The Gottman Method
At Restorative Pathways, we utilize the Gottman Method and Experiential interventions for Couples Counseling. The Gottman Method is an approach to couples therapy that includes a thorough assessment of the couple relationship and integrates research-based interventions based on their Sound Relationship House Theory.
Assessment
A joint session followed by individual interviews with each partner are conducted. Couples complete online questionnaires (the Gottman Relationship Checkup) and then receive detailed feedback on their relationship. We use experiential approaches to enhance engagement and understanding throughout the assessment process.
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.
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 in conflicting situations, and create a heightened sense of empathy and understanding within the context of the relationship.
In his New York Times bestselling book The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work, Dr. John Gottman writes, “Although you may feel your situation is unique, we have found that all marital conflicts fall into two categories: Either they can be resolved, or they are perpetual, which means they will be part of your lives forever, in some form or another.” Gottman says that 69% of marital conflicts are perpetual problems, and these are of particular focus in much of the work performed by Gottman-trained therapists.
The Gottman Method is designed to support couples across all economic, racial, sexual orientation, and cultural sectors. Outcome research has shown Gottman Method Couples Therapy to be effective for treating same-sex relationships.
Some of the relationship issues that may be addressed in therapy include:
Frequent conflict and arguments
Poor communication
Emotionally distanced couples on the verge of separation
Specific problems such as sexual difficulties, infidelity, money, and parenting
Learn more by clicking one of the links below
Private Couples Retreat
When a relationship is in crisis, an extreme marriage makeover may be needed to help the couple move in a different direction in a shorter period of time than traditional counseling. This method, is ideal for couples who have difficulty setting aside time for weekly appointments, highly distressed couples, and couples desiring a more urgent and intensive approach for their issues.
How does a Private Retreat work? This type of counseling is completed in the course of 1-2 full days of therapy. During each day, the sessions include three hours of therapy in the morning, a break for lunch, and three hours of therapy in the afternoon. Your retreat will be structured depending on the issues to be addressed, the amount of time contracted for the therapy, the goals you have for the therapy, and your emotional needs. The benefit of this type of therapy is that it builds momentum rapidly with regard to the therapy process, allowing for breakthroughs to be made in a shorter period of time.
And just as in traditional couples counseling, distressed couples learn to foster respect and friendship, while also building a deeper, more secure connection with one another. Couples learn to keep discussions calm and productive to facilitate breakthroughs, understand each other’s inner worlds, gain skill in resolving conflicts and dealing with gridlocked issues and open up the channels of communication.
If your relationship is in crisis or you want to see more rapid change than traditional counseling can offer, a private retreat may be the fastest route to healing.
What are people saying about our Private Marriage Retreats?
“[Our] marriage retreat was the best investment we could've made in our marriage! After a rocky year (lots of changes to our life due to COVID), we weren't communicating well or understanding one another. Miranda helped us to see each other and our marriage in a completely different light. We were able to communicate about our deepest dreams and values, and to find ways to support one another. In the weeks since our retreat, we've been pursuing new dreams together. We're experiencing new life in our marriage and a renewed sense of partnership and appreciation for one another.”
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