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The holiday season can put significant strain on even the strongest relationships. While each couple faces unique challenges, research shows that most holiday-related relationship stress falls into predictable categories that can be managed with the right approach. This guide offers practical, actionable strategies you can implement immediately to strengthen your relationship during the holiday season.

Core Strategies for Holiday Harmony

Before diving into specific tactics, remember that the goal isn’t perfection—it’s creating meaningful experiences together while maintaining your relationship’s health. Here are key strategies organized by common challenge areas:

Communicating Effectively and Managing Conflict

Effective communication is the cornerstone of a healthy relationship. By implementing specific strategies, couples can navigate the challenges of this year with greater ease and understanding. When it comes to expressing your own needs and concerns, it’s important to do so in a way that doesn’t put your partner on the defensive. Here are some tips:

• Use “I” statements: Rewording a statement in this way allows you to express feelings without assigning blame (“I feel overwhelmed” vs. “Why are you making this so stressful?”)
• Practice active listening: Give your full attention, avoid interrupting, and paraphrase what your partner said to confirm understanding.
• Focus on the present: Avoid bringing up past grievances and stay focused on the current situation.
• Seek to understand: Try  and see the situation from your partner’s perspective, even if you disagree.
• Take “timeout” breaks if needed: If a conversation becomes heated, agree to take a short break to calm down before continuing.
  

Want more in-depth guidance? See our holiday communication guide!
 

Managing Expectations and Setting Boundaries

One of the most challenging aspects for any couple is managing expectations and setting appropriate boundaries within the relationship. The pressure to create the perfect holiday experience can lead to unrealistic expectations and overcommitment, causing stress and potential conflict within the relationship. Establishing clear boundaries with your partner,  family, and friends is crucial for maintaining a healthy balance during the holiday season:

• Identify shared priorities: Take time to consider what aspects of the holidays are most important to you and your partner. Your primary responsibility is to your partner and your shared goals.
• Negotiate differences: For areas where expectations differ, discuss potential compromises that can satisfy both partners to some degree.
• Be firm but kind: Express your boundaries with love and respect. Set clear limits on social commitments, and communicate them early to friends and family.
• Present a united front: Ensure that you and your partner are on the same page and support each other when communication boundaries to others.
• Build in buffer time: allow for unexpected events or needed down-time between activities.

Need a little more support with this? Check out our holiday boundaries guide!

Navigating Family Dynamics and Traditions

Family gatherings and long-standing traditions are often central to the holiday season, but they can also be a significant source of stress for couples. Navigating the complex web of different family dynamics and traditions while maintaining a strong partnership requires thoughtful planning and open communication. 

• Understand different expectations: Discuss how each of your families typically celebrates, what traditions matter most to each of you, and why certain customs hold special meaning.
• Balance time between families: Create a fair rotation system for holiday visits, consider splitting days when possible, or establish alternative celebration dates.
• Blend family traditions: Choose meaningful elements from both families’ celebrations to create new shared traditions, while respectfully adapting or retiring customs that don’t serve your partnership.
• Clearly communicate plans with friends and family: Share your holiday schedule early, explain your decisions with kindness but firmness, and offer alternative ways to connect if you can’t attend certain gatherings.
• Strategize to manage difficult family members: Develop a signal system between partners when support is needed, plan shorter visits with challenging relatives, and prepare neutral responses to navigate uncomfortable conversations.

Follow our more detailed guide to navigating family dynamics here!

Managing Financial Stress

Financial stress can be a significant source of tension for couples during the holiday season. The pressure to buy gifts, host gatherings, and participate in various activities can strain budgets and lead to disagreements. However, with proper planning and communication, couples can navigate financial challenges and enjoy the holidays without breaking the bank.

• Create a holiday budget together: Review your current financial status and create a realistic budget covering gifts, travel, food, and any other holiday-related costs.
• Discuss financial values and priorities: Openly talk about shared financial goals, concerns, and find places where your financial expectations align. Set specific spending limits for gifts, and stick to those limits.
• Find creative gift-giving strategies: Consider alternative gift-giving approaches (give shared experiences, homemade gifts, family gift exchanges, etc.)
• Plan for a post-holiday financial recovery: Review spending, create a repayment plan if necessary, and start a dedicated savings fund for next year. 
• Focus on the non-material aspects of the holiday: Emphasize togetherness, create meaningful traditions that don’t revolve around spending money, and give thanks for what you already have.

Looking to do a deeper dive? Our guide to managing holiday financials can help!

Maintaining Self-Care and Individual Identity

While the holiday season often emphasizes togetherness, it’s equally important for couples to have personal time and space. Balancing personal needs with relationship responsibilities can lead to a more fulfilling holiday experience for both partners. Implementing self-care practices can help manage holiday stress and maintain overall well-being:

• Maintain regular routines: Try to stick to normal sleep, exercise, and eating patterns as much as possible.
• Practice mindfulness: Incorporate meditation or deep breathing exercises into your daily routine.
• Learn to say no: It’s okay to decline invitations or requests that overwhelm you.
• Encourage personal time: Schedule dedicated alone time for each partner., and support each other’s need for quiet time or social connections outside the relationship
• Practice self-compassion: Be kind to yourself and recognize that you can’t please everyone all the time.

Need some encouragement in managing your own personal time? Check out our guide to maintaining individual boundaries during the holidays!

Intimacy and Affection During Busy Times

Hectic schedules and numerous obligations can often leave couples feeling disconnected on an intimate level. However, maintaining physical and emotional closeness during this busy time is crucial for relationship health and can serve as a buffer against holiday stress.

• Create daily rituals: Establish small daily routines around existing habits that keep you connected like drinking morning coffee or taking an evening walk together.
• Prioritize couple time: Schedule regular date nights away from holiday activities
• Maintain physical affection: Small gestures of affection like holding hands or cuddling for a few minutes can help maintain your bond..
• Communicate desires and needs: Share words of affirmation, openly tell your partner about your desire for closeness, and be understanding that stress and fatigue can impact libido.
• Be intentional about physical affection: Plan private time together even if you’re both tired, staying with family, or hosting guests.

Want more information about increasing your intimacy? Check out our guide to increasing your affection here!

Implementation Tips

To make these strategies work effectively:

• Choose 2-3 areas to focus on initially rather than trying everything at once. It can be helpful to honestly evaluate which of these areas tend to come easily to you and your partner, compared to which areas are more of a struggle.
• Review and adjust your approach weekly to ensure you’re meeting both partners’ needs.
• Be flexible and willing to modify strategies that aren’t working.
• Take time to acknowledge and appreciate the positive changes you make together, no matter how small.

The Value of Professional Support

Couples therapy can be particularly beneficial during the holiday season, providing a neutral space to address concerns and develop customized coping strategies. A skilled therapist can help you:

• Learn advanced communication techniques tailored to your specific challenges
• Develop effective conflict resolution skills that minimize hurt feelings
• Create personalized stress management strategies
• Gain deeper insight into each other’s holiday expectations and values
• Strengthen your emotional and physical connection during busy times

Finding the Right Therapist

If you decide to seek professional help, consider these factors when choosing a therapist:

• Look for experience with couples counseling, family dynamics, and stress management.
• See if their therapeutic approach aligns with your goals and values as a couple. Different therapists may use various approaches and methods in therapy.
• Verify their availability during the holiday season. Many therapists offer both in-person and virtual sessions to accommodate holiday scheduling needs.
• Take advantage of initial consultations to find the best fit for both partners!

Remember that seeking professional support during stressful times isn’t a sign of relationship weakness—it’s a proactive step toward creating a stronger partnership. Just as you might work with a financial advisor for money management or a fitness trainer for physical health, a couples therapist can provide expert guidance for relationship wellness.

Moving Forward Together

The holiday season presents both challenges and opportunities for growth in your relationship. While implementing the strategies in this guide can help you navigate immediate challenges, remember that seeking professional support may be necessary if you’re just not making progress on your own, or if you’re looking for additional guidance around specific relationship concerns. Therapy is not a one-size fits all, and a skillful hand may be required to support you during this stressful time.

Remember: You don’t have to face holiday challenges alone. Whether you’re dealing with specific holiday-related issues or simply want to strengthen your relationship during this busy time, reaching out for professional support can be the first step toward creating more meaningful celebrations together.

Consider couples therapy as an investment in your partnership that can provide benefits well beyond the holiday season. If you’d like to get started, contact our Client Ambassador team to request an appointment today!

The holiday season, while magical in many ways, can also be a significant source of conflict for relationships. As the hustle and bustle of the season takes over, many find themselves navigating a complex web of family gatherings, gift-giving pressures, and heightened expectations. However, with the right approach and tools, couples can not only survive the holiday season but use it as an opportunity to strengthen their bond and deepen their connection. By addressing common challenges and implementing effective communication techniques, partners can create a more harmonious and joyful holiday experience together.

Understanding Holiday Stress in Relationships

While often portrayed as a time of joy and togetherness, the holiday season can cause a lot of stress for couples struggling to navigate the complex demands and expectations of the season. Understanding the root causes of this stress is the first step in addressing and mitigating its impact on relationships.

Identifying Common Stressors

One of the primary sources of tension during the holidays is the pressure to participate in family gatherings. These events can be particularly challenging when couples need to divide their time between multiple families or navigate complex family dynamics. The expectations
can lead couples to feel overwhelmed, stressed, and resentful.

Financial stress is another major factor that can strain relationships during this time. The pressure to buy gifts, host parties, or travel can put a significant burden on a couple’s budget. Disagreements about spending priorities or differing views on gift-giving can create
friction between partners.

Time management becomes increasingly difficult as social calendars fill up with holiday events. Couples may find themselves with little quality time to decompress and focus on each other. The struggle to balance work commitments, social obligations, and personal time can leave both partners feeling exhausted and irritable.

The Impact on Relationship Dynamics

The accumulation of holiday stressors can have a profound impact on relationship dynamics. Couples may find themselves arguing more frequently or struggling to communicate effectively. The added pressure can exacerbate existing issues or bring unresolved conflicts to the surface.

In some cases, partners may retreat into themselves, avoiding difficult conversations or withdrawing emotionally. This can create a sense of distance and disconnect at a time when many hope to feel closer to their loved ones.

Recognizing the Signs of Holiday-Related Relationship Strain

It’s crucial for couples to be aware of the signs that holiday stress is affecting their relationship. These may include:
● Increased frequency of arguments or disagreements
● Feelings of resentment or frustration towards one’s partner
● Difficulty in making decisions together about holiday plans
● Decreased intimacy or physical affection
● Avoiding spending time together
● Feeling unsupported or misunderstood by one’s partner

By recognizing these signs early, couples can take proactive steps to address the underlying issues and prevent further strain on their relationship.

Effective Communication Strategies for the Holiday Season

Effective communication is the cornerstone of a healthy relationship, especially during the stress-filled holiday season. By implementing specific strategies, couples can navigate the challenges of this time of year with greater ease and understanding. While these techniques can be practiced independently, working with a professional therapist can help couples develop and refine these skills more quickly and effectively.

Expressing Needs and Concerns Constructively

When it comes to expressing your own needs and concerns, it’s important to do so in a way that doesn’t put your partner on the defensive. Here are some tips:

● Use “I” statements: Instead of saying “You always ignore my family’s traditions,” try “I feel hurt when our holiday plans don’t include my family’s traditions.”
● Be specific: Clearly articulate what you need or what’s bothering you, rather than making general complaints.
● Focus on the present: Avoid bringing up past grievances; stay focused on the current situation.
● Offer solutions: When raising a concern, try to also suggest potential solutions or compromises.

Navigating Difficult Conversations

The holiday season often brings up sensitive topics, from financial pressures to family dynamics. Here’s how to approach these conversations:
● Choose the right time and place: Find a quiet moment when you’re both calm and free from distractions.
● Set a positive tone: Begin the conversation by expressing appreciation for your partner.
● Use a soft start-up: Avoid beginning with criticism or blame. Instead, start gently with a statement about how you feel.
● Take breaks if needed: If the conversation becomes heated, agree to take a short break to calm down before continuing.
● Seek to understand: Try to see the situation from your partner’s perspective, even if you disagree.

The Importance of Empathy and Validation

Empathy and validation are crucial components of effective communication, especially during stressful times. Here’s how to incorporate them:
● Acknowledge emotions: Recognize and validate your partner’s feelings, even if you don’t fully understand or agree with them.
● Show compassion: Demonstrate that you care about your partner’s well-being and want to support them.
● Avoid judgment: Try to understand your partner’s perspective without criticizing or dismissing their feelings.
● Express support: Let your partner know you’re there for them and willing to work together to find solutions.

By implementing these communication strategies, couples can create a more open, understanding, and supportive environment during the holiday season. This not only helps in navigating immediate challenges but also strengthens the overall relationship, setting a positive tone for the year ahead.

The Role of Therapy in Holiday Relationship Management

Therapy can play a crucial role in helping couples navigate the added stressors of the holiday season by providing a safe and neutral space for open communication. Therapy offers couples the opportunity to address their concerns, develop coping strategies, and strengthen their bond while learning to manage seasonal challenges together.

Benefits of Couples Therapy During the Holidays

Engaging in couples therapy during this time of year can offer numerous benefits:

1. Improved Communication: Therapists can teach couples effective communication techniques, helping them express their needs and concerns more clearly.
2. Conflict Resolution Skills: Therapy provides tools for resolving conflicts in a healthy and constructive manner, while minimizing the hurt and listening to each other with greater empathy.
3. Stress Management: Therapists can offer strategies for managing individual and shared stress, helping couples support each other through challenging times.
4. Deepened Understanding: Through guided discussions, couples can gain a deeper understanding of each other’s perspectives, values, and holiday expectations.
5. Strengthened Intimacy: By addressing issues and improving communication, therapy can help couples reconnect and feel closer to another, strengthening their emotional and physical intimacy.

Finding the Right Therapist for Holiday Support

Choosing the right therapist for holiday-related relationship support is an important step in your journey toward a more peaceful season. When seeking a therapist for holiday-related relationship support, consider the following key factors:

● Experience and Expertise: Look for a therapist with experience in couples counseling and expertise in both family dynamics and stress management.
● Therapeutic Approach: Ensure the therapist’s approach aligns with your goals and values as a couple. Different therapists may use various approaches, from emotions-focused therapy (EFT) to solution-focused methods.
● Holiday Availability: Check the therapist’s schedule and flexibility during the holiday season. Many therapists offer both in-person and virtual sessions to accommodate busy holiday schedules.

Remember that seeking professional support during the holidays demonstrates strength and commitment to your relationship. It’s a proactive step towards strengthening your relationship and creating meaningful and lasting memories together. While the added pressures of family obligations, financial decisions, and time management can strain relationships, they also offer chances to grow stronger together. By recognizing early signs of stress, implementing effective communication strategies, and maintaining healthy boundaries, couples can navigate this busy season more successfully.

However, you don’t have to face these challenges alone. Consider couples therapy as an investment in your relationship—not just for managing holiday stress, but for building a stronger foundation for the year ahead. A skilled therapist can help you develop tools and strategies that will serve your relationship well beyond the holiday season!

Want to give it a try? Contact us today and get set up with one of our highly trained couples therapists!

Romantic comedy movies aren’t just about laughter and feel-good moments—they can also serve as a surprising tool to strengthen your relationship with your partner. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy night in or seeking a fun date idea, these lighthearted films offer more than entertainment. From sparking meaningful conversations to reminding you of the importance of humor and connection, romantic comedies can bring you closer in unexpected ways. In this blog, we’ll explore 10 ways watching rom-coms can enhance your relationship, making movie night more meaningful than ever. Click here to learn more.

What are Romantic Comedies?

You know romantic comedies—the delightful mix of love, laughter, and just enough drama to keep things interesting! They’re the movies where meet-cutes, witty banter, and grand gestures reign supreme, and no matter how complicated things get, you know a happy ending is on the way. These films celebrate the ups and downs of love with humor and heart, making them the perfect blend of “aww” and “LOL.” Whether you’re rooting for the quirky best friend or swooning over the charming lead, rom-coms are like a warm hug for your heart—wrapped in a whole lot of fun! But how exactly can they strengthen a relationship?

Romantic Comedy Movies – How They Can Strengthen a Relationship:

Romantic comedy movies can be both loving and hilarious. But in this section we’re going to explore 10 rom coms that are great for helping couples strengthen their relationships. Here’s our list:

1. Crazy Rich Asians – This vibrant film showcases the importance of cultural understanding, family dynamics, and compromise in a relationship, while also celebrating the power of love against societal expectations.
2. The Proposal – A humorous tale that emphasizes the value of trust, honesty, and seeing beyond the exterior, this movie shows how love can blossom when two people learn to appreciate each other’s true selves.
3. 13 Going on 30 – With its playful take on second chances and growing up, this film highlights the significance of self-awareness, forgiveness, and maintaining a youthful spirit in a relationship.
4. The Devil Wears Prada – Though primarily about career choices, this movie explores how balancing personal ambitions and romantic relationships can strengthen bonds when there is mutual support and understanding.
5. 50 First Dates – A heartwarming story of patience and commitment, it demonstrates the importance of consistency, creativity, and effort in keeping love alive even when faced with unique challenges.
6. Hitch – This romantic comedy offers valuable lessons on authenticity, vulnerability, and the power of embracing your quirks and flaws in order to build a deeper, more meaningful connection.
7. The Holiday – With its themes of self-discovery and new beginnings, this film encourages couples to communicate openly, take risks, and find joy in new experiences together.
8. Notting Hill – A charming story that explores love in the face of fame and everyday life, reminding couples of the importance of humility, support, and navigating obstacles with humor and grace.
9. The Intern – While not strictly a romantic comedy, this film portrays intergenerational friendships and highlights the importance of communication, patience, and mutual respect in any relationship.
10. Love, Simon – A modern tale of coming out and finding love, this movie emphasizes the importance of acceptance, openness, and being true to yourself and your partner in any relationship.

Each of these films offers a unique perspective on love, communication, and understanding, providing couples with both entertainment and valuable relationship insights.

Intensive Couples Counseling

If watching rom-coms together isn’t quite enough to strengthen your relationship, it might be time to consider intensive couples counseling. Unlike regular therapy sessions, which typically occur once a week, intensive couples counseling offers a more focused and immersive approach. It involves longer sessions or even full-day or weekend retreats designed to help couples dive deep into the core issues affecting their relationship. Through guided exercises, communication training, and personalized support from a licensed therapist, couples can address conflicts, rebuild trust, and develop healthier patterns of interaction. This concentrated method is ideal for those seeking quicker, more substantial progress in rekindling their connection and fostering a stronger, more resilient relationship. Click here to learn more.

Couples Counseling in Eagan, MN – Relationship Therapy Center

If you’re interested in strengthening the bond between you and your partner, consider seeking couples therapy with Relationship Therapy Center. Strengthening the bond between you and your partner is what will make your relationship last through the different trials and challenges you may face. If you and your partner are ready to strengthen your relationship, click here.

Premarital counseling is often viewed as a vital step for couples preparing to marry, but what exactly can it offer beyond the traditional preparation? For many couples, engaging in premarital counseling can be a proactive way to build a stronger foundation for their future together. This blog explores why premarital counseling is not just a checkbox on the wedding planning list but a meaningful investment in your relationship. Discover 12 compelling benefits of premarital counseling that can help you and your partner start your marriage with clarity, confidence, and a deeper understanding of each other. Click here to learn more.

What is Premarital Counseling?

Premarital counseling is a form of therapy designed for couples who are preparing to marry, aimed at helping them build a strong, healthy foundation for their future together. It involves discussing various aspects of the relationship, including communication styles, financial management, family dynamics, and personal values. This counseling provides a space for couples to address potential challenges and develop strategies to handle them effectively. By exploring these topics in a structured setting, couples can gain deeper insights into each other’s expectations and needs, ultimately fostering a more resilient and harmonious partnership.

Premarital Counseling – Benefits and Why You Should Consider It

1. Improved Communication Skills: Couples learn how to effectively express their feelings and concerns, enhancing their ability to communicate openly and honestly.
2. Conflict Resolution Techniques: Premarital counseling provides tools and strategies to handle disagreements and conflicts in a constructive manner.
3. Understanding Financial Management: Couples discuss financial goals, budgeting, and money management, which can prevent future financial disagreements.
4. Alignment of Values and Goals: Counseling helps partners identify and align their personal values and long-term goals, ensuring they are on the same page.
5. Strengthening Emotional Connection: By exploring emotional needs and expectations, couples deepen their understanding and connection with each other.
6. Navigating Family Dynamics: Premarital counseling addresses potential issues with in-laws and extended family, helping couples set boundaries and manage relationships.
7. Setting Realistic Expectations: Couples discuss their expectations for marriage, reducing the risk of unrealistic ideals and potential disappointment.
8. Building Trust and Intimacy: The counseling process fosters trust and intimacy by encouraging openness and vulnerability.
9. Preparing for Major Life Changes: Couples are better equipped to handle significant life changes, such as moving, career shifts, or starting a family.
10. Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills: Premarital counseling helps couples develop problem-solving skills that are crucial for handling future challenges together.
11. Creating a Shared Vision: Couples work together to create a shared vision for their future, which can strengthen their commitment and partnership.
12. Boosting Relationship Satisfaction: Overall, premarital counseling contributes to higher relationship satisfaction by addressing potential issues before they become major problems.

Couples Counseling in Eagan, MN – Relationship Therapy Center

If you’re interested in strengthening the bond between you and your partner, even before your marriage, consider seeking couples therapy with Relationship Therapy Center. Strengthening the bond between you and your partner is what will make your relationship last through the different trials and challenges you may face in your marriage. If you and your partner are ready to strengthen your relationship, even more, click here.

Couples counseling isn’t just for times of crisis or conflict; in fact, it can be incredibly beneficial even when things are going well with your partner. Think of it like regular maintenance for a car—proactively addressing minor issues before they become major problems helps keep things running smoothly. In the same way, couples counseling can help you and your partner strengthen your bond, improve communication, and gain tools to handle future challenges with confidence. By nurturing your relationship when it’s already healthy, you create a stronger, more fulfilling partnership that can withstand whatever life throws your way. Click here to learn more.

What is Couples Counseling?

Couples counseling is a space where partners come together to work on their relationship with the guidance of a trained therapist. It’s not just about resolving conflicts but also about enhancing communication, deepening understanding, and fostering emotional connection. Whether you’re dealing with specific challenges or simply looking to strengthen your bond, couples counseling provides tools and strategies tailored to your unique relationship dynamics. It’s about being proactive and investing in the health and happiness of your partnership.

Is Couples Counseling Worth It?

Couples counseling can be incredibly valuable even when things are going well with your partner. It’s a proactive step that allows you to build on the strengths of your relationship, improve communication skills, and deepen your emotional connection. By addressing potential issues before they become bigger problems, counseling helps maintain a healthy, supportive, and loving partnership. It’s also an opportunity to explore your relationship dynamics, celebrate your growth together, and set new goals for the future. In essence, it’s about investing in your relationship’s ongoing success and happiness, ensuring it stays strong and resilient over time.

5 Reasons Why You Should Go to Couples Counseling When Things are Going Well with Your Partner

Here are 5 reasons to consider going to couples counseling even when things are going well with your partner:

1. Strengthen Communication Skills: Counseling can help you and your partner learn new ways to communicate effectively, ensuring you both feel heard and understood.
2. Enhance Emotional Intimacy: Regular sessions can deepen your emotional bond, fostering a stronger sense of connection and empathy.
3. Prevent Future Issues: Addressing potential areas of conflict early can prevent them from becoming more significant problems down the road.
4. Celebrate Relationship Successes: Counseling provides a space to acknowledge and celebrate the growth and positive aspects of your relationship, reinforcing your commitment to one another.
5. Set Shared Goals for the Future: Working with a counselor can help you align your future aspirations, creating a roadmap for continued growth and happiness together.

Intensive Couples Counseling

Intensive couples counseling can be a valuable option if your relationship dynamics ever shift toward the negative. While everything might be going well now, life is unpredictable, and challenges can arise unexpectedly. Intensive couples counseling offers a proactive approach by providing tools and strategies that can help you navigate rough patches if they come up. It allows you to dive deeper into understanding your partner, address potential concerns before they become bigger issues, and build a resilient foundation. This type of counseling prepares you both for any future difficulties, ensuring you are equipped to handle whatever life throws at your relationship. Click here to learn more.

Couples Counseling in Eagan, MN – Relationship Therapy Center

If you’re interested in strengthening the bond between you and your partner, even if things are going well, consider seeking couples therapy with Relationship Therapy Center. Strengthening the bond between you and your partner is what will make your relationship last through the different trials and challenges you may face. If you and your partner are ready to strengthen your relationship, even more, click here.

“We’ve been to therapy but nothing has changed. Things will never be different for us.”
“I can’t believe my partner would hurt me like that. What am I supposed to do now?”
“Can this relationship be saved? Is it even worth saving?”

When a relationship is threatened by a sudden crisis or by issues that have been left unaddressed for too long, traditional weekly couples counseling may not provide enough support for couples to make the progress they need to keep their relationship going. That’s why we developed our Intensive Couples Counseling® Program: we know that some couples just need something more. Read on to learn more about how ICC can benefit your relationship.

What is Intensive Couples Counseling?

Intensive Couples Counseling is a short-term couples therapy format that is designed to give couples the dedicated time and space needed to address their challenges. Unlike traditional counseling, where you might only see your therapist for one hour per week over the course of multiple months, ICC programs entail a set number of hours spent with a trained couples therapist, administered in longer sessions over a shorter period of time. This allows couples to gain and sustain momentum, as well as fully immerse themselves in the therapeutic process. 

How Does Intensive Couples Counseling Work?

In your ICC program, you and your partner will work closely with one of our most experienced ICC-certified couples therapists to explore the root causes of your relationship challenges, heal from past hurts, and develop better communication habits and more emotional connection. You will see your therapist for a set number of hours in three- to four-hour blocks, generally within two or three weeks. The length of sessions allows you to focus solely on your relationship without distractions, enabling you to make significant progress and accelerate the healing process. We also offer four different “curriculums”, but almost all of our ICC couples fall into two or more of these categories, and your program will be custom-tailored specifically to your needs. 

How Much Does Intensive Couples Counseling Cost?

ICC programs start at $2,495 per couple. While the program has a higher upfront monetary cost compared to traditional weekly sessions, many couples find the benefits well worth the investment. With this style of therapy, you can avoid paying the time, energy, and emotional price of staying in a deteriorating relationship with no immediate hope for your future together. 

When to Seek Intensive Couples Counseling

How will you know if this program is right for you? Our ICC participants often share these things in common before beginning with us:

1. When You Begin to Feel No Longer Happy in Your Relationship

If you’ve reached a point where you’ve begun to suspect that there is no happy future for you if you stay in your relationship, ICC may be right for you. This format of therapy is extremely useful for discernment counseling, a style of therapy geared towards exploring whether you even want to work on your relationship, or whether you’d be better off separating.

2. When You Want to Improve Your Relationship with Your Partner

A crisis like an affair or an addiction can devastate a relationship, and these challenges can be daunting to bounce back from. A skilled ICC therapist can guide you through the steps of rebuilding your relationship into something better than it was before.

3. When You’ve Done Traditional Couples Counseling and Want More Support

We’ve heard the same story from so many couples: they’ve been in therapy for years and haven’t made any progress, or they saw a therapist for a short time but didn’t find it helpful. That is exactly the kind of scenario that inspired us to create ICC in the first place. Our ICC therapists are committed to helping you make progress in this format by exposing the core of your struggles and providing the necessary structure and resources to help you thrive.

How to Prepare for Intensive Couples Counseling

To get the most out of your ICC investment, it’s important to approach the process with an open mind, a willingness to be vulnerable, and a commitment to putting in the work necessary to see if your relationship can improve. Each partner engaging to the best of their ability is the number-one factor in success outcomes. We also encourage you to allow yourself to be challenged; sometimes, you have to be open to seeing things in a new way in order to get things to change. 

Is Intensive Couples Counseling Worth It?

Over 95% of our ICC participants report that, regardless of the outcome of their program, they felt as though they gained something valuable from the experience, and left their program with the tools they needed to move forward in a positive and productive way. We’d say that’s worth the investment any day!  

Intensive Couples Counseling in St. Louis Park, MN

If you’re ready to take a deep dive into your relationship and work towards lasting, positive change, the compassionate ICC-certified therapists at the Relationship Therapy Center in St. Louis Park, MN are here to support you. Contact our ICC Program Coordinators today to take the first step towards learning to love better, and being better loved.

Our co-founder Theresa Benoit is featured in this story from Redfin.com! It shares a bunch of useful tips from relationship experts around the country regarding moving in with your partner:
15 Expert-Backed Tips for Selecting a New Home With Your Partner

Theresa is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the Co-Founder of the Relationship Therapy Center, a place dedicated to helping people grow in health and happiness in their important relationships. Through the integration of empirically informed couples therapy, VIP customer service, and a willingness to go beyond the normal bounds of couples therapy – the therapists at The Relationship Therapy Center tailor their services to the needs of each individual client and relationship. Theresa is also the Co-Creator of the trademarked Intensive Couples Counseling program, the Relationship Therapy Center’s highest level of service, provided by their most experienced therapists for couples who need change now.

Our co-founder Theresa M. Benoit is featured in this story from ApartmentGuide.com!
25 Relationship Experts Share Helpful Tips For Couples Moving In Together

Theresa is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the Co-Founder of the Relationship Therapy Center, a place dedicated to helping people grow in health and happiness in their important relationships. Through the integration of empirically informed couples therapy, VIP customer service, and a willingness to go beyond the normal bounds of couples therapy – the therapists at The Relationship Therapy Center tailor their services to the needs of each individual client and relationship. Theresa is also the Co-Creator of the trademarked Intensive Couples Counseling program, the Relationship Therapy Center’s highest level of service, provided by their most experienced therapists for couples who need change now.

“This was an unexpectedly enlightening conversation about dating during COVID (and winter). Callie had a bunch of suggestions for apps, friend set-ups, making Zoom dates less awkward and much more that had never occurred to me. I hope you learn as much as I did.”

Callie McMillan is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at the Relationship Therapy Center, a place dedicated to helping people grow in health and happiness in their important relationships. Through the integration of empirically informed couples therapy and a willingness to go beyond the normal bounds of couples therapy, Callie and her colleagues tailor their services to the needs of each individual client and relationship. Callie got her master’s degree at the University of Wisconsin-Stout where she studied sex therapy in addition to systemic family and relationship therapy.