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ICF Psychological Services

Licensed Psychologist

Couple talking together during a relationship intensive
In-Person Therapy in AshevilleOnline across North Carolina & PSYPACT states

Start your marriage with clarity, not just chemistry

Before you say “I do,” take time to say “we do”—to growth, clarity, and connection.

premarital

Reveal

Before you say “I do,” take time to say “we do”—to growth, clarity, and connection.

Ask about Reveal

REVEAL is a structured, heart-centered intensive package designed for engaged couples who want to deepen their understanding of each other and build a strong foundation for marriage. Using the Prepare/Enrich Couple Program, you’ll explore the relationship’s unique strengths and growth areas, and learn practical skills to navigate life together with confidence.

This isn’t therapy—it’s a private workshop tailored just for you and your partner. Over a set number of sessions, you’ll gain insight, practice communication tools, and prepare for the journey ahead with intention. Because Couples Intensives aren’t based on medical necessity, it’s not covered by insurance and is offered as an out-of-pocket investment.

REVEAL is for couples who want to start their marriage with clarity, not just chemistry. Let’s make space for the conversations that matter—before the vows.

A focused conversation

What you'll learn

  • Deepen your understanding of each other
  • Explore your relationship’s unique strengths and growth areas
  • Learn practical skills to navigate life together with confidence

The framework

Prepare/Enrich Couple Program

This intensive experience is organized around the source-backed framework named above, within a private, time-bound workshop.

Learn about the framework

Program details

2-Day Weekend Intensive

Pre-program

Fill out assessment forms

Investment

$750 per couple

  1. Day 1Communication, Conflict Resolution, Relationship Roles & Expectations, Lifestyle and Habits, Financial Management
  2. Day 2Sex and Affection, Family and Friends, Spiritual Beliefs, Differences in Partners' Personalities, Stress Management

*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 Consultation

Keep exploring

The other conversations

All Couples Intensives
02RefineExplore →03RepairExplore →04RecoverExplore →05RebuildExplore →06RekindleExplore →

Meet Dr. Athena Dacanay

Dr. Athena Dacanay headshot

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

ICF Psychological Services office detail from Dr. Athena Dacanay’s supplied photo set
Dr. Athena Dacanay office interior with comfortable seating and soft lighting
Wide view of the Dr. Athena Dacanay therapy office with seating and natural light

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