Intensive couples therapy
Marathon Couples Therapy
Focused, in-depth Gottman Method couples therapy over one, two or three days. Instead of weekly sessions spread across months, you and your partner work intensively with Rev. Father Joseph in a calm, private setting, with breaks, meals and a clear plan to carry home.
What is a Marathon?
A Marathon is an intensive form of Gottman Method Couples Therapy. Each day gives you six hours of therapy, in three sessions with breaks in between. Working this way gives you time to go deeper, stay with difficult conversations until they settle, and practise new skills together while Rev. Father Joseph is there to guide you.
The format is based on the intensive model developed by The Gottman Institute. Many couples find that a few focused days achieve what might otherwise take many months of weekly sessions.
Is it right for us?
You keep having the same painful argument
You feel distant, stuck or close to giving up
You are recovering from an affair or a breach of trust
Busy schedules, shift work or distance make weekly sessions hard
You want a strong start before marriage, or a relationship tune-up
You want to make real progress in a short time
Choose your format
One, two or three days
1-day Marathon
A focused day for couples preparing for marriage, wanting a relationship tune-up, or working on one clear issue.
2-day Marathon
Time to understand your relationship, work through a gridlocked issue, repair past hurts, and leave with a shared plan.
3-day Marathon
The full Marathon intensive. Recommended for significant distress, affair recovery, or couples who want the deepest work.
If you have not had a couples assessment with us, it is completed on Day 1 of every format. Marathons run on weekdays; weekends may be possible by arrangement.
A Marathon day
Your day, with plenty of breaks
9:00 – 11:00
Session 1. Check in, set goals for the day, and begin.
11:00 – 11:15
Morning tea.
11:15 – 1:15
Session 2. Deeper conversations and practice.
1:15 – 2:00
Lunch, provided.
2:00 – 4:00
Session 3. Bring it together and plan your evening.
Breaks whenever you need them
Either of you can ask for a pause at any time. If one of you becomes overwhelmed (what the Gottmans call "flooding"), we stop for at least 20 minutes to let your body settle before continuing. You will learn how to recognise flooding and calm it, a skill you take home.
What is included
Research-based relationship questionnaires before you begin
Six hours of therapy each day with Rev. Father Joseph
Your own Couple's Workbook with worksheets for each day
Morning tea, lunch, snacks and drinks
A personalised plan for keeping your gains
Fees
Marathon fees are available on request and are confirmed at your free consultation. Each Marathon is priced as a package for the couple.
A deposit secures your dates
The balance is due 14 days before Day 1
Follow-up sessions are billed separately, per session
Weekend Marathons are by arrangement, at an additional cost
If you have private health insurance with extras cover, you may be able to claim. Please check with your fund. Full terms, including cancellations, are in your consent form.
From first call to follow-up
How it works
Free consultation
A 30-minute phone call to talk about your relationship and whether a Marathon suits you.
Suitability form
Each partner completes a short, confidential form.
Book your dates
Choose your format and dates; a deposit confirms them.
Prepare
Complete your questionnaires and dietary form about three weeks before.
Your Marathon
One to three focused days in Campsie.
Follow-up
Sessions every few weeks afterwards to keep the changes going.
Limited Secrets Policy
During the assessment, Rev. Father Joseph meets with each of you on your own. Information shared privately that affects the relationship may need to be brought into joint sessions, with care. This is explained in full in your consent form before you begin.
When a Marathon is not the right fit
If there is current family or domestic violence, fear of a partner, an ongoing affair, or active addiction, an intensive may not be safe or helpful. We will talk this through at your free consultation and suggest the right support. You can also contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732. In an emergency call 000.
Common questions
Is a Marathon better than weekly couples therapy?
Six hours a day sounds a lot. What if we get overwhelmed?
Do we need an assessment first?
Can we do a Marathon online?
Can faith be part of the Marathon?
What happens after the Marathon?
Talk with us about a Marathon
Book a free 30-minute consultation to see whether a Marathon is right for you both.