Boulder Couples Therapist Offers Intensive Couples Therapy to Heal Chronic Marital Issues

BOULDER, Colo., Oct. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Couples therapy is often the last resort for marriages on the brink of divorce. Traditionally, couples meet weekly with their therapist for a 50 minute or 90 minute session, but this limited time frame has definite drawbacks. Tara Galeano, a Boulder psychotherapist who specializes in relationships, has solved the issue by changing the format of couples work in her practice.

Says Galeano, "It takes time to relax enough to be able to share with your therapist and your partner. Then it seems that just as you are able to start opening up, the session is over. I am really impressed with the efficacy of the couples intensive. It offers immediate relief to my clients and also gives them a way to move forward in their relationship as they resolve issues that have been real stumbling blocks for them."

Intensive couples work isn't for everyone. Those who choose this method are most often those who have been together a decade or more and are highly motivated to improve their relationship; many have been to other therapists and weren't able to reach the desired level of intimacy or they may simply not have the time to devote to weekly sessions. Notes Galeano, "Couples willing to do intensive work often have an independent nature or are in a non-traditional type of relationship. Regardless, they are ready for some major changes; they are ready to go to the next level."

Intensive couples work begins with a free, 15-minute telephone conversation with Galeano. "I like to give prospective clients the chance to decide if my method of working will fit their needs. I can also begin to get a sense of what their problems are." If, after this conversation, the couple wishes to pursue weekly sessions, Galeano provides them with referrals. Those wishing to contact Galeano can do so at 303-544-1400 or online at www.bouldersextherapy.com.

Galeano then schedules a two-hour introductory session, in which couples share their stories, both individually and together, and work out a schedule for the three-day intensive, whether that is two hours a day or more, up to six hours per day. "The introductory session gives clients an idea of how short two hours can be when there is a lot to say," she explains. She also teaches clients the tension-releasing exercises they will use in coming sessions. Galeano says, "These exercises give my clients a way to find release and relaxation while we work. It helps both partners stay open and available to me and to each other during the intensive."

About a week later, Galeano's clients return for the intensive therapy session, which is held over the course of three days. "The time is broken up as my clients need; for example, we might work for three hours in the morning and reconvene in the afternoon after they have a chance to get lunch or go for a walk." The most important aspect of the sessions is the time allotted for deep communication.

"Dedicating three days to this work is really helpful for healing deep issues. Partners have time to relax with each other and with me, time to explore and deepen their experience of sharing and communication, and time to practice using their communication tools. Couples can work on chronic issues that otherwise would produce a stalemate or a fight, because they are able to relax into the process. They have plenty of time and a safe place to be open with each other and to connect in a much deeper way." Couples come back to Galeano for a follow-up session in four to six weeks.

Galeano notes, "I am a big proponent of staying in relationship, but sometimes that doesn't happen. It is really gratifying to see that even couples who ultimately separate seem to be able to do so in an amicable way. If children are involved, they are able to co-parent effectively and lovingly without the bitterness and anger that mars so many divided families."

About Tara Galeano

Tara Galeano holds a Master's degree in Psychology from Naropa University and has over a decade of experience in private practice. She worked for four years at the University of Colorado at Boulder's Counseling & Psychological Services and has taught at Naropa University, The University of Colorado at Boulder, and The Colorado School for Family Therapy. She is now a psychotherapist in private practice, where she also continues to serve her clients as an educator and a facilitator.

Ms. Galeano's work brings healing as she helps people understand what divides them by inviting them into dialogue. Her work incorporates individual, couples, and group therapy.

SOURCE Tara Galeano