Author: SCCS

Increasing Psychological & Emotional Climate Change Readiness in Families

SCCS

Life has always been full of transitions—marriage, parenthood, career shifts, retirement. But today, we’re navigating these milestones in an era shaped by climate change. It’s no longer a distant threat; it’s an everyday reality. Rising costs, extreme weather, and environmental loss are not just shaping policies and economies—they’re reshaping the fabric of our personal lives and relationships.

For couples and families, these challenges add layers of stress, uncertainty, and even grief. But just as love has carried generations through wars, recessions, and personal hardships, it can also be the foundation for resilience in a rapidly changing world. The way we face these challenges—whether preparing for climate disruption, financial instability, or major life transitions—can mean the difference between strain and strength.

1. Facing the Unknown as a Team

The unpredictability of climate change mirrors the uncertainty of life’s other major shifts, like retirement, career changes, or raising children in an unstable world. When the future feels shaky, strong relationships thrive on trust and teamwork:

Talk about fears before they turn into tensions. Address anxieties openly, from financial concerns to future living situations. For families, this means making space for kids’ concerns too.

Reframe uncertainty as an adventure. Instead of fearing what’s next, see it as an opportunity to build resilience together.

Support over solutions. Not every problem has a fix, but being present for each other matters more than having all the answers.

2. Financial Planning for an Uncertain Future

Whether preparing for climate-related disruptions, retirement, or securing the next generation’s future, financial stability is a cornerstone of security. Couples and families can strengthen their resilience by:

Assessing long-term risks. How might climate change affect housing values, insurance costs, or job stability? What about college savings or caregiving responsibilities?

Building an emergency fund. Not just for surprise expenses but specifically for climate-related disruptions or relocations.

Aligning values with spending. Where you invest your time and money matters—whether that means downsizing, relocating, or choosing sustainable financial strategies that prepare your family for the long haul.

3. Coping with the Emotional Toll

Change—whether environmental, financial, or personal—brings grief. The loss of familiar places, the unpredictability of natural disasters, or even adjusting to new phases of life can create anxiety and burnout.

Couples and families can navigate this together by:

Practicing mindfulness as a unit. Whether it’s nature walks, grounding exercises, or cultural traditions, shared rituals bring steadiness. This is especially important for children who need consistency in uncertain times.

Turning toward, not away. Stress tempts us to withdraw, but relationships thrive when we consciously reach for each other. Parents can model emotional resilience by showing kids it’s okay to talk about their worries.

Seeking outside support. Therapy, coaching, or even community groups can offer strategies and reassurance when needed. Family-based counseling can also help strengthen coping skills for all ages.

4. Strength in Community

Isolation makes uncertainty harder to bear. Resilient families and couples don’t just rely on each other—they build strong networks of support:

Engage in local resilience efforts. From climate advocacy to community preparedness, involvement fosters both security and connection.

Strengthen relationships with family and friends. Your circle is your safety net in times of crisis or transition. Grandparents, extended family, and chosen family all play a role in collective resilience.

Live out your values together. Whether reducing waste, supporting sustainable businesses, or growing a garden, shared efforts reinforce a sense of purpose—especially for children learning to navigate their future.

5. Preparing for What Comes Next

From emergency preparedness to long-term planning, families and couples thrive when they approach the future with intention:

Develop a shared adaptation plan. Where would you go if you needed to relocate? Who would be your support system? How will you communicate in an emergency?

Create rituals of resilience. Regular family discussions, joint projects, and even humor can make challenges feel manageable.

Celebrate small wins. Recognizing adaptability and teamwork boosts confidence in your ability to handle what’s ahead.

Final Thoughts

The world is changing, but love—when nurtured—remains steady. Whether preparing for climate impacts or navigating life’s next chapter, the key is resilience, intention, and connection.

Interested in learning more? Greater Good Magazine recently published an article that delves into some of the research: Is Climate Change Hurting Our Relationships?

AI Disclaimer: My content often includes insights, suggestions, or drafts generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence. All final decisions, edits, and interpretations are mine, ensuring accuracy, authenticity, and alignment with my professional expertise. Any advice or insights should be considered alongside personal discretion and professional consultation where applicable.

Disaster Management for Families: Supporting Each Other After a Disaster

SCCS

Support after the Salt Lake Fireworks Incident

The recent tragedy in Salt Lake has left many families grieving, shaken, and searching for ways to move forward. As we process this heartbreaking incident, FEMA’s five mission areas—Prevention, Protection, Mitigation, Response, and Recovery—can offer a compassionate framework for supporting loved ones, addressing trauma, and beginning the journey toward healing.

1. Prevention

Goal: Learn from the past to prevent future tragedies.

Scenario for Impacted Families:

Families gather to discuss the risks of illegal fireworks and create plans for safer celebrations in the future. This might include prioritizing legal firework shows or non-firework alternatives for celebrating holidays.

Tips for Families:

  • Have honest conversations about safety risks and how to avoid similar situations.

  • Create an emergency plan for your family that includes contact lists and meeting points.

Reminder: Prevention isn’t about blame; it’s about honoring the lives lost by creating safer spaces for everyone.

2. Protection

Goal: Safeguard emotional and physical well-being during this vulnerable time.

Scenario for Impacted Families:

Families provide emotional protection for one another by listening without judgment, offering physical comfort, and creating safe spaces to process grief.

Tips for Families:

  • Limit exposure to graphic news reports or distressing details.

  • Support each other by acknowledging feelings, whether they’re anger, sorrow, or fear.

3. Mitigation

Goal: Reduce the impact of the trauma and its long-term effects.

Scenario for Impacted Families:

A family connects with grief counselors and community resources to process the event and minimize its emotional toll on children and adults.

Tips for Families:

  • Seek professional support from counselors or spiritual leaders to navigate grief.

  • Establish routines to provide a sense of stability and security.

4. Response

Goal: Take immediate action to address the needs of impacted family members.

Scenario for Impacted Families:

In the wake of the tragedy, a family prioritizes basic needs like shelter, food, and emotional reassurance. They also coordinate with community organizations for additional support.

Tips for Families:

  • Lean on local services like the Red Cross, community centers, or faith groups.

  • Offer mutual aid by checking in on neighbors or others impacted by the tragedy.

5. Recovery

Goal: Begin the journey toward healing and rebuilding.

Scenario for Impacted Families:

Families come together to honor the memories of those lost, whether through creating a memorial, attending support groups, or finding ways to rebuild their lives with renewed purpose.

Tips for Families:

  • Give yourself and others permission to grieve at their own pace.

  • Rebuild through small steps, such as returning to meaningful routines or engaging in acts of kindness.

Key Takeaways for Families

  1. Talk openly about safety concerns moving forward.

  2. Hold space for each other’s grief without trying to fix it.

  3. Seek out resources for both emotional and practical support.

  4. Find meaning in small, daily actions that promote healing.

Resources for Impacted Families

  • National Crisis Hotline: Dial 988 for immediate mental health support.

  • Hawai’i State Helpline: Call 211 for community services and referrals.

  • Kids Hurt Too Hawai‘i: Provides specialized grief and trauma support for children. Visit kidshurttoo.org.

  • Hawai’i Red Cross: Contact for disaster relief and recovery support at redcross.org/local/hawa….

  • Second City Counseling Services: hi-sccs.com – Please email amanda@hisccs.com if you are impacted by the recent fireworks incident. We have limited pro bono appointments for support.

Reminder: Tragedies like this are devastating, but by leaning on each other and the community, families can find their way forward, together.

Sharing the Load: A One Health Approach for Couples

SCCS

Looking at change through the WHO’s One Health Model

The World Health Organization’s One Health model recognizes that the health of humans, animals, and the environment are deeply interconnected. While this approach is often applied to global health challenges, its principles can provide a unique and powerful framework for relationships. By integrating One Health into your partnership, you and your partner can foster a holistic, resilient connection that supports your wellbeing and the world around you.

Let’s explore what sharing the load might look like through the lens of One Health:

1. Human Health: Prioritizing Physical and Mental Wellness

Your health—both physical and emotional—is the foundation of a thriving relationship.

  • Example: Take turns cooking nutritious meals or exercising together to keep each other strong and energized.

  • Try This: Support each other’s health. Listen without judgment and encouraging self-care, such as getting annual exams, scheduling therapy, and prioritizing mindfulness practices.

2. Animal Health: Building Connections with Companion and Wild Animals

Animals bring joy, companionship, and a sense of responsibility to our lives.

  • Example: Share responsibilities for pet care, such as feeding, walking, and vet visits. One partner might take the morning shift while the other handles evenings.

  • Try This: Schedule regular veterinarian appointments for your furry family. Volunteer together at a local animal shelter or wildlife conservation event to connect over shared values and purpose.

3. Environmental Health: Creating a Sustainable and Nurturing Space

Your surroundings influence your relationship dynamics and overall wellbeing.

  • Example: Divide tasks to maintain a clean, organized, and eco-friendly home. One partner might handle recycling while the other takes on composting.

  • Try This: Set shared sustainability goals, like reducing single-use plastics, starting a compost bin, and planting pollinator-friendly gardens.

Why the One Health Model Matters for Couples

Applying the One Health model to your relationship underscores the interconnectedness of your individual wellbeing, your shared responsibilities, and your impact on the world. Sharing the load across these areas is about working as a team to create balance, build trust, and foster a deeper connection.

When you care for your health, your environment, and the creatures you share it with, you’re not just improving your partnership—you’re contributing to something much larger.

Ideas for Couples

  1. Check-In Together: Regularly discuss how you’re supporting each other across health, animal care, and environmental goals. Where are you thriving? Where can you improve?

  2. Take One Small Step: Choose one actionable change this month—like meal-prepping together, spending quality time with your pet, or starting a recycling system.

  3. Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge your teamwork and the positive impact you’re creating, both within your relationship and beyond.

Here’s to a New Year filled with love, health, and connection!

Holiday Stress Care Planning

SCCS

A helpful worksheet for seasonal intention.

Creating a Holiday Stress Care Plan: Finding Peace in the Season

The holidays can be a whirlwind of joy, connection, and celebration—but they can also bring stress, overcommitment, and pressure. This year, I’m taking a page out of my own playbook for managing political stress and creating a Holiday Stress Care Plan. It’s a structured approach to navigating the season with peace, intention, and resilience.

This plan draws on SAMHSA’s 8 Dimensions of Wellness, adapted for holiday-specific challenges. It’s also infused with sensory-based activities to ground and rejuvenate during what can be an overwhelming time. If this resonates with you, feel free to borrow or adapt it to your own needs.

My Holiday Stress Care Plan

1. Healthy Coping Skills

The holidays can stir up all kinds of emotions. Journaling helps me unpack the gratitude and the challenges of the season. I’m also incorporating mindfulness into everyday moments—whether it’s savoring the aroma of fresh-baked cookies or noticing the twinkle of lights on a quiet evening.

2. Social Support

Connection matters, but so does balance. I’m planning meaningful but manageable gatherings and leaning on my most supportive relationships when stress peaks. Reaching out for connection can make a big difference when the season feels isolating or hectic.

3. Things to Avoid

Overcommitting is a fast track to burnout. I’m setting boundaries on my time and politely declining when something doesn’t fit. Conversations about divisive topics? Those are also on my “no thanks” list this season.

4. Things to Limit

Scrolling through social media or comparing my holidays to someone else’s isn’t helpful, so I’m limiting that time. I’m also being mindful of my spending—prioritizing meaningful gifts over over-the-top gestures.

5. Things to Indulge

This is the season for treats, so I’m giving myself permission to enjoy my favorite holiday foods—mindfully. I’m also indulging in self-care rituals like long baths, holiday-scented lotions, and curling up with a cozy blanket and a good book.

6. Sensory-Based Activities

The senses are powerful tools for grounding and relaxation. Here’s what I’m focusing on:

  • Smell: Holiday candles or essential oils with cinnamon, pine, or vanilla.

  • Touch: Wrapping gifts, crafting, or baking for tactile joy.

  • Taste: Sipping warm drinks like spiced tea or hot cocoa.

  • Sight: Admiring holiday lights or creating seasonal art.

  • Sound: Curating a playlist of soothing or cheerful holiday music.

7. Things to Look Forward To

Having little joys on the horizon makes the season special. For me, that might be a holiday movie marathon or baking cookies to share with friends.

8. Places to Go

I’m keeping it simple: visiting local light displays, taking nature walks, or going to my favorite coffee shop for a seasonal treat. Being intentional about where I go helps me stay connected to the joy of the season without overstimulation.

9. Gratitude

The holidays are the perfect time to reflect on gratitude. I’m keeping a list of things I appreciate and sharing that gratitude with others in small, meaningful ways.

10. Things to Eat and Drink

I’m planning meals and snacks that feel seasonal but still healthy. Hydration is a priority, too—balanced with the occasional festive indulgence.

11. Reminder to Self

Finally, I’ve chosen a seasonal mantra to guide me: “Presence over perfection.” It’s a reminder that the holidays don’t have to be flawless to be meaningful.

This plan is about cultivating peace and intention in what can be a hectic season. By prioritizing what nourishes my mind, body, and soul, I can navigate the holidays with more ease—and maybe even a little extra joy.

What’s your plan for navigating the season? Share your thoughts below—I’d love to hear how you’re creating peace this holiday season.

Thanks for reading the

Start writing today. Use the button below to create a Substack of your own

Start a Substack

SCCS Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

SCCS

Terms of Use

Effective Date: 1 January 2020

1. Terms

By accessing our website you are agreeing to be bound by these terms of service, all applicable laws and regulations, and agree that you are responsible for compliance with any applicable local laws. If you do not agree with any of these terms, you are prohibited from using or accessing this site. The materials contained in this website are protected by applicable copyright and trademark law.

2. Use License

Unless otherwise stated, Amanda L. Hess, dba Second City Counseling Services, and/or its licensors (“Company”) own the intellectual property rights for all material contained on company website. All intellectual property rights are reserved. You may access our website for your own personal use subjected to restrictions set in these terms and conditions.

Under this license you may not:

  • copy, modify, reproduce, or republish website materials;
  • use website materials for any commercial purpose, or for any public display (commercial or non-commercial);
  • attempt to decompile or reverse engineer any software contained on Company’s website;
  • remove any copyright or other proprietary notations from the materials; or
  • transfer the materials to another person or “mirror” the materials on any other server.

This license shall automatically terminate if you violate any of these restrictions and may be terminated by Company at any time. Upon terminating your viewing of these materials or upon the termination of this license, you must destroy any downloaded materials in your possession whether in electronic or printed format.

3. Disclaimer

The materials on Company’s website are provided on an ‘as is’ basis. Company makes no warranties, expressed or implied, and hereby disclaims and negates all other warranties including, without limitation, implied warranties or conditions of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement of intellectual property or other violation of rights.

Further, Company does not warrant or make any representations concerning the accuracy, likely results, or reliability of the use of the materials on its website or otherwise relating to such materials or on any sites linked to this site.

4. Limitations

In no event shall Company or its suppliers be liable for any damages (including, without limitation, damages for loss of data or profit, or due to business interruption) arising out of the use or inability to use the materials on Company’s website, even if Company or a Company-authorized representative has been notified orally or in writing of the possibility of such damage. Because some jurisdictions do not allow limitations on implied warranties, or limitations of liability for consequential or incidental damages, these limitations may not apply to you.

5. Accuracy of Materials

The materials appearing on Company’s website could include technical, typographical, or photographic errors. Company does not warrant that any of the materials on its website are accurate, complete or current. Company may make changes to the materials contained on its website at any time without notice. However, Company does not make any commitment to update the materials.

6. Links

Company has not reviewed all of the sites linked to its website and is not responsible for the contents of any such linked site. The inclusion of any link does not imply endorsement by Company of the site. Use of any such linked website is at the user’s own risk.

7. Modifications

Company may revise these terms of service for its website at any time without notice. By using this website you are agreeing to be bound by the then current version of these terms of service.

8. Governing Law

These terms and conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of our home state or province and you irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in that State or location.

Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 1 January 2020

Your privacy is important to us. It is our policy to respect your privacy regarding any information we may collect from you across our website and other sites we own and operate.

1. Information We Collect

Log Data

When you visit our website, our servers may automatically log the standard data provided by your web browser. It may include your computer’s Internet Protocol (IP) address, your browser type and version, the pages you visit, the time and date of your visit, the time spent on each page, and other details.

Device Data

We may also collect data about the device you’re using to access our website. This data may include the device type, operating system, unique device identifiers, device settings, and geo-location data. What we collect can depend on the individual settings of your device and software. We recommend checking the policies of your device manufacturer or software provider to learn what information they make available to us.

Personal Information

We may ask for personal information, such as your:

  • Name
  • Email

2. Legal Bases for Processing

We will process your personal information lawfully, fairly and in a transparent manner. We collect and process information about you only where we have legal basis for doing so. The legal basis depends on the services you use and how you use them, meaning we collect and use your information only where:

  • It’s necessary for the performance of a contract to which you are a party or to take steps at your request before entering into such a contract (for example, when we provide a service you request from us);
  • It satisfies a legitimate interest (which is not overridden by your data protection interests), such as for research and development, to market and promote our services, and to protect our legal rights and interests;
  • You give us consent to do so for a specific purpose (for example, you might consent to us sending you our newsletter); or
  • We need to process your data to comply with a legal obligation.

Where you consent to our use of information about you for a specific purpose, you have the right to change your mind at any time (but this will not affect any processing that has already taken place).

We do not keep personal information for longer than is necessary. While we retain this information, we will protect it within commercially acceptable means to prevent loss and theft, as well as unauthorized access, disclosure, copying, use or modification.

That said, we advise that no method of electronic transmission or storage is 100% secure and cannot guarantee absolute data security. If necessary, we may retain your personal information for our compliance with a legal obligation or in order to protect your vital interests or the vital interests of another natural person.

3. Collection & Use of Information

We may collect, hold, use and disclose information for the following purposes and personal information will not be further processed in a manner that is incompatible with these purposes:

  • To enable you to customize or personalize your experience of our website;
  • To enable you to access and use our website, associated applications and associated social media platforms;
  • To contact and communicate with you;
  • For internal record keeping and administrative purposes;
  • For analytics, market research and business development, including to operate and improve our website, associated applications and associated social media platforms;
  • For advertising and marketing, including to send you promotional information about our products and services and information about third parties that we consider may be of interest to you; and
  • To comply with our legal obligations and resolve any disputes that we may have.

4. Disclosure of Personal Information to Third Parties

We may disclose personal information to:

  • Third party service providers for the purpose of enabling them to provide their services, including (without limitation) IT service providers, data storage, hosting and server providers, ad networks, analytics, error loggers, debt collectors, maintenance or problem-solving providers, marketing or advertising providers, professional advisors and payment systems operators;
  • Sponsors or promoters of any competition we run; and
  • Third parties, including agents or sub-contractors, who assist us in providing information, products, services or direct marketing to you.

5. International Transfers of Personal Information

The personal information we collect is stored and processed in our home country, or where we or our partners, affiliates and third-party providers maintain facilities. By providing us with your personal information, you consent to the disclosure to these overseas third parties.

We will ensure that any transfer of personal information from countries in the European Economic Area (EEA) to countries outside the EEA will be protected by appropriate safeguards, for example by using standard data protection clauses approved by the European Commission, or the use of binding corporate rules or other legally accepted means.

Where we transfer personal information from a non-EEA country to another country, you acknowledge that third parties in other jurisdictions may not be subject to similar data protection laws to the ones in our jurisdiction. There are risks if any such third party engages in any act or practice that would contravene the data privacy laws in our jurisdiction and this might mean that you will not be able to seek redress under our jurisdiction’s privacy laws.

6. Your Rights & Controlling Your Personal Information

Choice and Consent: By providing personal information to us, you consent to us collecting, holding, using and disclosing your personal information in accordance with this privacy policy. If you are under 18 years of age, you must have, and warrant to the extent permitted by law to us, that you have your parent or legal guardian’s permission to access and use the website and they (your parents or guardian) have consented to you providing us with your personal information. You do not have to provide personal information to us. However, if you do not, it may affect your use of this website or the products and/or services offered on or through it.

Information from Third Parties: If we receive personal information about you from a third party, we will protect it as set out in this privacy policy. If you are a third party providing personal information about somebody else, you represent and warrant that you have such person’s consent to provide the personal information to us.

Restrict: You may choose to restrict the collection or use of your personal information. If you have previously agreed to us using your personal information for direct marketing purposes, you may change your mind at any time by contacting us using the footer link below. If you ask us to restrict or limit how we process your personal information, we will let you know how the restriction affects your use of our website or products and services.

Access and Data Portability: You may request details of the personal information that we hold about you. You may request a copy of the personal information we hold about you. Where possible, we will provide this information in CSV format or other easily readable machine format. You may request that we erase the personal information we hold about you at any time. You may also request that we transfer this personal information to another third party.

Correction: If you believe that any information we hold about you is inaccurate, out of date, incomplete, irrelevant or misleading, please contact us using the footer link below. We will take reasonable steps to correct any information found to be inaccurate, incomplete, misleading or out of date.

Notification of Data Breaches: We will comply laws applicable to us in respect of any data breach.

Complaints: If you believe that we have breached a relevant data protection law and wish to make a complaint, please contact us using the footer link below and provide us with full details of the alleged breach. We will promptly investigate your complaint and respond to you, in writing, setting out the outcome of our investigation and the steps we will take to deal with your complaint. You also have the right to contact a regulatory body or data protection authority in relation to your complaint.

Unsubscribe: To unsubscribe from our e-mail database or opt-out of communications (including marketing communications), please contact us using the footer link below or opt-out using the opt-out facilities provided in the communication.

7. Cookies

We use “cookies” to collect information about you and your activity across our site. A cookie is a small piece of data that our website stores on your computer, and accesses each time you visit, so we can understand how you use our site. This helps us serve you content based on preferences you have specified. Please refer to our Cookie Policy for more information.

8. Business Transfers

If we or our assets are acquired, or in the unlikely event that we go out of business or enter bankruptcy, we would include data among the assets transferred to any parties who acquire us. You acknowledge that such transfers may occur, and that any parties who acquire us may continue to use your personal information according to this policy.

9. Limits of Our Policy

Our website may link to external sites that are not operated by us. Please be aware that we have no control over the content and policies of those sites, and cannot accept responsibility or liability for their respective privacy practices.

10. Changes to This Policy

At our discretion, we may change our privacy policy to reflect current acceptable practices. We will take reasonable steps to let users know about changes via our website. Your continued use of this site after any changes to this policy will be regarded as acceptance of our practices around privacy and personal information.

If we make a significant change to this privacy policy, for example changing a lawful basis on which we process your personal information, we will ask you to re-consent to the amended privacy policy.

Marathon Couples Therapy

SCCS

A Focused, Intensive Approach to Relationship Healing

In addition to traditional weekly couples therapy, we offer Marathon Couples Therapy, a powerful treatment alternative based on the Gottman Method. This immersive format allows couples to address core relationship challenges with concentrated effort, helping them make significant progress in a short period of time.

What to Expect

Marathon Couples Therapy involves up to four consecutive days of intensive therapy, with five hours per day dedicated to working with your therapist. The structure of each session is tailored to your needs, ensuring a personalized experience that fosters deeper connection and problem-solving.

Your therapist will conduct a comprehensive relationship assessment (approximately three hours) to gain insight into your relationship’s strengths and areas needing growth. This assessment is a cornerstone of your therapy, guiding the personalized interventions that follow.

While this method is designed to be highly effective, it is important to be aware that Marathon Couples Therapy is an intensive process that may bring up difficult emotions, including sadness, anxiety, guilt, anger, loneliness, and helplessness. You may revisit past experiences or conflicts, and challenges between you may feel temporarily heightened as you work through deep-rooted concerns.

Is Marathon Couples Therapy Right for You?

While this format has been transformative for many couples, it may not be suitable in certain situations. If any of the following apply, please reach out to discuss whether Marathon Therapy is appropriate for your circumstances:

  • Substance Abuse: Active alcohol or drug addiction (from either partner’s perspective)
  • Interpersonal Violence: Any history of serious violence, threats of violence, or fear of such harm
  • Untreated Major Mental Illness: Conditions such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, recurrent psychotic depression, or untreated bipolar disorder (past successfully treated episodes, such as postpartum psychosis, do not apply)
  • Infidelity: An undisclosed, ongoing affair (secrecy around infidelity predicts therapy failure)
  • Safety Concerns: Current suicidal or homicidal thoughts, or a history of severe harm to oneself or others
  • Online Therapy Considerations: Couples pursuing online sessions must have private internet access and basic competency with online tools (email, video conferencing, etc.)

If any of these concerns apply to your relationship, we may recommend alternative approaches such as individual therapy, rehab programs, anger management courses, or relationship workshops before engaging in Marathon Therapy.

After Your Marathon Sessions

Following your intensive therapy, additional couples or individual sessions may be recommended. If you are working with a therapist in your local area, coordination between providers may be beneficial. In such cases, we can facilitate communication with your local therapist with a signed Release of Information form.

Investment & Cancellation Policy

Cost: $5,000 per couple (up to 20 hours of therapy)
Non-Refundable Deposit: $2,500

Unfortunately, Marathon Couples Therapy is not covered by health insurance.

Cancellation Policy

  • Deposits are non-refundable. Your therapy time is reserved exclusively for you.
  • Cancellations must be made at least one week in advance to avoid being charged the remaining balance.
  • Follow-up appointment cancellations require at least 48 hours’ notice to avoid charges.

Accepted Payment Methods

We accept:

  • Cash
  • Credit/Debit Cards
  • PayPal
  • Venmo
  • Western Union
  • Personal checks (U.S. residents only)

For questions or to discuss whether Marathon Couples Therapy is right for you, please reach out. We’re here to help you take meaningful steps toward a stronger, healthier relationship.

Workshops

SCCS

We offer a variety of workshops to support relationships at every stage, including:

  • The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work
  • Lessons in Love for Singles
  • Bringing Baby Home

Visit our Events tab for details!

Our workshops are available for small groups and private events, with discounted rates for non-profit organizations. We also create custom webinars and workshops tailored to your specific needs.

Have questions? Email us at hello@sccsinfo.com

Resources for Hawai’i

SCCS

Hawai’i residents can call 211 and find out about more resources.

Do you want to help Maui? Please consider donating to the Maui Strong Fund here: Maui Strong Fund – Hawaii Community Foundation

Maui Resources: Supporting Lahaina: A Working Resource of Relief Efforts » FLUX (fluxhawaii.com)

COVID-19 Pandemic-specific resources:

Suicide Prevention Resources:

Addiction Resources

Organizations

Mutual Aid Groups

Other Important Resources: