Couples Counseling

 

A Unique Approach to Helping Couples. . .

At this time I am not accepting new relationship counseling clients. 

I have combined effective, results-oriented models from several masters of relationship therapy specifically rooted in the extensive relationship research of John Gottman, PhD. I have trained at the advanced levels with Drs. John and Julie Gottman of the Gottman Institute. I also blend in my training in Adlerian Couples Counseling and Imago Relationship Therapy.

 

Couples Counseling Approaches

I provide a mixture of several professional theoretical and practical approaches to couples counseling. 

The Gottman Method

After 30 years of research with over 3000 couples, Drs. John and Julie Gottman developed  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. Having trained with the Gottmans at an advanced level, my work with couples is built on this foundation. The goals of Gottman Method for couples counseling are to mitigate conflicting verbal communication, increase emotional and physical intimacy, grow a deep sense of respect, dissolve barriers that keep couples feeling stuck in conflicting situations, and cultivate a heightened sense of empathy and understanding within the the relationship.

Adlerian Couples Counseling

Using Adlerian theory we are able to identify what drives and motivates behaviors in relationship, understanding that all humans need to feel a sense of belonging and encouragement within relationships. When combined with the Gottman method, I am able to identify the very specific ways couples are interacting (or not interacting) which may be causing damage to the relationship. This knowledge helps to bring positive change within the relationship.

Imago Method

Developed by Dr. Harville Hendrix, Imago theory helps couples become more aware  of one another’s perspectives with deep empathy providing a way for couples to learn how their problems arise. By activating compassion through deep and active listening skills, couples are able to achieve a sense of connection, stability and harmony within the relationship.With Imago techniques we are able to realize a whole new way of relating and communicating that is adaptive and effective.

I see consistently positive outcome and results from my unique counseling programs with couples.

In order for couples to see the results they desire from relationship counseling, I have a specialized system for ensuring commitment to the therapy process prior to entering into therapy.

While clients always maintain autonomy and are free to leave counseling at any time, the Commitment Contract I provide establishes a structure and an effective level of commitment that enables the clients and I together to achieve the goals of relationship therapy.

Professional couples counseling can help repair and strengthen your relationship.

When the waters of the relationship are troubled, whether there has been a betrayal or a pattern of conflict, together we can identify where the strengths and the weaknesses are in the relationship. After a thorough assessment, in each counseling session we will work together to identify the patterns of behavior that are damaging the relationship and we will practice antidotes for  these behaviors. Couples experience meaningful opportunity to explore feelings, desires and needs in the warmth, acceptance and emotional safety of this program. Between sessions, couples have “homework” that will help repair and re-mediate prior damage and begin a new way of relating and connecting.

If you and your spouse or partner would like to discuss entering couples counseling with me, please contact me so we can set up a brief meeting via my online video-conferencing platform.

A healthy marriage allows for change and growth.