I believe that your couples therapist needs to be highly active in session. Too many times I have heard clients tell me that they tried couples therapy and it "only made us feel worse" or "all we did was fight in session." My goal is to be an advocate for the relationship. This means I will interrupt you when things escalate in session so that you both experience a new way of interacting that is based on mutual respect, trust and compassion. We call this a corrective emotional experience that teaches you to fight fairly and with dignity for one another. My clients tell me that they find my interactive style and sense of humor refreshing and worthwhile.
As a generalist, I draw upon a variety of methods, techniques and experiences to help each couple succeed. The following are links to specialists and other resources that have influenced the way I practice couples therapy:
- Gary Chapman, "The Five Love Languages"
- John Gottman, "The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work"
- Sue Johnson, "Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy for Trauma Survivors"
- Barry McCarthy, Sex Made Simple: Clinical Strategies for Sexual Issues in Therapy
- Myers-Briggs, "Type Finder Compatibility and Your Personality Type"
