Psychologist Dr. Angela Bisignano offers Intensive Couples Therapy at her office in Palos Verdes Estates and via telehealth. Intensive Couples Therapy (ICT) is a type of therapy that is concentrated and short-term. It generally involves meeting for 3 consecutive days. The schedule of each therapy day may vary. A typical schedule includes the assessment process and meeting for 4 hours per day. Some couples find that the assessment process and four days of 2-hours of therapy work best for their schedules. Dr. Bisignano will discuss options that best fit your needs.

Intensive Couples Therapy is ideal for couples who want to get a jump start on their relationship issues or have more immediate issues to process and work through. ICT is also ideal for couples who are busy with careers and desire uninterrupted quality time to address their particular relationship issues.

Intensive Couples Therapy has demonstrated to have lasting benefits for couples. It can lead to a reduction of distress and increase healing of past hurts. ICT can deepen understanding and trust, strengthening friendship. It can lead to better ways of communicating, breaking unhealthy dynamics and patterns. This type of therapy also provides an atmosphere for exploring dreams and life purpose.

One significant outcome of ICT is the ability to create more emotionally-connected relationships. Often, this leads to an increase in physical intimacy. In some instances, ICT has moved couples from conversations about ending their relationship to recommitting to it in new ways. Issues may include communication, unresolved conflicts, intimacy, family, or career challenges.

What is Included in Intensive Couples Therapy

• Private couple’s therapy with Dr. Bisignano
• One couple’s interview with you and your partner, this includes the Gottman Oral History Inventory.
• Two individual interviews, one with you and one with your partner
• A confidential and comprehensive Relationship Assessment taken online, scored and analyzed
• Feedback session with a detailed understanding of your strengths and areas of vulnerabilities
• A tailored ICT treatment plan for your relationship
• Research-based skills, strategies and tools taught and provided during ICT
• Follow up coordination of care by your home locale therapist & Dr. Bisignano if needed
• One follow up resource call from Dr. Bisignano

Dr. Bisignano specializes in couples’ therapy. Approximately 80% of Dr. Bisignano’s practice is comprised of couple and relationship related issues. She is a certified therapist in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, an evidenced-based and scientific treatment method. Her therapeutic approach to couples’ therapy is also informed by Attachment Theory and Interpersonal Neurobiology.

Other Considerations

ICT can move rather quickly and move into challenging areas. Some individuals may experience uncomfortable feelings. Therapy may also involve recalling difficult aspects of your history together and/or individually.

Therapy, as with couples’ therapy in general has limitations and may be unadvisable in the following situations. Should you have any questions, please contact Dr. Bisignano for clarification about whether the ICT method is suitable for your relationship. These issues are:

• Active alcohol and/or drug addiction on the part of either or both partners, from either partner’s perspective
• Serious violence or threats in your relationship, by one or both partners
• If either partner currently has an untreated major mental illness (eg., schizophrenia, recurrent psychotic depression, or bipolar/manic-depressive illness.)
• Undisclosed current affair that you are not willing to disclose
• Ether partner is currently experiencing suicidal or homicidal thoughts, or has a history of serious harm inflicted on him/herself or another person

Following ICT, Dr. Bisignano may recommend couples’ and/or individual therapy in your home community. One half-day tune up with Dr. Bisignano may also be recommended. In some cases, coordination between your home locale therapist and Dr. Bisignano may be advisable. If this occurs, Dr. Bisignano will have you both sign a release of information form to allow for this exchange.

Payment Terms & Conditions

Intensive Couples Therapy is a mutual commitment, for you and for Dr. Bisignano. She sets aside a block of time for only your relationship. You and your partner both commit to the therapeutic process, as Dr. Bisignano commits to helping you. For this reason, scheduling ICT requires a 50% non-refundable deposit at the time of scheduling. The remaining balance is due the first day of your scheduled appointment.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations can be made up to 30 days prior to your scheduled appointment with a $500 cancellation fee. Deposits are non-refundable within 30 days. Your session can be rescheduled one time. However, the new date must be within 3 months of your original date.

Fee for Intensive Couples Therapy

• Therapy Costs – Call Dr. Bisignano’s office for current pricing.
• Dr. Bisignano offers a complimentary 20-minute phone consultation to see if Intensive Couples Therapy is right for you.

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