
Couples Therapy
Gottman Method Couples Therapy



Assessment
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Couples who enter into Gottman Method Couples Therapy begin with an assessment process that then informs the therapeutic framework and intervention.
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First Steps
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Couples therapy begins with each person completing an online couples assessment tool on the relationship. Then an individual interview will be conducted with each partner followed by a conjoint session. During the first conjoint session the couple will receive detailed feedback on their relationship based on the online couples assessment tool as well as the interviews conducted. The relationship’s strengths and challenges will be discussed and specific recommendations for interventions will be formulated.
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Therapeutic Framework
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The couple and therapist decide on the frequency and duration of the sessions. This typically consists of more frequent session at the onset and less frequent, maintenance sessions later on. We also offer the option of couples therapy intensives which consist of half and full day sessions. These intensives offer couples the opportunity to really focus on the relationship when major repairs are needed or when on or both partners have a busy schedule that makes regular hour long sessions difficult. See more about the offerings here.
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Therapeutic Interventions
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Interventions are designed to help couples strengthen their relationships in three primary areas: friendship, conflict management, and creation of shared meaning. Couples learn to replace negative conflict patterns with positive interactions and to repair past hurts. Interventions designed to increase closeness and intimacy are used to improve friendship, deepen emotional connection, and create changes which enhances the couples shared goals. Relapse prevention (falling back into old patterns) is also addressed.
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