Marriage Intensives · In Person & Online
Stop getting caught up.
Start breaking through.
Most couples spend their weekly sessions just getting back up to speed. Intensive therapy is different by design — longer, closely spaced sessions that create the time and continuity to work through issues in real time, rather than postponing the hard parts indefinitely.
At a glance
Two formats — one intensive process
Why an intensive?
Less room to dodge.
More time to work through.
Traditional therapy has a structural problem. One hour a week means you spend a significant portion of each session just getting caught up — and the real work keeps getting pushed to next time. Over time, sessions turn into weekly check-ins rather than actual change.
An intensive isn’t more of the same thing compressed. It’s a distinct process that operates differently — developing in a matter of hours rather than weeks or months.
“Life-changing turning points — ‘crucibles,’ a term coined by Dr. Schnarch — develop quicker when you have enough time and support to stay with the hard parts instead of postponing them.”
It requires more skill from the therapist. But for couples ready to buckle down and deal with long-avoided issues, it’s one of the most effective ways to make your effort count.
The advantages
Overall gains
What couples
actually develop.
Couples’ results vary — because their gains are largely determined by their own efforts. Changing your relationship requires talking things out and then doing things differently. If you’re willing to do that, an intensive can help you develop real, lasting change.
It will also help you change entrenched ways of relating — and become better grown-up: more resilient and adaptable inside your marriage and beyond it.
Who comes for help
A wide range of people — from across the country and around the world.
Some have read Passionate Marriage or listened to Sexy Marriage Radio and resonate with the approach. Others are recommended by therapists, clergy, or friends. Some are therapists themselves seeking treatment. What they share is a readiness to stop avoiding and start changing.
New to therapy or coaching
- Want to know they’re working with a seasoned professional
- Have never wanted to be in therapy — or doubted its value
- Ready to try something different after years of managing on their own
In therapy or coaching elsewhere
- Working with a local therapist and want to go deeper on specific issues
- Therapists or coaches seeking treatment for themselves
- Attended an SMR Getaway or workshop and want to continue growing
Navigating particular challenges
- Struggling with the aftermath of an extramarital affair
- Finding retirement brings previously-avoided issues to the surface
- Coping with chronic conflict that hasn’t responded to other approaches
Done with surface-level work
- Tired of “wounded child” or “whine & complain” approaches
- Want a therapist who can confront them when needed
- Want adult, straight-talking, “get to the point” treatment
- Want solutions — not endless rehashing of feelings
How it works
Two formats. One intensive process.
Choose the format that works for your situation — in-person in the DFW area, or online via Zoom from anywhere in the world. Both follow the same differentiation-based intensive approach.
DFW Office Intensive
This format is ideal for couples who want to jump-start their healing and growth in a focused, immersive environment. The physical presence and daily continuity creates momentum that’s difficult to replicate.
Virtual Intensive via Zoom
All you need is a webcam and decent internet access. Couples sit together in front of a computer — the process is the same as meeting face to face. Clients work with Dr. Allan from across the US and around the world.
Ready to buckle down?
Contact Dr. Allan directly to discuss which format is right for your situation and to schedule your intensive. Sessions available in-person in Allen, TX or via Zoom — worldwide.
If you live in Texas, services fall under a therapy relationship. Outside Texas, services are set up as a coaching relationship. Insurance typically does not cover intensive or coaching services — HSA funds may apply.