Couples Psychotherapy - Gottman's Research-Based Method:
The
Gottman Method is based on 36 years of research with over 3,000 couples
(including Master Couples)! So what wisdom can we learn from
these Master Couples?
Tools for Change:
Trust and Committment: Trust
and committment are the pillars of relationships. In order to
build the
Sound Relationship House, we must trust our partner and commit to
each other. In this culture of safety we can explore vulnerable,
intimate areas of our relationship that can lead to lasting positive
change.
Managing Conflict: Constructive
conflict interventions are designed to give couples the tools to accept
their partner's influence during conflict discussions, dialogue about
gridlocked problems and practice self-soothing techniques when conflict
becomes too stressful. We will work on reducing the presence of
the Four Horsemen (Criticism, Defensiveness, Contempt and Stonewalling)
in your relationship. The Four Horsemen are the most likely
predictors of divorce.
Building Friendship: One
of the best tips we learn from Gottman's research on master couples
is that master couples emphasize the positive aspects of their
relationship. They have a sense of "we-ness," even when times are
tough. They foster their partner's dreams. Master couples
cultivate a 5:1 positive to negative ratio of interaction, and turn
towards each other instead of away. They share their fondness and
admiration with each other in multiple ways. Finally, they renew their
Love Maps, or knowledge about their partner, as time passes.
Gottman's model uses structured interventions to achieve each of
these friendship goals.
Creating Shared Meaning: Creating
shared meaning is about fostering an environment of rituals, symbols
and actions that have deeper meaning for the couple. This shared
meaning acts like emotional glue. We will discover the rituals
and symbols that you can create together.
Homework: Homework keeps therapy alive outside of our
sessions and helps to solidify your progress.
Home Couples Psychotherapy Individual Psychotherapy Training, Background and Fees