Couples often seek therapy when relationship problems are affecting their mental and physical health. For many couples, participating in couples therapy is a brave and courageous step due to a fear that the therapist may take sides and as a result, leave one partner feeling invalidated and misunderstood. The approaches that I use are the Gottman Method and EFT (Emotion Focused Therapy), which both involve understanding each partner's inner world, beliefs, and values. I make sure that each partner feels validated and understood in order to create a safe space to share concerns.
The Gottman Method Couple Therapy was founded by Dr's John and Julie Gottman and is an evidence based approach that helps to understand why some couples live healthy lives while others resort to divorce or separation. With over 40 years of research the Gottman Method has proven as highly effective for helping couples build better friendship, manage conflict, improve intimacy, and gain a deeper understanding of their partner's inner world.
I am 1 of 8 certified Gottman Therapists in British Columbia. Becoming a Certified Gottman Therapist involves a rigorous training process, which includes the submission of clinical videos for evaluation, with more than 50% of therapists having to redo at least one video submission. Successfully completing all 4 videos on my first attempt reflects my commitment and passion for couples therapy, ensuring that my couples receive the highest quality of care.
A large portion of the Gottman Method involves helping couples identify the strengths in their relationship and the areas that need improvement. Often couples who participate in therapy struggle to acknowledge the positive factors that already exist in the relationship. When they realize that positive aspects are already present they gain renewed hope for the future. They also feel motivated to continue engaging in the behaviours that create a healthy bond with their partner. I also offer multiple interventions from the Gottman Method that help couples improve communication skills, as effective communication is a key ingredient to understanding each other's wants, needs, and values.
I have also been granted certification as Therapist and Supervisor in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT), which is an additional gold standard treatment for working with couples. The dual certification of the Gottman Method and EFT will largely help strengthen and maximize the quality of couples work. The EFT model largely helps couples identify cycles in relationship dynamics that bring couples further apart. Couples often long for deep connection and nurture; however, when problematic cycles get in the way, it can create a deep sense of loneliness and despair. In working with the EFT model, I help couples identify problematic cycles so that they can create newer, healthier cycles that promote love, intimacy, safety, and connection.
