couples + conflict
Repair
Conflict doesn’t mean your relationship is broken—it means you’re human.
Ask about RepairREPAIR is an intensive experience for couples who want to navigate conflict more constructively, using evidence-based tools from the Gottman Method Conflict Blueprint. Through guided sessions, you’ll learn how to manage present-day tensions, heal past hurts, and move through gridlock with a deeper understanding.
You’ll also learn how to communicate when you’re hurting—how to speak with clarity, listen with compassion, and stay connected even when emotions run high. Because hurt is inevitable in relationships. What matters is how we respond.
This isn’t therapy—it’s a focused, time-bound workshop designed to help you turn rupture into repair. You’ll explore managing current conflict, healing attachment injuries, and overcoming gridlock through dialogue.
Because Couples Intensives aren’t based on medical necessity, it’s not covered by insurance and is offered as an out-of-pocket investment. REPAIR is for couples who want to face hard conversations with courage, care, and a shared commitment to healing.
A focused conversation
What you'll learn
- Managing current conflict
- Healing attachment injuries
- Overcoming gridlock through dialogue
The framework
Gottman Method Conflict Blueprint
This intensive experience is organized around the source-backed framework named above, within a private, time-bound workshop.
Programme details
3-Day Weekend Intensive
Pre-program
Complete Gottman Relationship Check-up
Investment
$1250 per couple
- 01DAY 1 PM: Discuss assessment results, list areas of conflict, Four Horsemen
- 02DAY 2 AM: Conflict Blueprint #1 - Current Conflicts
- 03DAY 2 PM: Conflict Blueprint #2 - Attachment Injuries
- 04DAY 3 AM: Conflict Blueprint #3 - Gridlock and Dialogue
- 05Recap and Acces to Builder
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