Midstream
What is a couples intensive?
Most couples counselling happens in sessions of about an hour, spaced a week or two apart. That rhythm suits many couples. For others, an hour can feel like just enough time to open something painful before it's time to leave.
An intensive gives you longer, focused time together. Because there's less starting and stopping, couples can often go further in one sitting: mapping the pattern between them, understanding what sits underneath it and practising new ways of responding while it's all fresh.
An intensive can be a single extended session or a few longer sessions across consecutive days. There is no fixed package. The format and length are worked out with you based on what you're facing.
Who is an intensive for?
An intensive may suit you if:
- You're in crisis after an affair or a discovery and need focused support quickly.
- You're travelling from regional Victoria or interstate and weekly sessions aren't practical.
- Your work, shift or family schedule makes regular weekly appointments hard to keep.
- You're facing a big decision, such as whether to stay together, move, marry or have children.
- You've had counselling before and want concentrated time to get unstuck.
- You want a focused reset before returning to regular sessions.
Intensives are for couples of all kinds, including married, de facto, engaged, separated, same-sex and transgender couples. Read more about rebuilding trust after infidelity.
Who is it not right for?
An intensive is not suitable when there are safety concerns. If there is violence, abuse, coercive control or fear in the relationship, joint counselling isn't the right first step and individual support comes first. It's also not the right fit if either partner is in acute crisis, such as having suicidal thoughts.
If you need help now, call 000 in an emergency, 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, or Lifeline on 13 11 14. Counselling is not an emergency service.
What happens before, during and after?
Before: you start with a conversation to discuss what's happening, what you hope to get from an intensive and whether it's a good fit. Elena may also suggest an initial session together and some individual time with each partner, so that the intensive itself can focus on the work. Together you agree on the format, length and timing.
During: the intensive is paced, with breaks, so it's demanding without being overwhelming. Time is usually spent understanding the cycle you get caught in, exploring the feelings and needs underneath, and practising different ways of talking and repairing. If you're in crisis after an affair, the focus may be on steadying things first so decisions aren't made in shock.
After: most couples benefit from follow-up. That might be a few regular sessions to consolidate what you've learnt, a check-in some weeks later, or ongoing couples counselling in the room or online.
Where are intensives held?
Intensives can be held in the room at 450 Doncaster Road, Doncaster VIC, about 20 minutes from the CBD with easy access to the Eastern Freeway (M3), or online by secure video anywhere in Australia.
Who will we see?
Intensives are with Elena Basova, a relationship counsellor with a Master of Counselling from Monash University and a registered member of the Australian Counselling Association. Her approach is person-centred, integrative and attachment-informed, drawing on EFT, Gottman-informed relationship counselling, ACT, CBT and Internal Family Systems. Read more about Elena.
Get in touch about an intensive
Frequently asked questions
How long is a couples intensive?
It depends on what you need. An intensive might be a single half-day session or a few longer sessions over consecutive days, and the format is agreed with you beforehand.
Is an intensive better than weekly counselling?
Neither is better for everyone. Weekly sessions give time to practise between appointments, while an intensive offers focused time that suits crisis, travel or busy schedules. Many couples combine the two.
How much does an intensive cost?
Because each intensive is arranged individually, please get in touch through the Contact page or call 03 9003 2595 to discuss the format and fees. Medicare generally doesn't cover counselling with a counsellor, but some private health funds offer rebates, so check with yours.
Can we do an intensive online?
Yes. Intensives can be held online by secure video anywhere in Australia, with breaks built in so the time stays manageable at home.