Marathon Therapy-One to Two Day Couples Intensives

Marathon Couples Therapy is a revolutionary alternative to traditional weekly sessions. It’s a condensed and focused approach to relationship counseling that will provide you with the time you need to address specific issues and get your relationship back on track. In this powerful therapy format, we’ll meet for either one or consecutive days, depending on your needs.  Each session begins with a pre-marathon assessment that helps us to develop the treatment plan.
During therapy you will have time to talk in depth about the struggles and challenges of the relationship that simply cannot happen in the traditional style of couples therapy. There is time to process past injuries that have never healed, and time to understand how these injuries have impacted the relationship. There is time to learn and practice new communication skills to help you have more productive conversations. There’s time to rebuild. The therapist will provide an environment of safety for both partners. You will be treated with dignity and respect, without judgment, throughout the process. Couples who have experienced this form of therapy usually describe it as life-changing and transformative.

Marathon Couples Therapy offers some practical benefits as well. It’s a good fit for couples who want intensive therapy whose schedules do not allow for them to go to weekly sessions. It’s also a great fit for couples who need to get help immediately. It is important, however, that you also understand the risks involved. Despite the “nuts and bolts” approach of this method, the Marathon Couples Therapy format may move you more quickly and intensely into the areas of difficulty to be addressed. Therefore, you and/or your partner may experience uncomfortable feelings like sadness, guilt, anxiety, anger, loneliness, and helplessness. Your therapy may also involve recalling unpleasant aspects of your history together and/or individually. This is done to heal injuries and strengthen the relationship.

A one-day marathon is appropriate for couples seeking preventative care, couples with a solid relationship that have some minor issues to work out, and couples interested in premarital preparation. Two-day marathons are appropriate for relationships that have experienced a betrayal, trauma, or a long period of disconnect.  Periodic sessions are available after the marathon and can typically be covered by insurance. 


Marathon Steps

1. Consultation with both partners
2. Gottman Clinical Assessment
3. Interview with Dr. Streeter
4. Full one or two day session
5. Follow up sessions (if needed)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who is marathon therapy not suitable for?

Should you have any questions regarding the following issues, please contact us for clarification about whether Marathon Therapy is suitable for your situation.
These issues are:
If there is active alcohol and/or drug addiction on the part of either or both partners, from either partner’s perspective
If there is serious violence in your relationship, threats by one or both partners that serious violence might occur, or fear of such serious violence on the part of one or both partners
If either partner currently has an untreated major mental illness (schizophrenia, recurrent psychotic depression, or bipolar/manic-depressive illness.) Note: This does not include past, successfully treated psychotic episodes (e.g. post-partum depression with psychosis)
If there is an undisclosed, current affair that you are not willing to disclose (such secrets predict marital therapy failure) If there is an ongoing affair and the partner having the affair is not willing to end it If either partner is currently experiencing suicidal or homicidal thoughts, or has a history of serious harm inflicted on him/herself or another person.

How soon can we schedule marathon therapy?

In most cases marathon therapy can be scheduled within three weeks of our initial consultation.  We offer sessions on weekends and during the  week. 

What are the rates for marathon therapy?

Marathon therapy is typically $1500 per day.  A 50% deposit is required at time of scheduling.  Materials are included. 

We don't live in Washington, DC, can Dr. Satira come to us?

Yes! Dr. Satira is able to travel.  There are also virtual options available.