Relationship & Couple Counselling
Relationship therapy focuses on helping couples resolve problems they may be having in their relationship.
For most people having satisfying relationships is a major determinant of happiness. However, many people struggle to develop and maintain satisfying relationships. These issues may surface within marriage, relationships, family, work or even friendships.
There are many reasons for relationship difficulties. The common one is an old childhood pattern or one from past relationship, which usually combined with communication difficulties.
The process provides a neutral space to reflect and address your relational and communication patterns in order to develop more satisfying ways of being and relating.
At the end of the process you will be able to understand you and your partner’s behaviour and to overcome the differences.
In our sessions, we use the Gottman Method.
The Gottman Method is an approach to couples therapy that includes a thorough assessment of the couple’s relationship and integrates research-based interventions based on the Sound Relationship House Theory. The goals of Gottman Method Couples Therapy are to disarm conflicting verbal communication; increase intimacy, respect, and affection; remove barriers that create a feeling of stagnancy; and create a heightened sense of empathy and understanding within the context of the relationship.
Gottman Method Couples Therapy
Couples who enter into Gottman Method Couples Therapy begin with an assessment process that then informs the therapeutic framework and intervention.
Assessment
A conjoint session, followed by individual interviews with each partner are conducted. Couples complete questionnaires and then receive detailed feedback on their relationship.
Check out the online assessment tool the Gottman Relationship Checkup. Created by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, Affective Software, Inc., and The Gottman Institute, this online couples assessment tool automatically scores a relationship’s strengths and challenges and provides specific recommendations for intervention.
Therapeutic Framework
The couple and therapist decide on the frequency and duration of the sessions.
Therapeutic Interventions
Interventions are designed to help couples strengthen their relationships in three primary areas: friendship, conflict management, and creation of shared meaning. Couples learn to replace negative conflict patterns with positive interactions and to repair past hurts. Interventions designed to increase closeness and intimacy are used to improve friendship, deepen emotional connection, and create changes which enhances the couples shared goals. Relapse prevention is also addressed.