How Does a Three-Week Recovery Intensive Work?

When something needs to change, you may want time and structure to understand what is happening and make a plan. You may also wonder what an “intensive” actually involves.

At Therapy by Ben, the Facing the Shadow sexual recovery intensive takes place across three weeks, with preparation before the first week. Here is how the pieces fit together and what to ask before deciding whether it is right for you.

What does “three weeks” mean?

This format spreads focused sessions across three weeks. It is not a three-day retreat, a residential program, or continuous daily treatment. The work follows three themes: stabilization, orientation, and clarity.

The individual sessions are 90 minutes each. Couples sessions of 45 minutes may be part of the agreed plan when appropriate. We’ll review the exact schedule, included sessions, preparation, materials, and expected charges before you book.

Before the first week: preparation

Preparation may include the SDI 4.0 Sexual Addiction Assessment and the How We Love attachment-style questionnaire, as agreed in your care plan. These tools give us material to discuss. They do not establish a diagnosis on their own.

The Facing the Shadow approach, based on Patrick Carnes’s work, provides structured exercises for reflection and planning. Before purchasing materials, ask which edition to use and what you should complete in advance.

This is also the time to raise questions about privacy, scheduling, current therapy, or your partner’s possible involvement. You do not need to assume that every part of the format will fit your situation.

Week one: stabilization

The first week includes a 90-minute individual session, with a 45-minute couples session if applicable. The focus is on understanding what is happening now, limiting harm from behavior, and increasing awareness.

We can explore family-of-origin history and begin developing a three-circle plan. That plan helps organize a discussion of behavior, boundaries, and recovery goals. We’ll talk through what the categories mean for you rather than assuming everyone needs identical rules.

Week two: orientation

The second week includes a 90-minute individual Facing the Shadow session and, when appropriate, a 45-minute couples session. We review the SDI 4.0 and work on a three-part recovery plan.

The purpose is to turn information into practical direction. What patterns need attention? What support is available? What can you work on between sessions? The plan should be something you understand and can continue developing.

Week three: clarity

The third week includes another 90-minute individual Facing the Shadow session, with a 45-minute couples session when appropriate. We bring the work together, clarify priorities, and plan for continued care.

Completing the intensive does not mean that every concern will be resolved. The aim is to leave with clearer priorities and a plan for what comes next. No particular outcome is guaranteed.

What does it cost?

The published fee is $3,000 for the three-week Facing the Shadow intensive. Before booking, ask for the full schedule and a clear explanation of what the fee covers, including preparation, materials, and any couples sessions. We’ll also discuss whether follow-up care would involve separate charges.

The couples intensive is a separate offering with its own structure and fee. It should not be confused with the couples sessions that may accompany this three-week individual recovery format.

Who should consider this format?

That is something to discuss before booking. We’ll consider your goals, current stability, available support, and whether online intensive work is appropriate. Sessions are for eligible clients physically located in California.

If couples sessions are included, we’ll agree on each person’s role and the consent and confidentiality arrangements. These sessions are couples work; I do not offer standalone individual therapy for betrayed partners.

How does the work continue?

The first seven recovery tasks offer a framework we can revisit during and after the intensive. Ongoing individual therapy or a men’s recovery group may be options to discuss. An intensive does not replace every form of ongoing care.

If you would like to explore the format, request a free, 15-minute consultation and select Facing the Shadow intensive. We can start with your questions and consider the next step together.