Intensive therapy for couples+
Relationship therapy can be offered in different ways, including in an intensive format which involves longer or more frequent sessions. The evidence base shows that this format is comparable to traditional weekly or fortnightly sessions, and may even lead to quicker results and improved outcomes due to the condensed timeframe.
Couples+ who prefer an immersive format may be hoping to navigate communication sooner rather than later, hit reset on conflict patterns and cycles, engage in deep healing together, address trust breaks or immediate challenges and changes in a timely manner to protect their connection, hold ample space for exploration of new relationship structures, or simply dive into therapy by allowing more time to express the nuances of what they’re going through and have been through so that they can move towards collaborating on the next steps.
Meet Dr Melanie Schuijers…
Hi, my name is Melanie. I’m a registered clinical psychologist and the founder of Luma Room. I have she/her pronouns. I completed a Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) and am a member of the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (AAPi).
I enjoy working with couples+ in an intensive way, focusing not only on take-home strategies but also on deep healing together.
Typically I’m based in Brunswick, Victoria on Wurunjderi country where I work with individual clients and couples+, however I also step out of the therapy room and into our natural environments, which I find can be a meaningful setting for therapeutic work for those also interested in eco-therapy.
My practice is LGBTQIA+ friendly and I welcome all cultural backgrounds and relationship structures. As a therapist, I aim to tailor therapy specifically to you, taking a person-cented approach, and am always guided by your values and preferences. I believe that wellbeing is multi-faceted, and holistically take into account the nuances of each connection, including individual, contextual, and intergenerational dynamics and legacies. I am non-pathologising, trauma-informed, kink friendly, committed to decolonising practice, guided by attachment theory, polyvagal theory, mindfulness, compassion, somatic approaches, parts work, and am dedicated to warm, non-judgemental, considered care.
Relationship therapy intensive structure
There are a number of ways to engage in relationship therapy, and sessions can be tailored to you. The structure of our therapy intensives usually involves 3 x 3 hour blocks. Prior to your intensive, we will orient to any goals you might have and make a plan, then dive into your sessions. You will each recieve a care package, including a notebook and other items chosen to nourish and support you through your intensive.