What might therapy look like?

During the first session we will talk about the history of your relationship, areas of concern, goals for treatment, and take a look at the way you discuss problems together. Following this, you will be asked to complete some questionnaires that further our understanding of your relationship, as well as individual factors that may influence current dynamics or the therapeutic process.

In the next session, I will meet with you individually to learn each of your personal histories and to give both of you an opportunity to share additional insights. In the final session of the assessment phase, we will discuss your results in the context of the Gottman Sound Relationship House, I will share with you my recommendations for treatment and we will work to define mutually agreed upon goals for your therapy.

Following assessment, we enter the active treatment phase of therapy. During this phase I recommend weekly 120 minute sessions. Research has demonstrated that focusing more time to treatment, particularly in the early stages, results in better treatment outcomes. These 120 minute sessions allow sufficient time for each partner to have their turns processing an issue, reflecting their understanding to their partner, and practicing the application of the new skills and principles they learn during therapy.

Most of the work will involve sessions where you will be seen together as a couple. However, there may be times when individual sessions are recommended. We will also work together to set between-session tasks that align with your therapeutic goals and help integrate what you learn during therapy into your daily life together and prevent relapse.

The length of therapy will be determined by your specific needs and goals. We will establish points at which to evaluate your satisfaction and progress. Also, I will encourage you to raise any questions or concerns that you have about therapy at any time.

Following the active treatment phase, we will "phase out" or meet less frequently, and perhaps for shorter 90 minute sessions, in order for you to test out new relationship skills and to prepare for termination of the therapy. Although you may terminate therapy whenever you wish, it is most helpful to have at least one session together to summarise progress, define the work that remains, and say good-bye.

I may recommend a few six-monthly follow-up sessions. These sessions have been shown through research to significantly decrease the chances of relapse into previous, unhelpful patterns. In addition, commitment to providing the best therapy possible requires ongoing evaluation of methods used and client progress. The purpose of these follow-up sessions will therefore be to fine-tune any of your relationship skills if needed, and to evaluate the effectiveness of the therapy received.