Making the choice to go to couples counseling can feel like a very big step. It involves admitting that things are not perfect in your partnership, which is often tough to do, and scary to admit. And if you are not particularly familiar with what therapy is all about, it can feel mysterious and confusing, not to mention it can involve considerable effort — finding an appropriate provider, figuring out insurance and other financial aspects of the commitment, coming up with a time to fit into everyone’s schedule. Often, the idea of seeing a marriage or couples therapist sits on the back burner, with one or both parties thinking that it may be a good idea, but also feeling unsure of how to proceed — and of whether their specific problems can really be helped.
After working on my own marriage, I discovered the Gottman Method, a practice developed by Dr. John and Julie Gottman in the 1980s. Gottman Method Couples Therapy (GMCT) is based on 40 years of research with thousands of couples. GMCT therapists are equipped to provide support on many issues in addition to couples therapy, including anxiety, depression, addictions, trauma, abuse, blended family issues, and more.
The Gottman Method is an approach to couples therapy that includes a thorough assessment of the couple relationship and integrates research-based interventions based on the Sound Relationship House Theory. I am a Level 2 trained Gottman Therapist. I assist couples in achieving a deeper sense of understanding, awareness, empathy, and connection within their relationship with an ultimate goal of heightened intimacy and interpersonal growth. By combining therapeutic interventions with couples’ exercises, this therapy helps couples identify and address the natural defenses that hinder effective communication and bonding. Additional information about the Gottman Approach.