Intensive couples therapy
for the couples who've tried, and still feel stuck
The distance between you doesn't mean it's over. A lot of the time, it means something underneath hasn't been reached yet. That's what we work on together.
Shane Birkel, LMFT · Intensive Couples Therapy
The 4C's Framework
The methodology behind everything I teach is the same: Consciousness, Curiosity, Compassion and Connection. It's a way of thinking about what's keeping a couple stuck, what's underneath the dynamic, and how to create space for something to shift in the room.
Ep. 280: "The 4 C's in Relationships"
01
Consciousness
02
Curiosity
03
Compassion
04
Connection
The Relationship Reset
Intensive Couples Therapy
Rather than 50-minute weekly sessions, we work together over a full day, staying in it long enough for something to actually shift. The extended time creates space for your nervous systems to settle, for things to go deeper, and for you to leave with a clearer sense of what's been driving the cycle and where to go from here.
What changes for you
You stop having the same conversation. You understand what's driving the cycle, not just the surface-level triggers, and you leave with a clear path forward that you both believe in.
The Intensive
1 day, in-person
A full day of deep work on the patterns and conditioning driving the disconnect.
2 Follow-Up Sessions
100 minutes each, 2-3 weeks later
Checking in on what's shifted, addressing what's come up, and clarifying next steps.
Limited availability
$5,000
per couple
A good fit if you've tried therapy and hit a wall, one of you has pulled inward while the other is exhausted from trying to bridge the gap, or you're both ready to understand what's actually driving the cycle.
Why work with Shane.
I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, a husband and a dad, and someone who's still doing his own work. I've been sitting with couples for 14 years. I come in to listen first, then I bring a framework that helps us understand what's driving the cycle and what it takes to change it.
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Selling the Couch
Questions couples ask
What does a full day actually look like?
We ease in, build as the day goes on, and slow down toward the end. The pacing is intentional. There's room for things to settle, for both of you to feel heard, and for us to stay with what matters rather than rushing past it. It's a long day, but people consistently say it didn't feel overwhelming.
What happens after the intensive?
Two follow-up sessions, 100 minutes each, about two to three weeks after the intensive. These are for checking in on what's shifted, working through anything that's come up, and making sure you have what you need going forward.
What if my partner doesn't want to come?
This is one of the most common situations I hear about. Sometimes the partner who's most hesitant ends up finding it the most meaningful. The discovery call is a good place to talk through where things stand and whether the timing makes sense.
Is this appropriate if we're considering divorce?
Yes. It can be hard to know whether to put energy into the relationship or to start moving in a different direction. Having support through that can give you both more clarity about what the next steps are, whatever those turn out to be.
Is this covered by insurance?
Intensives are typically not covered by insurance. Payment plan options are available. We can talk through that on the discovery call.
How do I know if we're a good fit?
The discovery call is the right place to figure that out. It's a 30-minute conversation. No commitment, no pressure. I'll ask about what's been going on, you can ask me anything, and we'll both get a sense of whether this makes sense for where you are right now.
Ready when you are
"The experience was transformational. We're already handling difficult moments with more honesty, care, and kindness toward each other."
— Couple Client