more quickly and fully.
04
Ideal for Busy Schedules
Rather than coordinating weekly appointments, couples can schedule a single 4-hour block based on their needs.
Facilitator Background
Damon Bryan, LMFT
- 22 years of experience working with couples
- Gottman-trained clinician
- Member of the LGBTQ-Affirmative Psychotherapist Guild of Utah
- Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist
- Extensive experience supporting LGBTQ+ and neurodiverse couples and families
4-Hour Program Outline
Before
Pre-Intensive Preparation
(Provided prior to the session)
Optional: Review of prior therapy history, if applicable
Couples complete Gottman relationship questionnaires
Each partner completes a brief history and goals questionnaire
Hour 1
Foundations & Assessment
Welcome & Orientation
- Overview of Gottman Method principles
- Setting expectations & goals for the day
- Reviewing themes from questionnaires
Relationship Assessment
- Identification of priority topics for the intensive
- Strengths & challenges
- Current levels of friendship, conflict, and shared meaning
Hour 2
Enhancing the Friendship System
Interventions
- Love Maps exercises
- Building fondness and admiration
- Turning toward vs. turning away behaviors
- Strengthening daily rituals of connection
Goals
- Promote relational resilience
- Increase emotional availability
- Improve connection and positive affect
Hour 3
Conflict Management & Communication Skills
Interventions
- Gottman “Dreams Within Conflict” dialogue
- Softened Start-Up practice
- Managing flooding & physiological self-soothing
- Accepting influence
- Repair and de-escalation strategies
Goals
- Increase compassion and attunement
- Break long-standing negative interaction cycles
- Improve emotional regulation during conflict
Hour 4
Deep-Dive Healing + Future Roadmap
Deep Work
- Addressing gridlocked issues
- Exploring unmet needs and core vulnerabilities
- Strengthening trust and commitment
Future Planning
- Resources for neurodiverse or LGBTQ+ couples, when applicable
- Customized Relationship Wellness Plan
- Daily and weekly practices
- Recommendations for maintenance sessions or ongoing therapy
Cost & Scheduling
- 4-hour intensive
- Cost: $650
Scheduled based on your needs (weekday or weekend availability)