What to Expect During Couples Therapy

I use the Gottman Method Couples Therapy (GMCT) as the framework for marriage counseling. The goals of the GMCT include increasing closeness and friendship behaviors, addressing conflict with helpful resolution skills, and building a life of shared meaning together. Dr. Gottman has identified seven principles that help couples maintain successful marriages. Check out this article introducing the Gottman Method to learn more about the framework.

Session 1. I meet with both partners to learn about the relationship's history and issues.

Each spouse completes the Gottman Connect Relationship Assessment online between the first and fourth sessions.

Session 2. I meet with one spouse to listen to their perspective and gather background information about their life.

Session 3. I meet with the other spouse with the same goals.

Session 4. The goal of this session is to review the feedback from the first three sessions and assessment. The couple and therapist collaborate on a plan to improve their relationship satisfaction.

Session 5. The couple learns how to identify ways of communicating and behaving that escalate conflict and how to replace those actions with more beneficial approaches.

Session 6. The couple learns to start conflict conversations by listening to understand instead of listening to defend or win.

Session 7 forward. The couple practices resolving, compromising, and repairing conversations using the foundational communication skills of sessions five and six. 

Each relationship's needs are different. We will adjust this outline to meet those unique needs. Contact me today if you're ready to start working to improve your relationship satisfaction.