What is the difference between the workshop and therapy?
The GTLYW workshop is an intensive (though fun) workshop which takes up most of one full weekend. It is often considered equivalent to 3-6 months of regular couples’ therapy. Couples learn new and effective communication tools, and discover at a deeper level why conflict and disconnect occur and what to do about it. During this workshop we do not spend time with each couple helping them to navigate the uniqueness of their situation.

 

The amount of information shared in the workshop cannot easily be offered in private therapy. In addition there is a profound positive impact which occurs through meeting other couples and understanding the universality of the challenges of being in a committed partnership.

 

Couples’ therapy can precede the workshop, come after the workshop (or neither or both). IMAGO therapy allows a couple to work privately with a certified IMAGO therapist in order to deepen their understanding of their unique dynamic and relationship. The therapist acts as a facilitator to support the couple in meaningful dialogue to ‘unpack’ their stories, and increase their compassion, understanding and empathy for one another. Typically couples therapy occurs over a period of time…weeks, months and sometimes even years.

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Will we have to share what is private about our relationship?
The workshop is not a group therapy experience. While there is lots of evidence to support the value of group work, sharing of intimate information is not required. You will have the opportunity to share how you met, along with some of the positives about your connection. Participants regularly note that while they were anxious in anticipation of a ‘group’ experience, the value of learning alongside others far outweighed these concerns.

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Why is there a different or separate workshop for same sex partners? Or those who identify as non-binary?
All couples, regardless of orientation, identity, and relationship partner, feel welcome at our workshops. Over the years, we have heard from couples that feel their same sex relationships have unique nuances that often are not recognized at other workshops. 

My partner is very reluctant to attend the GTLYW workshop with me, do you have any suggestions regarding how to encourage them?
We recognize that there is often one partner who is more keen than the other. We also know that as long as one person in a relationship is experiencing challenges, these need to be addressed. Often the reluctance to attend a workshop has to do with worry about privacy, and the anxiety about being in a ‘group’ setting. You will not have to share any of your relationship details in this workshop.

 

This is a confidential and safe setting. Consider conveying to your partner that you have their back, that you won’t reveal anything that they do not want you to and that you will work privately in your own ‘coupleship’ unless, together, you agree that you do want to share something. Learning in a group setting is one of the most powerful ways to grow. It is wonderful to note the way in which the shared experience of participating in a group workshop helps others to feel ‘normal’ in their struggles, worries, patterns of behaviour etc…

 

How long before I will see a difference in my relationship?

The healing process is just that, a process. There won’t come a time that you and your partner reach a sign that says, “Welcome to healthy and mature love!” where you’ll high five and consider yourselves the perfect couple. The journey is sometimes long; you’ll miss a few exits along the way and pass the same scenery more than once. All of that being said, it’s a beautiful trip and you’ll feel a change as soon as you commit to it. Although many couples leave the first session with a renewed sense of hope for their relationship, we ask that you stay in the Imago process for at least 12 sessions to experience all of the benefits.

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Are your sessions covered by my insurance?​

The short answer is no. The longer answer is below.

Commercial insurance is very unclear when it comes to couple’s counseling. In order to be reimbursed, a therapist must diagnose a client with a mental disorder and report that to the insurance company. They also retain the right to access all of your records. This may be fine in individual therapy, but in couple’s counseling, it becomes ethically murky. If you’d like to talk more about this, please let me know.

Call your health insurance company and ask about your out-of-network coverage. Often insurance companies will reimburse members for their sessions. You will pay me, I will provide you with a statement/invoice. You will be responsible for requesting reimbursement from your insurance company. We do accept Health Savings Cards.

What is your cancellation policy

Life happens and sometimes you need to reschedule. If you are able to give 24 hours' notice you will not be charged, however, if you cancel without 24 hours' notice or you are a no-show you will be charged for the full amount of your session.

What if I am late?

Sometimes we are late, it happens to all of us. Sessions are scheduled for 60, 75, and 90 minutes. If you are late to an appointment we will still have to end the session at the allotted time.

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Do you offer payment plans?

We understand that sometimes a budget can be tight, we can work with you and your financial situation. Schedule a call and we can discuss some options.