COUPLES COUNSELING

Couples counseling is a type of therapy that helps couples improve their communication, resolve conflict, and build stronger relationships. Couples counseling can be a helpful resource for couples who are struggling in their relationship. Couples counseling is not a magic solution, but it can be a helpful tool for couples who are willing to put in the effort.

Silver Cypress Group's therapeutic methodology for couples combines trauma expertise with the Gottman Method, created by Drs. John and Julie Gottman. The Gottman's have developed nine components of healthy relationships known as The Sound Relationship House Theory.

With Gottman's Sound Relationship House Model, couples learn how to:

Rebuild Trust
Respect one another
Have fondness and admiration
Give the benefit of the doubt
Value one another
Consider one another’s perspectives and feelings
Create shared meaning
Compromise
Restore romance and intimacy

The Gottman Method is based on the work of Dr. John Gottman, a renowned researcher and therapist who has studied couples for over 40 years.

The Gottman Method Couples Therapy is a four-stage process:

Assessment. The first step in the Gottman Method Couples Therapy is to assess the couple's relationship. This includes gathering information about their current situation, their past experiences, and their goals for therapy.
Education. The second step in the Gottman Method Couples Therapy is to educate the couple about the research on couples therapy and how it can help them. This includes providing them with information about the four stages of therapy, the Gottman Method, and how to communicate effectively.
Skills training. The third step in the Gottman Method Couples Therapy is to teach the couple specific skills that they can use to improve their relationship. These skills include:
- Communication. The couple learns how to communicate effectively with each other, both verbally and emotionally.
- Conflict resolution. The couple learns how to resolve conflict in a healthy way.
- Intimacy. The couple learns how to create and maintain intimacy in their relationship.
- Trust. The couple learns how to build and maintain trust in their relationship.
Implementation. The fourth step in the Gottman Method Couples Therapy is for the couple to implement the skills they have learned in therapy. This includes practicing the skills at home and in their daily lives.

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: