Book a Consult

For the Love of Your Life

Thoughtful therapy for stronger relationships.

No matter what state your relationship is in, carving a path toward a more loving, resilient and harmonious relationship is possible. And I know how to help you.

Elderly couple relaxing on couch at home in warm, cozy living room with ambient lighting - In Los Angeles, CA

Alex Szablya understands what makes relationships thrive and flourish. A couples counselor with over 13 years of clinical practice, Alex has trained with some of the top experts in the field of couples counseling and has advanced training in The Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Relational Life Therapy. With Marathon Intensives, Alex helps relationships become stronger, more resilient, and more joyful, guiding couples onto a positive path of a thriving, harmonious and resilient relationship.

About

Therapy & Coaching

Marathon Couple's Therapy

Young man in therapy session with counselor while woman sits in background during group counseling - Marathon in Los Angeles, CA

What a Marathon Intensive Looks Like

On the first morning, the three of us meet together. During this time, Alex gathers additional information about your history as a couple. Alex examines the overall direction—or “arc”—of your story, and identifies strengths that once existed but have faded, along with the strengths that are still present. These strengths become the foundation we use during the two days.

After the group meeting, she speaks with each of you privately to learn more about your family backgrounds and how they shaped your beliefs and emotional patterns. Then the three of you come together again. At that point, Alex shares her assessment of your relationship—how you arrived where you are now, what your current strengths and challenges look like, and a plan for moving toward your goals.

Happy couple smiling outdoors at sunset by the water in casual white clothing - Marathon in Los Angeles, CA

Day 1 Afternoon and Day 2

The remainder of the first day, and all of the following day, is focused on working toward those intentions.

Throughout the process, you will learn concepts and tools you can use as a couple long after therapy ends. These skills apply regardless of the specific issue or topic, and they help you connect more deeply, communicate more effectively, and handle conflict with greater skill.

A few days after your Marathon session ends, you will receive a written summary of the work completed, typically 4-6 pages. This summary explains every concept and process you’ve learned, in detail. It also includes recommendations for each of you, including what you may focus on to stabilize the changes you made during your Marathon Intensive.

whats-next-3-homepage

What's Next?

For some couples, a single two-day Marathon Intensive serves to move them to where they wish to be. For others, Alex schedules follow-up sessions. With follow-up meetings, she schedules enough time to dive in to whatever needs to be addressed. As with the two-day Marathon Intensive, you pay for the timed utilized, not the time booked.

Alex Szablya MA, LMHC with short gray hair and glasses smiling while seated in modern office setting - In Los Angeles, CA

Weekly Therapy

Weekly therapy sessions are two hours long and take place virtually.

They are scheduled for the same time each week, though accommodations may be made when schedules change.

Alex’s approach creates an organic endpoint to your weekly sessions, rather than having a hard stop time. For example, couples are afforded the time they need to complete important conversations, whether they are discussing a conflict that requires resolution or they are achieving a meaningful ‘breakthrough.’ In these cases you may not use all two hours; and as with Marathon Intensives, you pay only for time in session.

Weekly Therapy

Consistent Support

Alex provides a safe, supportive environment where couples can take the risk to be more vulnerable, open, and honest.

Communication

Couples learn the value of communicating with their significant other in ways that prioritize goodwill, respect, and affection.

Deeper Connection

Through Alex’s Marathon Intensives and Weekly Couples Therapy, couples experience a deeper bond and more meaingful, rewarding connection.

Lasting Skills

With Alex’s help, couples take away lasting tools and skills that allow their partnership to flourish, grow, and evolve.

Alex’s Approach

The Therapeutic Approaches Alex Uses

Emotionally Focused Therapy

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) provides skills to help individuals explore the complexities of modern relationships and relearn tenderness, compassion, and perseverance.

Emotionally Focused Therapy

Gottman Method

The Gottman Method relies on research-based interventions to help couples experience greater joy, peace, and connection in their relationship and overcome barriers to closeness.

Gottman Method

Relational Therapy

Relational Life Therapy (RLT) is a progressive approach to couples therapy that guides couples on a path to creating the lifelong, fulfilling partnership you deserve.

Relational Therapy

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Alex Szablya, MA, LMHC

Alex Szablya MA, LMHC in white ruffled blouse working at illuminated desk in modern office with plants and warm lighting - Counselor in Los Angeles, CA Marathon Couples Primer Play Therapy Video

An experienced counselor offering both long and short-term therapy.

Since childhood, Alex aspired to be a psychologist. She achieved her dream when she graduated from Seattle University with a Master’s in Psychology and opened her solo practice. Through Marathon Intensives and weekly couples therapy, Alex focuses on helping couples resolve underlying conflicts so they can enjoy deeper connection and increased empathy, goodwill, and understanding.

Meet Alex

Fly in for Therapy

Travel Clients

Out of Town
travel home

New Orleans is a vibrant, multicultural metropolis known for its iconic architecture, delectable cuisine, and lively music and nightlife scene. Couples visiting Alex Szabyla can expect an unforgettable adventure when traveling to the “Big Easy!”

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Book a Consultation

Book Now