about the gottmans
In our office, we most commonly use the Gottman Method for couples counseling. It is based on the research of Dr. John Gottman. This research, which Dr. Gottman began in the 1970s and continues to this day, is focused on what makes relationships succeed or fail. From this research Drs. John and Julie Gottman have created a method of therapy that emphasizes a “nuts and bolts” approach to improving clients’ relationships.
This method is designed to help teach specific tools to deepen friendship and intimacy in your relationship. It is also designed to help you productively manage conflicts. You and your partner will be given methods to manage “resolvable problems” and how to dialogue about “gridlocked” (or perpetual) issues. We will also work together to help you appreciate your relationship’s strengths and to gently navigate through its vulnerabilities.
how the method works
Gottman Method Couples Therapy consists of five parts:
Assessment
Treatment
“Phasing Out” of Therapy
Termination
Outcome Evaluation
Early in the assessment phase, you will be asked to complete an online assessment. It will help us better understand your relationship. In the first sessions we will talk about the history of your relationship, areas of concern, and goals for treatment.
In the next session, your counselor will meet with you individually to learn each of your personal histories and to give each of you an opportunity to share thoughts, feelings, and perceptions. In the final session of assessment, your counselor will share with you our recommendations for treatment and work to define mutually agreed upon goals for your therapy.
Most of the work will involve sessions where you will be seen together as a couple. However, there may be times when individual sessions are recommended. Your counselor may also give you exercises to practice between sessions.
The length of therapy will be determined by your specific needs and goals. In the course of therapy, we will establish points at which to evaluate your satisfaction and progress. Also, we will encourage you to raise any questions or concerns that you have about therapy at any time.
In the later stage of therapy, we will “phase out” or meet less frequently in order for you to test out new relationship skills and to prepare for termination of the therapy. Although you may terminate therapy whenever you wish, it is most helpful to have at least one session together to summarize progress, define the work that remains and say good-bye.
In the outcome-evaluation phase, as per the Gottman Method, four follow-up sessions are planned: one after six months, one after twelve months, one after eighteen months, and one after two years. These sessions have been shown through research to significantly decrease the chances of relapse into previous, unhelpful patterns. In addition, commitment to providing the best therapy possible requires ongoing evaluation of methods used and client progress. The purpose of these follow-up sessions then will be to fine-tune any of your relationship skills if needed and to evaluate the effectiveness of the therapy received.
assessment
Fees for the assessment of your therapy are based on the number of hours needed to complete the three-step process. Please note the use of an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is not accepted for couples counseling.
The components of the assessment are as follows:
Step 1 (Session #1) - Intake Interview with couple.
Step 2 (Sessions #2 and #3) - Individual Interviews with each partner at differing times.
Step 3 (Session #4) - Treatment Planning with both partners.