COUPLES THERAPY

The stakes are high in couples therapy. It's a one-shot deal and must be done right.

With that in mind, I utilize Gottman Couples Therapy, an approach that is steeped in decades of research involving real life couples. My interventions and techniques are based in science and hard data, aimed at strengthening and repairing your relationship. The result: increased relationship success, higher levels of relationship satisfaction and intimacy, and fewer future relapses (instances of regressing to previously unhelpful behavior and/or dynamics).

Please expect the first three sessions to be largely assessment focused. Schedule permitting, the first session is 50-80 minutes with the couple. The second session is made up of an individual session with each person. The third session is dedicated to reviewing the assessment, developing an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of your relationship, and generally understanding where the therapy and relationship are heading. After the assessment phase, plan on a minimum of six sessions, but likely more. The overall length consistent of couples therapy varies dramatically depending on the issues involved, how soon therapy was sought, the willingness to try new things and implement change, and the amount of time dedicated to the relationship outside of the therapy session. I do not work dyadically between partners when one or both parties are escalated.

The goal of couples therapy is to rebuild the love you have for each other, guide you in repairing your relationship wounds, and teach you the skills to build/rebuild and maintain a positive, functioning, and healthy relationship at home. You will learn and practice various tools in the office with me, find your own voice in them, and eventually utilize them at home, as part of your relationship lifestyle, without me present.

I have completed Levels I, II, and III of The Gottman Institute’s therapist training program, am qualified to teach ‘The 7 Principles of Making Marriage Work’ and have attended ‘The Art and Science of Love’ with Drs John and Julie Gottman. I am currently striving to become a ‘Gottman Certified Therapist’, which involves a rigorous dedication and generous commitment of time and focus, with the support of mentor and supervisor Michael Basta.