Couples Counselling

My Methodology

I utilize the Gottman Method in my work with couples. This method is evidence based and is grounded by the Sound Relationship House Theory.

I can offer valuable information and answer questions such as

• “what is functional and dysfunctional in a relationship”;
• “what are the couples’ areas of strength”;
• “what are the couples’ areas for improvement”;
• “is there such a thing as healthy conflict”;
• “what does it mean to accept influence from your partner”;
• “what happens when we can’t resolve our conflict/problem”.

We will focus on communication as well as learning some core relationship skills.

The first session:

There are 8 parts to the first session: welcome, informed consent, reviewing the couples’ narrative, an oral history interview, family histories, enactment of a conflict interaction (often video-recorded), instructions for the individual sessions and a parting segment. This first session is generally 2 hours in length.

Various assessments are provided to the couple to complete as homework before the first individual session.

The second session(s):

Each partner will have a 45-minute individual session where they are able to discuss things from their perspective. This session often helps the individual build rapport and confidence in the therapeutic relationship with their counsellor.

The third session:

This is a 90-minute conjoint session where the counsellor summarizes the information from the assessments. In this session we collaborate on goals and a treatment plan.