Couples Marathon
Two days. Real change. No waiting.
Some relationships can't afford to wait months for weekly therapy to move things forward. A Couples Marathon gives you two full, intensive days to do the deep work, with a Gottman-trained therapist, Michelle Janssen, dedicated entirely to you.
I offer couples marathons once a month, on a Thursday and Friday from 8.30am to 4.30pm. Because I only offer a small number of these intensives each month, dates are limited, so it's worth getting in touch early to secure yours.
What is a couples marathon?
The equivalent of months of therapy, compressed into two days.
A Couples Marathon (also called a couples intensive) is a two-day structured therapy experience developed by Drs John and Julie Gottman. Rather than working through your relationship issues in fragments over many months, a Marathon gives your relationship the sustained focus and momentum needed to navigate a crisis.
What to expect
From your first call to your follow-up session
Before - a free phone call with Michelle
Before anything is booked, we have a free call to talk through where you're at, what you're hoping for, and whether a Marathon is the right fit. There's no pressure and no obligation. It's a chance for you to ask questions and get a feel for the process.
Once you decide to go ahead, both partners complete the Gottman Relationship Check Up online. This comprehensive assessment examines every dimension of your relationship. From there, I develop a treatment plan tailored to what you need most, so we hit the ground with the best possible momentum on Day 1.
Day 1
We divide the day into roughly 4 sessions, with plenty of opportunity for breaks in between. We work through your treatment plan, introduce key communication concepts, and get to work on you most important issues.
Day 2
We start by checking in on what feels left over from the previous day, then continue working through what we need to from your treatment plan. Together, we build a plan so you leave with concrete tools, strategies and a clear sense of your next steps as a couple.
After - Follow up session
One follow up session is included in the price. This is where we consolidate what you've learned, address what has come up since, and decide whether any ongoing support would help.
Fees
A Couples Marathon is one of the most meaningful things you can do for your relationship. The fee reflects the extensive preparation, the exclusivity of two full days together, and the years of training and experience that go into delivering this process well.
$4,500
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All-inclusive.
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Free initial phone consultation.
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Gottman Connect Relationship Checkup (both partners)
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Two full days of intensive Gottman therapy
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Therapist preparation and a tailored treatment plan
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Personalised resources and workbooks.
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One follow-up session (within 8 weeks)
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A $500 deposit is required to secure your dates. The remaining balance is due on Day 1. It's worth checking with your private health insurer, as some Extras Cover policies may offset a portion of the cost.
FAQ
How often do you run Couples Marathons?
I offer Couples Marathons once a month, on a Thursday and Friday from 8.30am to 4.30pm. Because places are limited, I'd encourage you to reach out early to lock in a date that suits you.
Where does the Marathon take place?
Sessions are held at Brisbane Couples Counselling, 108 Latrobe Terrace, Paddington.
Do we need to have done couples therapy before?
No. Many couples come to a Marathon having never done couples therapy at all. The pre-marathon assessment phase gives me
everything I need to understand your relationship before we begin, regardless of your therapy history.
Is a Marathon the same as a couples retreat?
The terms are often used interchangeably. Unlike residential retreat programs, this is a clinical therapy process held at my practice in Paddington. There's no accommodation component, as couples return home each evening, which allows space for reflection between the two days.
What if one of us is hesitant?
It's very common for one partner to be more ready than the other. If you'd like to have a conversation before committing, I offer an initial phone consultation so you can ask questions and get a sense of the process. A Marathon works best when both partners arrive with at least a willingness to try.