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Couples Therapy In addition to individuals, I have been working with couples throughout the course of my long career using various theories. I became aware of the rigorous research of Dr John Gottman while I was studying for my PhD, and then watched a number of my master’s level Marriage and Family Therapy students take his trainings and give excellent reviews. Since I have been living in France and once again building a private practise, I have had the time to complete the Gottman level 1 and 2 trainings, and then in June 2019 was extremely fortunate to complete level 3 with Drs John and Julie Gottman in person when they offered the course in Tel Aviv, Israel. I became a Certified Gottman Therapist in 2022. With all the methods of therapy for couples I have read about, taught and practised, I find the Gottman method to be the one that really works, and as a clinician I have the confidence that I am now offering the best treatment available. |
With Drs John and Julie Gottman at the Level 3 training in Israel.
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Overview of Gottman Method Couples Therapy
The Gottman Method is based on Dr John Gottman’s research that began in the 1970s and continues to this day. The research has focused on what makes relationships succeed or fail. From this research, Drs John and Julie Gottman have created a method of therapy designed to help teach specific tools to deepen friendship, emotional connection and intimacy. The method also helps couples to productively manage conflict, using teachable skills to resolve problems in communication and issues that may have remained stuck or ‘gridlocked’ for some time. We also work together to help you appreciate your relationship’s strengths and to gently navigate through its vulnerabilities.
The Gottman Method Couples Therapy with me consists of:
1. Assessment. During this phase you will attend four sessions with me in addition to completing an in-depth online assessment at: https://gottmanconnect.com/ (there is a $39 fee to the Gottman Institute for the online assessment).
In the first session we will talk about the history of your relationship and your areas of concern. In the second and third sessions I meet with you both individually to learn your personal histories and to give you an opportunity to share your thoughts and feelings about the relationship. In the final session of assessment, I will share with you the results of your assessment, including the online component, and work with you to define mutually agreed upon goals for your therapy.
2. Treatment. Most of the work will involve sessions where you will be seen together as a couple. However, there may also be occasions when individual sessions are recommended. Clients are generally given exercises to practice between sessions, usually with a handout to help guide them.
The length of therapy will be determined by your specific needs and goals. During the course of therapy, we will occasionally evaluate your satisfaction and progress, and you are encouraged to raise any questions about the therapy at any time. In the later stages of therapy, we will phase out or meet less often in order for you to test your new relationship skills. Although you may terminate therapy whenever you wish, it is generally helpful if we have an agreed final session to summarize progress and define the work that remains. Follow up sessions have been shown to be extremely helpful in preventing relapse, and these can be at six monthly intervals until you reach the two-year point following termination of therapy. Please be assured that I remain available to any clients who feel the need for more sessions at any time.
You can find me on the Gottman Referral network under therapists in France: https://gottmanreferralnetwork.com/
Clients sometimes ask me if we work on individual trauma in couples work, and the answer is yes! This video gives you an idea of how this works within the Gottman Method:
The Gottman Method is based on Dr John Gottman’s research that began in the 1970s and continues to this day. The research has focused on what makes relationships succeed or fail. From this research, Drs John and Julie Gottman have created a method of therapy designed to help teach specific tools to deepen friendship, emotional connection and intimacy. The method also helps couples to productively manage conflict, using teachable skills to resolve problems in communication and issues that may have remained stuck or ‘gridlocked’ for some time. We also work together to help you appreciate your relationship’s strengths and to gently navigate through its vulnerabilities.
The Gottman Method Couples Therapy with me consists of:
1. Assessment. During this phase you will attend four sessions with me in addition to completing an in-depth online assessment at: https://gottmanconnect.com/ (there is a $39 fee to the Gottman Institute for the online assessment).
In the first session we will talk about the history of your relationship and your areas of concern. In the second and third sessions I meet with you both individually to learn your personal histories and to give you an opportunity to share your thoughts and feelings about the relationship. In the final session of assessment, I will share with you the results of your assessment, including the online component, and work with you to define mutually agreed upon goals for your therapy.
2. Treatment. Most of the work will involve sessions where you will be seen together as a couple. However, there may also be occasions when individual sessions are recommended. Clients are generally given exercises to practice between sessions, usually with a handout to help guide them.
The length of therapy will be determined by your specific needs and goals. During the course of therapy, we will occasionally evaluate your satisfaction and progress, and you are encouraged to raise any questions about the therapy at any time. In the later stages of therapy, we will phase out or meet less often in order for you to test your new relationship skills. Although you may terminate therapy whenever you wish, it is generally helpful if we have an agreed final session to summarize progress and define the work that remains. Follow up sessions have been shown to be extremely helpful in preventing relapse, and these can be at six monthly intervals until you reach the two-year point following termination of therapy. Please be assured that I remain available to any clients who feel the need for more sessions at any time.
You can find me on the Gottman Referral network under therapists in France: https://gottmanreferralnetwork.com/
Clients sometimes ask me if we work on individual trauma in couples work, and the answer is yes! This video gives you an idea of how this works within the Gottman Method:
Photo used under Creative Commons from blue_william
