I use a wholistic approach, primarily focused on "The Gottman Method" and my own model "Soul Unity Therapy," adding "Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy," and other systemic tools where appropriate and useful for specific situations. I have found that weaving these together provides a comprehensive toolbox to address most relationship concerns, bringing you back together in harmony. I see all types of relationships including alternative lifestyle choices. I am enthusiastic about bringing on clients that are focused on expanded consciousness, meditation, or spirituality as this is something I weave into all of my work and is a high priority for my practice.
I recommend all couples take a comprehensive assessment called "The Gottman Relationship Checkup." There is a minimal cost for this that is paid directly to The Gottman Institute. Commitment to working hard is the best indicator of success from therapy. I am attaching information about this quality therapeutic tool below for your review before deciding if working with me is a good fit. We will use this detailed report as a roadmap for creating a personalized plan for you.
I recommend reading the book, "Hold me Tight," by Sue Johnson, if there is a waiting period before I can see you. This book is so excellent that I have had clients tell me that it was all they needed, and were able to move forward without requiring more therapy.
Any materials by The Gottman Institute are also recommended (John Gottman), particularly "The Seven Principles For Making Marriage Work," but any materials that you feel personally drawn to are excellent resources.
Another handy tool is the book "The 5 Love Languages," by Gary Chapman which is another one that clients have found to be all they needed to move past the particular issues they were struggling with. This will be part of the work we will do together.
Programs that we carry from childhood and life can cause relational misunderstandings, dramas, and extreme separation. Soul Unity Processing Method (with EMDR) can be used in the session with both present or as an added individual session to enhance the effectiveness of this wholistic approach to couples therapy. Please feel free to ask me about this, when we connect.
The following is from the Gottman Institute:
The Gottman Relationship Checkup
"A new online assessment that automatically scores a couple’s strengths and challenges.
This clinical tool consists of 480 questions about friendship, intimacy, how well you know your
partner, how you manage emotions and conflict, how you share your values and goals, and what gives meaning to your lives. There are additional questions about parenting, housework, finances, trust, and individual areas of concern. The questionnaire is completely confidential, fully HIPAA compliant, and your therapist will be the only person to see your responses.
The Gottman Relationship Checkup is a breakthrough in couple’s therapy as it allows for a confidential, efficient way for your clinician to complete the evaluation process. By using this new technology, your assessment can be done at any time and in the setting of your choice! Upon completion, it automatically provides valuable clinical information by pinpointing specific
strengths and challenges in your relationship, while also suggesting actionable, research-based
recommendations for therapy.
You can feel confident in your results. Drs. John and Julie Gottman created this research-based assessment in collaboration with The Gottman Institute to help couples build a personalized treatment plan with their therapist. Dr. John Gottman is a clinical psychologist who has completed more than 40 years of research on couple relationships, and is recognized as one of the top 10 most influential therapists of the last quarter century. Dr. Julie Gottman is a highly respected clinical psychologist who is sought internationally by the media and clinical organizations as an expert advisor on relationships. Together, they have dedicated their lives to helping couples, and The Gottman Relationship Checkup is the result of this life work.
How it works:
1. Accept your invitation: Your therapist will send each of you a separate email inviting you to The Gottman Relationship Checkup.
2. Create a private profile: Once you have accepted the email invitation to join The Gottman Relationship Checkup, you and your partner will each create individual, separate profiles.
3. Complete the questionnaire: You and your partner will each complete your own questionnaire at your convenience. Stop and start at anytime. Neither partner will be able to access the other’s information at any point in the process. In order to pre-serve the integrity and accuracy of the tool, you are encouraged not to share your responses with each other or log in to your partner’s account. The actual time it takes to complete each assessment varies, but it will take, on average, about two hours.
4. Get your results: When you have both completed your individual questionnaires, your therapist will be notified and will be able to securely log in to review your scores and the analysis of your relationship. Your therapist will be able to discuss the results with you and suggest a treatment plan for improving and strengthening your relationship."
Created by Drs. John and Julie Gottman in collaboration with The Gottman Institute