Partners (Couples) Therapy

I primarily utilize the Gottman Method in my work. The Gottman Method is a research-based approach that emphasizes the process of conflict rather than the specific content, and teaches ways to keep conflict calm, productive, and non-threatening. I also integrate aspects of Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) and attachment theory when appropriate. With my background in neuroscience I am able to educate clients on how their nervous system is impacted by tension in relationships, and how to manage that.

My work offers practical skills and tools that will help you learn how to:

• Identify and express barriers to feeling safely connected.
• Deepen your understanding of each others’ inner worlds.
• Share concerns in a way that doesn’t raise each others’ defenses.
• Nurture fondness and admiration within the relationship.
• Feel validated and heard regardless of your stance on an issue.
• Achieve compromise by expanding areas of agreement rather than fixating on disagreement.
• Move forward on gridlocked or perpetual issues while simultaneously building emotional intelligence.
• Process past fights, regrettable incidents, and/or emotional injuries.
• Prevent relapse by planning ahead on ways to remember and practice these tools.

In most cases I will meet with you and your partner(s) for an introduction session to discuss your goals and formulate a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific situation. Then I will meet with each partner individually to spend more time understanding each person’s core needs, individual narratives, and important histories. Then we proceed with joint sessions with a shared understanding of the most important starting points.

From my past experience it typically takes six to eight joint sessions for partners to achieve significant and long-lasting results. Of course, I hope you will see practical results much sooner, and it is my goal to work collaboratively with you as we discover which approaches are most helpful for you and your loved ones.