When working with couples I often utilize the John Gottman therapy methods. This treatment approach is based on Drs. John and Julie Gottman’s long term research beginning in the mid 1970’s. The research focused on what makes marriages succeed or fail. From this research, Dr. Gottman and his colleagues discovered specific tools that assist with deepening friendship, facilitating communication, managing conflict, and improving intimacy.

Additionally, by establishing clear treatment goals and using interventions that provide solutions for change, I will assist you:

• Identify the issues you want to focus on
• Understand your roles in dysfunctional interactions that maintain your problems
• Change how you and your partner perceive your relationship and each other
• Increase your ability to express feelings in a constructive way
• Improve your effectiveness in communicating and problem-solving together

While it’s important that you both gain insight into problem dynamics, changing your behaviors and how you interact with each other is critical. You may be given at-home assignments in order to practice the skills you learn in therapy in your everyday lives.

Pre-Marital Counseling

I am also a trained and certified facilitator for the PREPARE/ENRICH method, a comprehensive assessment and counseling approach frequently used to help prepare couples for marriage. The assessment can be taken online but requires a trained facilitator to help interpret the results. The Enrich Program is also utilized with couples who want to improve their relationship. I recommend at least four sessions following the initial assessment.

Your first step is to call us at 715-832-4060 and schedule an appointment.