Re-establishing connection: marriage counseling with the Gottman Method
Relationship difficulties are often a result of not knowing/using effective communication and connection skills, leading to partners feeling disconnected and alone in their relationships. Gottman Couples Therapy seeks to re-connect couples and teach them effective strategies for maintaining an emotionally satisfying relationship. Gottman Couples Therapy, developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, is based on over 40 years of research on relationships and has been shown to be effective in improving relationship satisfaction and reducing the likelihood of divorce.
The key components of Gottman Couples Therapy include:
Building a strong foundation: This involves helping couples build a strong emotional connection through their marital friendship and to create a shared meaning for their relationship. Couples are encouraged to explore their hopes and dreams, values, and beliefs. Specifically important is to develop rituals of connection which are routines for staying emotionally involved and invested with your partner.
Improving communication: Communication is an essential part of any relationship, and Gottman Couples Therapy focuses on helping couples communicate effectively. This involves teaching couples how to listen to each other, express their feelings in a non-judgmental way, and avoid criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling.
Resolving conflicts: Happy couples fight. But how couples handle conflict can make a big difference in the success of their relationship. Gottman Couples Therapy teaches couples specific skills for managing conflict, such as taking breaks when emotions get too heated, using humor to diffuse tension, and making "repair attempts" to de-escalate conflicts.
Maintaining gains and preventing relapse: Once couples have made progress in therapy, it is important to maintain these gains and prevent relapse. Gottman Couples Therapy provides couples with tools and strategies for maintaining their progress, such as regularly checking in with each other and engaging in ongoing communication and conflict management.
Schedule an appointment with one of our couples counselors to explore if Gottman Couples Therapy is right for you.