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Marathon Couples Therapy

Introduction to

Marathon Intensive Couples Therapy

“It is critical to remember that in all disagreements, both people are ‘right’. There is no absolute reality in marital conflict, only two subjective realities.” – Alex Szablya

Marathon Intensives with Alex Szablya provide an evidence-based approach for deepening partnerships, resolving challenges, and taking physical and emotional intimacy to the next level. Alex guides couples in moving beyond self-defeating patterns that prevent closeness, helping clients embrace communication, goodwill, and vulnerability in surprising new ways that inspire hope.

These transformative two-day workshops are not just for crisis management or a quick fix. They are a jumping-off point for couples to incorporate new tools, adopt positive strategies, and set up a baseline for continued therapy. They can be a jumping-off point for couples to incorporate new tools, adopt positive strategies, and set up a baseline for continued therapy. For some couples, a Marathon Intensive is enough. Others might repeat the protocol or begin weekly counseling, continuing to deepen their bond and elevate their communication skills through cumulative sessions.

Meet Alex Szablya in New Orleans

Philosophy & Approach

Alex is distinguished from many other couples counselors in that she emphasizes the positive when it comes to relationships: What is already working, the things each partner is doing right, and the ways in which the partnership can continue to deepen. This mindset is invaluable, as many clients come into couples counseling already filled with negativity, anxiety, and mistrust. Alex believes that love is a decision, and with new tools, partners can achieve the positive outcome they envision. ​

Alex works with all kinds of couples: Same-gendered, non-binary, polyamorous, and heteronormative. Her clients come from all over the world and have a wide variety of backgrounds. Whether they are dealing with issues of physical and emotional intimacy, are in turmoil due to crises or roadblocks, or are simply looking to take their partnership to the next level, Alex provides supportive guidance and encouragement, allowing clients to reimagine their bond, reigniting meaningful connections.

Accreditations

  • Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
  • Master’s in Psychology, Seattle University
  • B.A. in Psychology, University of Washington
  • Trained in The Gottman Method
  • Trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
  • Certified in Theme Centered Interaction: a holistic group paradigm based upon structure, process, & trust
  • Trained as a hospice volunteer
  • Humanistic therapist, educated within existential-phenomenological psychology

Alex’s rate across Marathon Intensives and weekly couples counseling is $300 per hour. Couples counseling is not usually covered by insurance, however Alex will provide a superbill if requested.

Your Complimentary 30-Minute Consultation

To get started with a Marathon Intensive or a Mini Marathon Intensive, you will first meet with Alex Szablya virtually to learn more about her evidence-based approach and the specific modalities she incorporates.

This unique 30-minute introduction is set apart by the following differentiators:

  • It is significantly longer and more in-depth than is customary, allowing clients ample space and time to express the root causes that bring them to counseling.
  • It occurs via live videoconferencing, allowing Alex to pick up on facial and body cues and form a more profound connection with clients.
  • It is entirely complimentary, requiring no upfront fees or commitment.

During your preliminary session, you and Alex may discuss:

  • The struggles and roadblocks that bring you into therapy
  • Your hopes, goals, concerns, and expectations
  • Alex’s credentials, background, and specialized skills
  • Former client success stories
  • Scheduling, pricing, and logistics
Happy couple smiling at each other in warm sunlight outdoors, wearing cozy sweaters in intimate moment - In Los Angeles, CA

What Is Marathon Couples Therapy?

Alex Szablya helps couples strengthen their bonds and discover a new toolkit that can increase intimacy, connection, and love. She relies on data-driven therapeutic models to enhance healthy communication, resolve longstanding conflicts, and restore a fulfilling, nurturing partnership. Two-day Marathon Intensives and Mini Marathon Intensives are held in New Orleans, Seattle, New York, Boston, and Los Angeles for your convenience.

Some of the strategies Alex employs in her work include:

Based on the work of Sue Johnson, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) helps couples relearn tenderness, compassion, and commitment. Its goal is to assist partners in breaking out of destructive, cyclical conflicts, rediscovering vulnerability, and learning to express hidden emotions.

Introducing New Tools, Skills, and Concepts

During Marathon Intensives, Alex will introduce a variety of new tools, skills, and concepts to clients, including the following:

Building Goodwill

Also known as the Emotional Bank account exercise, building goodwill in your partnership can go a long way toward establishing the harmonious bond you seek. Partners will learn to incorporate gestures, both verbal and nonverbal, that accentuate fondness, trust, and closeness. This can be achieved by:

  • Speaking your partner’s love language daily
  • Noticing what your partner is doing well and commenting on it
  • Expressing kindness, gentleness, and appreciation
  • Smiling at your sweetheart
  • Practicing deep listening
  • Offering help and assistance
  • Scheduling alone time with your significant other

Embracing Subjective Realities

This is a concept derived from the Masters of Marriage work in John Gottman’s research. The Masters speak to each other with an attitude that their partner’s point of view is valid, that it makes sense, even when very different from their own. They are able to offer ideas or solutions that encompass both their point of view and their partner’s.  

Incorporating the Student-Teacher Model

Through this lens, you are both your partner’s teacher and student.  A ‘good’ teacher instructs via encouragement. This means noticing what your spouse does well and communicating that. A ‘good’ teacher points out what isn’t working well gently, blending constructive criticism with positive statements, and asking for positive needs. A ‘good’ student absorbs his/her partner’s subjective reality as real for the other person. A ‘good’ student also listens deeply and offers what he/she can in the direction of his/her spouse’s needs. 

Imagining a Bullseye

During sessions, Alex will have partners imagine a bullseye, with various concentric circles radiating outward. The innermost sanctum is reserved for the significant other, while friends, children, family members, and professional relationships can be placed in their appropriate outer circles. This helps partners to begin to prioritize and validate their bond as their primary focus and elevate the sacredness of their union.

Viewing Love As a Decision

When you choose Alex for coaching therapy to help rebuild connection, you are already making a decision in the right direction. You always have the choice to turn towards each other, turn away from each other, or turn against each other. Alex supports clients to choose each other over and over, embracing a positive approach to the relationship that supports goodwill, investment, and hope.

What Are the Benefits of Marathon Intensives?

Marathon Intensives provide an in-depth counseling format spanning two consecutive days. Clients experience deep, uninterrupted time to process past experiences, break free from recurring conflicts, and learn new communication skills grounded in authenticity and vulnerability. Months of conventional progress can be made in 48 hours. 

Advantages of Marathon Intensives with Alex Szablya include:

  • Expedited progress without rushing
  • A safe space for de-escalation
  • Immediate, expert support and guidance in navigating infidelity or financial issues
  • Greater momentum in getting to the heart of problems, with fewer distractions
  • Ideal for partners with childcare constraints or those in remote areas

Who Are the Best Candidates for Marathon Intensives?

Marathon Intensives are recommended for couples who:

  • Want to dive in and make lasting, positive changes in their partnership
  • Are unsure of the path forward
  • Feel stuck in self-defeating patterns
  • Have defaulted to being “roommates” and don’t know how to achieve the closeness they used to have
  • Want more rapid, meaningful results than are often possible with weekly sessions
Alex Szablya MA, LMHC in beige outfit sitting on leather chair in modern illuminated interior space - In Los Angeles, CA

What to Expect on the Day of Your Marathon Intensive

Marathon Intensives usually run for two consecutive days. Mini Marathon Intensives last 4-8 hours. The process involves:

  • Assessment: You will complete detailed questionnaires and preliminary sessions, allowing Alex Szablya to gather key moments in your relationship journey.
  • Individual Sessions: Alex Szablya will spend one-on-one time with partners to discuss each client’s background, patterns, and concerns.
  • Joint Sessions: Alex will help couples embrace goodwill, grasp the concept of subjective realities, practice conflict resolution, and rebuild emotional intimacy.

How Much Do Marathon Intensives Cost?

Rates for Marathon Intensives and other services are $300 per hour for couples and $250 per session for individuals. Alex can discuss pricing with you in detail during your introductory call.

Why Choose Alex Szablya?

Alex Szablya helps couples experience a paradigm shift in trust, communication, bonding, and togetherness. To aid in deepening your partnership, Alex provides a transformative intervention that relies on data-driven methods. She works with trusted therapeutic models, such as Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Relational Therapy, and the Gottman Method.

Alex’s Marathon Intensives are highly concentrated two-day formats. They allow couples to get to the root causes of their issues and re-establish the foundation of their relationships. Through the work, partners experience exponential realignment, with more rapid and meaningful results than are typically possible in weekly visits.

Couples from all over the globe seek out Alex Szablya, including those from Asia, Europe, Africa, and North America. She works with clients in technology, academia, finance, or other sectors, providing priceless insights that help partnerships get back on track. Marathon Intensives are offered in New Orleans, Seattle, New York, Boston, and Los Angeles.

Marathon Intensive FAQs

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Book a Consultation

To get started with Marathon Intensives in New Orleans and beyond, reach out to Alex Szablya’s friendly team today to schedule an informative and empowering introductory conversation. This videoconferencing call is complimentary and does not involve any obligation, commitment, or pressure. Alex Szablya is an experienced couples coach who can help love between partners blossom and flourish. Call today to embark on a path to inspired intimacy, connection, and closeness.

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