Marriage and Relationships
Couples therapy is fundamentally about assisting you in learning and practicing the essential tools needed to achieve a stronger and more fulfilling relationship. We utilize the Gottman Method of relationship counseling, which is supported by rigorous research and includes thorough assessments, along with specific interventions and tools designed to help you enhance your relationship and prevent falling back into unhealthy negative patterns. The Gottman Method is comprised of three essential components:
Assessment - This involves a comprehensive evaluation of your relationship through a combination of individual and joint sessions, along with detailed questionnaires that are usually completed during the first 2 to 3 sessions. From these assessments, we gain valuable insights into your unique strengths as a couple and identify areas that may need growth. Additionally, we will engage in discussions regarding your specific goals for the relationship moving forward.
Interventions - Based on the results of the assessments and interviews, we customize interventions that are specifically tailored to address the particular challenges you face in your relationship. These interventions include learning effective techniques to improve communication and replacing negative conflict patterns with healthier, positive interactions. We also focus on deepening your emotional connection and fostering mutual trust and respect, which are vital for a thriving relationship.
Framework - The “Sound Relationship House” framework serves as a valuable guide for couples, helping you to understand and build the core components of a healthy and lasting relationship. These core components encompass friendship, effective conflict management, and the creation of shared meaning that enriches your partnership.
Couples Therapy can help you…
Navigate life transitions smoothly
Develop coping strategies for challenging situations
Resolve conflicts and improve relationships
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Gottman Method is a research-based couples therapy designed to strengthen relationships by increasing friendship, managing conflict, and creating postive interactions. Developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, it focuses on learning skills to help improve relationship quality and satisfaction.
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Yes! Good premarital counseling can help you learn healthy communication and conflict skills to start your marriage off well and avoid many relationship pitfalls.
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We believe that it is never too late for counseling, and that no marriage is beyond hope. The Gottman method is backed by years of research and longitudinal studies and most couples report higher relationship satisfaction after attending counseling with a Gottman-certified counselor.
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Couples counseling is helpful for most relationships, however there are a few times when individual counseling should be pursued first. If there is active domestic violence or addiction, couples counseling is not indicated until the addiction has been treated or the domestic violence has been addressed. If either of these issues are ongoing in the relationship, we will likely refer you to individual therapist(s) for help in these areas before addressing the relationship.