couples + addictive disorders
Recover
Some storms leave behind broken branches. Others leave roots exposed.
Ask about RecoverRECOVER is for couples who’ve weathered substance use and are ready to tend to the soil of their relationship—gently, intentionally, and together.
This intensive experience uses the Gottman Method Couples and Addiction Recovery Module to help partners co-create a couple recovery plan. It’s an evidence-based approach that supports three overlapping healing journeys: the person with the addictive disorder, the partner, and the relationship itself.
Together, you’ll learn how to rebuild trust, restore safety, and reconnect with shared meaning. You’ll explore how to communicate openly about pain, navigate triggers with compassion, and honor each other’s recovery without losing sight of your bond.
RECOVER is especially helpful for couples healing from broken trust from secrecy or relapse, emotional distancing or resentment, role strain from caregiving or hypervigilance, loss of intimacy or shared rituals, and feeling like recovery is happening in parallel, not together.
This isn’t therapy—it’s a time-bound, skills-based intensive package for couples no longer in active addiction who want to move forward with clarity, care, and hope. Because Couples Intensives aren’t based on medical necessity, it’s not covered by insurance and is offered as an out-of-pocket investment.
A focused conversation
What you'll learn
- The person with the addictive disorder
- The partner
- The relationship itself
The framework
Gottman Method Couples and Addiction Recovery Module
This intensive experience is organized around the source-backed framework named above, within a private, time-bound workshop.
Programme details
90-minute sessions
Pre-program
Fill out Gottman Relationship Check-up
Investment
$1250 per couple
- 01SESSION 1: Discuss assessment results, Four Horsemen
- 02SESSION 2: Increasing Communication and Understanding
- 03SESSION 3: Establishing Appropriate Boundaries
- 04SESSION 4: Healing from the Impact of Substance Use and Recovery
- 05SESSION 5: Recap and Access to Builder
*No allowable rescheduling for late cancellations or missed appointments.
A private workshop—not therapy.
This is a time-bound, skills-based intensive experience. Because Couples Intensives aren’t based on medical necessity, it’s not covered by insurance and is offered as an out-of-pocket investment.
Complimentary ConsultationKeep exploring
The other conversations
Meet Dr. Athena Dacanay
Dr. Athena Dacanay
Licensed Psychologist
10+ years in practice
I aim to foster emotional and intellectual safety—where you feel seen, heard, and gently challenged. I’m collaborative, quietly Socratic, and adaptive, shifting my approach to meet your evolving needs. I work with adults, couples, and families navigating OCD and anxiety, relationship concerns, life transitions, and questions that may call for psychological evaluation. Together, we consider the whole person—not only symptoms, but also the relationships, experiences, strengths, and settings that shape daily life.
I hold a PhD in Educational Psychology from Ball State University and a Master of Family Life and Child Development from the University of the Philippines, Diliman. I am licensed as a psychologist in North Carolina and Illinois, with active PSYPACT APIT authorization. My clinical training includes ERP through the IOCDF Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI), S.P.A.C.E. with Dr. Eli Lebowitz, and Gottman Method Level 3 training.
I offer in-person care in Asheville and telehealth across North Carolina and participating PSYPACT states.
PhD in Educational Psychology
Ball State University
Master of Family Life and Child Development
University of the Philippines, Diliman
ERP training through BTTI
S.P.A.C.E. trained by Dr. Eli Lebowitz
Gottman Method Level 3 Trained
Licensed Psychologist in North Carolina and Illinois
Active PSYPACT APIT authorization
Member: IOCDF, OCD North Carolina, WNCPA, and NCPA
- OCD
- Anxiety
- Relationship Issues
- Psychological Evaluations
Adults — often educated or working in professional settings, many with families — frequently seeking therapy during transitions such as new work, raising children, loss, or adjusting to new roles, or seeking to learn better ways to cope with difficult or even traumatic experiences. Couples and parents are welcome. You do not need a diagnosis or crisis to begin.
My therapeutic approach is grounded primarily in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), with specialized training in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). I also incorporate Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) Treatment, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to meet each client's unique needs.
In Person or Online
Office Location
ICF Psychological Services 1095 Hendersonville Road, Suite A-4 Asheville, NC 28803
Our Asheville office is a thoughtfully designed space for focused conversation, reflection, and meaningful work. If you prefer to meet remotely, telehealth appointments are available through HIPAA-compliant video platforms, including Zoom and SimplePractice, allowing you to connect from wherever works best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
You don't have to choose alone.
Share your relationship goals and we can talk through the right stage, current availability, and practical details.
Complimentary Consultation