Marathon Couples Therapy
Sometimes a standard therapy hour ends just as you reach the part that needs more time.
Marathon Couples Therapy gives some couples a longer block of time to slow things down, understand the pattern they keep getting caught in, and practice a different way forward.
New couples begin with a couples assessment. After the assessment, your clinician will talk with you about whether Marathon Couples Therapy makes sense and what format to consider.
More room for the work
When a conversation keeps circling the same conflict, an hour can go by quickly. You may spend much of the session trying to settle back down, helping one another re-engage, or working toward the issue underneath the argument.
Marathon Couples Therapy creates a longer stretch of focused time. The goal is not to rush toward a dramatic breakthrough. It is to make room for careful, meaningful work without stopping just as the conversation begins to open up.
What is Marathon Couples Therapy?
Marathon Couples Therapy is a focused course of longer couples sessions. The usual course is 2-4 sessions, although your clinician may recommend something different based on the assessment and the work you want to do together.
Sessions are typically four hours. Some clinicians may offer a six-hour session when that format is available and recommended.
Sessions shorter than four hours are considered extended couples sessions rather than Marathon Couples Therapy.
When a longer format may be worth exploring
You may want to ask about Marathon Couples Therapy if:
you keep getting pulled into the same conflict and cannot find a lasting way through it;
one or both of you becomes overwhelmed, shuts down, or struggles to reconnect after an argument;
a standard session feels too short to move beyond the surface of what is happening;
you want focused support around trust repair, premarital work, discernment, or a major relationship transition;
distance, travel, or demanding schedules make weekly appointments difficult; or
you want dedicated time to understand your relationship pattern and practice new ways of responding to one another.
Interest is a starting point, not a determination that Marathon Couples Therapy is the right format. The assessment process helps your clinician recommend the next step.
How the process works
Reach out
Use our regular counseling inquiry process and let Client Care know that you are interested in learning about Marathon Couples Therapy.Complete the couples assessment
New couples begin with the standard couples assessment process. This gives your clinician time to understand your relationship, your concerns, and what you hope will change.Review the recommendation
After the assessment, your clinician will talk with you about the next step. That recommendation may or may not include Marathon Couples Therapy.Plan the format
If Marathon Couples Therapy is recommended, your clinician and Client Care will help you plan the number and length of sessions.
What the time may include
The work is tailored to your relationship and the goals you identify with your clinician. A session may include slowing down a conflict pattern, practicing clearer communication, building repair skills, working with strong emotions, rebuilding trust, making a relationship decision, or planning what comes next.
Marathon Couples Therapy does not promise a particular outcome or replace ongoing therapy when ongoing care is recommended.
Cost and scheduling
Marathon Couples Therapy is a private-pay service. The existing couples therapy rate applies to the time scheduled. The couples assessment is billed separately.
There is no separate Marathon deposit. The Counseling Hub's current cancellation policy applies.
Exact session availability depends on the clinician's recommendation and schedule.
Frequently asked questions
-
No. New couples begin with the standard couples assessment. Your clinician then recommends whether Marathon Couples Therapy is an appropriate next step.
-
The usual recommendation is 2-4 Marathon sessions. Your clinician may recommend a different plan after the assessment.
-
Sessions are typically four hours. Some clinicians may offer a six-hour session when it is available and recommended.
-
Yes. Existing couples therapy pricing applies, the assessment is billed separately, and there is no separate Marathon deposit.
-
No. Letting us know you are interested helps Client Care and your clinician understand what you are looking for. The clinician makes a recommendation after the couples assessment.
When Marathon Couples Therapy may not be the right starting point
Marathon Couples Therapy may not be the right starting point when there is an immediate safety concern or crisis, ongoing violence between partners, an active affair, heavy substance use, active psychosis, severe trauma symptoms that need stabilization first, or active litigation between partners.
The couples assessment helps the clinical team recommend a safer or more appropriate next step.
Start with a couples assessment
If a longer format sounds worth exploring, begin with our regular couples assessment process. You can mention your interest in Marathon Couples Therapy when you reach out.