Couples Therapy

We begin couples therapy with an extensive assessment to figure out, as best we can, what help the couple needs. Keep in mind, couples therapy in some form begins actually with the initial contact from the couple and this is usually by telephone and sometimes email. The Gottman Method, which is the framework around which I do couples therapy, includes a joint session, where they are interviewed by me together, then individual sessions for each member of the couple. At the first session, each member is given an assessment packet, which will take about 2 hours to complete and bring back to their individual session. Information gathered from the initial joint interview, the individual sessions and then the packet is then assessed by me. I draft some proposed courses of action to take and present them during the next joint or fourth session. We collaborate on the plan and move into the plan implementation phase.

During the implementation phase, we will use interventions that are part of the Gottman Method, EFT Couples Therapy, Imago Therapy and sometimes Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing or EMDR. The pace of therapy will be dependent on the couple and how well they adapt and change.

A primary focus for me, as the therapist, is to see that we proceed safely and efficiently through the issues that have been troubling the couple.

Click here for more information about John Gottman.