The Gottman Couples Therapy Method
COUPLES THERAPY & MARRIAGE COUNSELLING USING THE GOTTMAN METHOD
Are you feeling disconnected from your partner? Do arguments escalate quickly, leaving you both feeling hurt and frustrated? This couples therapy utilizes the research-based Gottman Method as its foundation, incorporating elements of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to address the emotional connection within your relationship. As a therapist offering Gottman Therapy in Australia, I offer relationship therapy in a supportive and understanding environment. For those who desire it, faith-based perspectives (including Christian marriage counselling) can be integrated into our work. We'll work together to understand your relationship dynamics, improve communication, and rediscover the joy of being a team, focusing on building a strong and stable foundation while also nurturing emotional responsiveness.
1. INITIAL ASSESSMENT (Four Sessions):
Session 1: Joint Session (70 minutes): We'll explore your relationship history, identify strengths and challenges, and introduce the core concepts of the Gottman Method, including the Sound Relationship House and the Four Horsemen. We'll also touch upon the importance of emotional connection and attachment, drawing from EFT principles. This session sets the foundation for our work together.
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Complete Questionnaires: After the initial session, you'll each be asked to complete online questionnaires through a secure system. These assessments provide valuable information about your relationship dynamics, strengths, and areas for growth, which will help inform the treatment plan moving forward.
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Sessions 2 & 3: Individual Sessions (50 minutes each): These sessions provide a safe space for each of you to share your personal history, perspectives on the relationship, and any individual concerns. This helps me gain a deeper understanding of your unique experiences and how they influence your partnership, also considering individual attachment styles through an EFT lens.
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Session 4: Joint Feedback Session (70 minutes): We'll discuss the insights gathered from the assessments, including the Gottman Relationship Checkup (an online questionnaire completed individually after the first session). We'll collaboratively develop a personalized treatment plan, primarily based on Gottman principles, but incorporating EFT techniques to address emotional needs and foster secure attachment. This session provides a roadmap for your continued growth as a couple. It is recommended that these four sessions are booked within a three-week period.
ONGOING THERAPY
Following the assessment phase, I will continue meeting regularly with you as a couple. Sessions will primarily focus on implementing Gottman strategies outlined in your treatment plan, practicing new communication skills, and deepening your emotional connection. We'll integrate EFT techniques as needed to address emotional responsiveness, process emotions effectively, and strengthen your bond.
MAINTENANCE - BUILDING LASTING CONNECTIONS
This approach empowers couples to:
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Enhance Communication: Learn to express your needs and listen effectively to your partner's perspective using Gottman communication tools.
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Manage Conflict: Develop healthy strategies for navigating disagreements and resolving conflict constructively using the Gottman Sound Relationship House framework.
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Increase Intimacy: Deepen your emotional connection and foster a sense of shared meaning and purpose, incorporating EFT principles to enhance emotional intimacy.
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Strengthen Attachment: Gain a deeper understanding of each other's emotional needs and develop more secure attachment through targeted EFT interventions.
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Build Trust and Commitment: Strengthen the foundation of your relationship and create a lasting bond using the Gottman approach.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the cost of sessions? Couples sessions (70 minutes) are $220, and individual sessions (50 minutes) are $180.
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How long is the assessment process? The assessment consists of four sessions: one initial joint session, followed by individual sessions for each partner, and a final joint feedback session. We recommend scheduling these within a three-week period for optimal effectiveness.
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How often will we meet after the assessment? The frequency of ongoing sessions will be determined collaboratively during the feedback session, based on your specific needs and goals.
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What can we expect during a typical session? Sessions will involve a combination of discussion, skill-building exercises, and processing emotions. We'll work together to identify negative patterns, develop new ways of interacting, and strengthen your emotional connection.
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How long does therapy typically last? The length of therapy varies depending on the couple's needs and goals. Some couples experience significant improvement in a few months, while others may choose to continue for a longer period.
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Is this therapy approach right for us? This integrative approach is effective for couples facing a wide range of challenges, including communication problems, conflict, infidelity, and loss of intimacy. If you're committed to working on your relationship and willing to invest the time and effort, this therapy can help you create positive change.
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What if we have more questions? Please don't hesitate to contact me directly with any further questions. I'm happy to discuss your specific situation and how this therapy approach can benefit you.
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Can you incorporate our spiritual or religious beliefs into the therapy process? Yes, absolutely. If you desire, we can integrate your faith-based perspectives, such as those from a Christian perspective, into our work together. Please let me know if this is something you'd like to explore.
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What questionnaires are used during the assessment phase? The Gottman Relationship Checkup is a research-based assessment tool designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of your relationship dynamics. Developed by Dr. John Gottman over 50 years of scientific research, this in-depth questionnaire offers valuable insights into the strengths and growth areas within your partnership.
Key Features:
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Research-Based: Built upon decades of scientific research on relationship success and failure, providing a data-driven foundation for understanding your relationship.
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In-Depth: Comprising 337 questions covering a wide range of topics, including friendship, intimacy, emotions, conflict, values, trust, parenting, housework, finances, and individual areas of concern. This comprehensive approach ensures a thorough understanding of your relationship dynamics.
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Secure and Confidential: Ensuring your privacy and the confidentiality of your responses. The questionnaire is completed online through a secure system.
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Informative: The results of the questionnaire provide valuable information that helps inform the development of a personalized treatment plan, tailored to your specific needs and goals.
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Are Medicare or private health fund rebates available for couples counselling? Medicare rebates are not available for couples counselling. However, some private health funds may offer rebates for couples therapy depending on your level of cover and specific policy. We recommend contacting your private health fund directly to inquire about their rebate policies for couples sessions and the specific item numbers used for claiming. We can provide you with a receipt that includes the necessary information for submitting a claim to your health fund. Unfortunatley, we are not able to guarantee a rebate or process it for you.
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Is therapy offered in person or online? Kylie exclusively offers online therapy via secure video conferencing. This provides several benefits, including:
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Accessibility: Access therapy from anywhere in Australia, regardless of your location. This eliminates geographical barriers and makes specialized couples therapy accessible to everyone.
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Convenience: No need to coordinate schedules and travel to a physical location. This simplifies attendance for both partners, especially with busy lifestyles. Evening and weekend sessions are available for added flexibility.
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Childcare Considerations: If your children are asleep at night, you can attend sessions from the comfort of your home in the evening, eliminating the need for childcare.
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Comfort and Privacy: Engage in therapy from a familiar and comfortable environment, which can help you feel more relaxed and open during sessions.
Online therapy requires a private and quiet space where you can fully focus on your sessions without distractions. We'll discuss any specific requirements for online sessions during our initial consultation.
A DEDICATED ONLINE PSYCHOLOGY PRACTICE SERVING INDIVIDUALS AND COUPLES ACROSS AUSTRALIA
Providing online psychological and counselling services, we support mental health, trauma recovery, interpersonal relationships, perinatal wellbeing, and faith-based challenges, empowering individuals and couples to lead fulfilling lives.