I am trained in using Gottman strategies for conducting couples counseling. It is a method that includes nine components for a healthy relationship. I will help guide couples through these components known as The Sound Relationship House Theory. Starting with our first session together I work with the couple to assess the relationship by getting to know your story as a couple and what you want to work on. Following this initial session, I will meet with each individual separately for an independent assessment. Afterwards, we come together to review what we’ve learned and end the assessment period. These first few sessions help to determine strengths and what areas we need to focus on improving

Gottman’s Sound Relationship House Theory nine components include building Love Maps. This is used to help couples to see how well you know your partner and their hopes, stress, joys, and history. I assist couples with expanding their terminology to Share Fondness and Admiration for each other. This helps to be able to express appreciation and respect. Turn Towards Instead of Away is where I assist couples with exploring how to state your needs, being aware of these areas for connection, and how to respond to your partner. Success towards repair attempts of a relationship include The Positive Perspective when navigating problem solving together. Conflicts in a relationship are natural, and sometimes couples need help when to Manage Conflict in order to resolve problems that might arise. Together we can Make Life Dreams Come True where you and your partner can create an encouraging atmosphere to talk about hopes, dreams, values, and aspirations. Communicating together will Create Shared Meaning with understanding narratives, myths, and metaphors about your relationship. When a person knows that their partner acts and thinks with your best interests and benefits, not just their own, can create Trust. The last component of Gottman’s Sound Relationship House Theory is Commitment. This means believing, and acting on the belief, that you and your partner’s journey together is lifelong. For better or for worse, through the hardships and victories, and that you will both experience and persevere through them together.

This journey is one I love to help couples to navigate for not only their relationship, their partner, but for the individual as well. There will be an element of rediscovering emotional intimacy, being able to share and identify emotions, being able to recreate connection, recognizing current patterns and changing habits for stronger connection together. From who takes out the trash, to hopes and dreams for the rest of our lives. Knowing and being known by each other, while being able to share the journey. The details will become easier after being able to communicate on a deep level. Compromising becomes much simpler when being known and heard. Being present together in the moment are the building blocks towards building a strong connection and relationship with each other.

Schedule an assessment for Couple’s Counseling here and sign-up through my patient portal. If you’d like more information on what Couples Counseling looks like with me, you can call me at 214-668-6058.