Practice Information
Resources for Gottman Relationship Therapy
Gottman Method Couples Therapy is an evidence based approach to treating relationship problems. The approach aims to increase respect, affection, and closeness; break through and resolve conflict when couples feel stuck; generate greater understanding between partners; and to keep conflict discussions calm. I receive ongoing training and consultation through the Gottman Institute and am fully certified in the approach.
The Gottman Institute, Inc.
I am a Certified Gottman Therapist (CGT). I participate in Gottman Institute Trainings as a facilitator, for example at the Art and Science of Love work shops. The Gottman Institute was co-founded by Dr. John Gottman and Dr. Julie Schwartz Gottman, The Gottman Institute has two major functions: helping couples directly, and providing state-of-the-art training to mental health professionals and other health care providers. The Gottman Institute applies leading-edge research on marriage in a practical, down-to-earth therapy and trains therapists committed to helping couples. No other approach to couples education and therapy has relied on such intensive, detailed, and long-term scientific study of why marriages succeed or fail. The Gottman Website is full of fantastic and free information. Take a look at their site: Please see the Gottman Relationship Blog for more information on our methods, and you can look through our Research Overview page.
The Gottman Referral Network
The Gottman Referral Network is an easy source to find therapists who use the Gottman Method in their practice. You can filter your search for a Trained Gottman Therapist or for a Certified Gottman Therapist near you.
- A trained Gottman therapist has completed one of the three levels of the Gottman Training program.
- A Certified Gottman Therapist has over 300 hours of experience as a couples therapist, has completed all three levels of training plus they have completed at least 10 hours of direct individual supervision and consultation under the direction of a Certified Gottman Trainer. The certification process assures that the complex Gottman techniques and interventions are applied properly in practice. Finally, Certified Gottman Therapist’s have submitted examples of their work in specific techniques by video to the institute and they have passed the Institute’s examination.
The Gottman Relationship Coach Series
The Gottman Relationship Coach video tutorials are fantastic tools to supplement your couples therapy. Or they can be used as a self paced DIY method for improving your relationship. For couples who work with me and complete the Love Lab or and Intensive Marathon session, I offer the full package of Gottman Relationship Coach tutorials for $150.
The Gottman Card-decks App
I highly recommend the Gottman Card-decks App for every couple. I often use the card decks in my sessions with couples. They are great ways to start conversations that are fun and relationship building. The card-decks are also integral to the Gottman Art and Science of Love workshops for couples. The card-decks are available both for Android and iPhone:
Gottman Card-decks for Android
The Gottman Marriage Minute
The Gottman Marriage Minute is a fantastic regular reminder of the principles taught in the Gottman Method. Please subscribe to this free email newsletter from The Gottman Institute at the following link:
Some Useful Books for Couples to Read Together
Come as You Are: The Surprising New Science that Will Transform Your Sex Life
Not Just Friends: Rebuilding Trust and Recovering Your Sanity After Infidelity
What Makes Love Last?: How to Build Trust and Avoid Betrayal
OTHER SPECIALIZATIONS:
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing–EMDR
I am a fully certified EMDR therapist. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a specialized technique for addressing disturbing memories or fearful thoughts. EMDR is evidence based and is one of the most effective techniques for out-patient treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It is also effective in treating performance related fears and other anxiety that has come from lesser but still debilitating life experiences. The following or links for more information:
EMDR International Association
EMDR Institute, Inc.
The EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) and EMDR Institute are professional associations where EMDR practitioners and EMDR researchers seek the highest standards for the clinical use of EMDR. Since 2004 the American Psychiatric Association has identified EMDR in their Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients with Acute Stress Disorder and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. EMDR is an accepted psychotherapy by leading mental health organizations throughout the world for the treatment of a variety of symptoms and conditions. These websites provide information to the greater EMDR community including clinicians, researchers, and the public that EMDRIA members serve.
Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD
I am also a Quality Rated CPT provider. CPT is a cognitive behavioral approach to treating PTSD and is also a top tier American Psychiatric Association recommended approach for treating PTSD. I prefer providing CPT in a group format. What I love about CPT is the community that develops out of the group members supporting each other and sharing their experiences. The CPT group is the most effective approach I know to remove the isolation that so many victims of trauma tend to feel. You can learn more about Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD at this link:
CPT for PTSD
CPT for PTSD is the international training and certifying agency for Cognitive Processing Therapy providers. CPT is endorsed by the U.S. Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense, as well as the International Society of Traumatic Stress Studies, as a best practice for the treatment of PTSD.
Mindfulness Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT: Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapeutic treatment that helps patients to understand the thoughts and feelings that influence behaviors. CBT is commonly used to treat a wide range of disorders, including phobias, addiction, depression and anxiety.
ACT: Developed within a coherent theoretical and philosophical framework, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a unique empirically based psychological intervention that uses acceptance and mindfulness strategies, together with commitment and behavior change strategies, to increase psychological flexibility. Psychological flexibility means contacting the present moment fully as a conscious human being, and based on what the situation affords, changing or persisting in behavior in the service of chosen values.
DBT: DBT is an evidence based technique that has been proven effective in the treatment of the most complicated and persistent anxiety, depression, and personality disorders. I continue to integrate DBT methods into much of what I do, however I am only accepting clients working on the last phase of DBT treatment at this time. Those seeking training in the DBT Skills I strongly recommend the Loma Linda Behavioral Medicine partial inpatient programs. For adolescent issues see Shield Program. For Adult issues see their Partial and Intensive Outpatient Programs
National Association of Social Workers
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world, with 150,000 members. NASW works to enhance the professional growth and development of its members, to create and maintain professional standards, and to advance sound social policies.
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