Therapy Structure: Front-Loading, Longer Sessions, and Gradual Spacing

This isn’t your 20th-century version of couples therapy.
We take a fresh, research-backed approach that helps couples move forward more effectively and efficiently than traditional once-a-week models.

Front-Loading
Building momentum for quick progress
Our services begin with an accelerated assessment followed by a higher intensity of sessions early in the therapy process. Front-loading therapy in this way allows us to build momentum and create meaningful change quickly. Research shows that beginning with a concentrated burst of support helps couples address urgent challenges, establish positive new patterns, and lay a strong foundation for deeper work ahead.

Longer Sessions
Creating space for deeper healing and growth
Our sessions typically range from two to six hours early in therapy, giving couples the extended, focused time they need to work deeply on the heart of their relationship. Longer sessions eliminate the frequent stops and starts of shorter meetings, making space for more meaningful emotional work, skill-building, and progress toward lasting change.
Research shows that intensive therapy leads to faster, more enduring results. A 2012 review by Benson and colleagues found that couples engaging in longer, more concentrated sessions experienced significant improvements in a shorter timeframe compared to traditional weekly therapy.

Gradually Spacing Out Sessions
Supporting independence and lasting success
As therapy progresses and couples become more confident and skilled in using new tools and strategies, sessions are gradually spaced farther apart. This gradual transition supports clients in practicing their new skills independently while still having regular opportunities to fine-tune their approach with professional support. Research from the Munich Marital Therapy Study (Boegner & Zellenbach-Croenen) shows that phasing the therapist out over time reduces relapse rates and empowers couples to sustain their progress long-term.

Benefits of This Structure
Maximizing results while minimizing overall therapy time

• Faster results: Couples often experience breakthroughs and relief earlier in therapy.

• Deeper work: Extended sessions allow for addressing core issues that shorter sessions may not reach.

• Sustained change: Gradually reducing session frequency supports real-world practice and long-term success.

• Efficient use of time: Concentrating work early means fewer total sessions needed over the course of treatment.