Approach & Background
How I approach marriage counseling is by a mixture of influence from Dr. John Gottman and Sr. Sue Johnson. John Gottman is a pioneer of research in couples therapy. He has worked for over 25 years focusing on divorce prediction and marital stability through relationship analysis.
“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”
Dr. Sue Johnson has been a great influence on my marriage practice. She is a clinical psychologist, therapist and well respected author. Her focus of work encompasses the field of psychology relating to bonding, adult attachments and romantic relationships. She is famous for her development of the well known therapy called EFT, Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy.
Through my background and education I use many facets of couples to help determine the best approach in working together to improve relationships. One’s culture, background, ethnicity, religion or belief system, relationship background and more. There are many variables in one’s past history that can bear on their current relationship. My training enables me to provide a perspective on what each partner brings to the relationship and how those variables can influence and help direct the goals for our therapy sessions.