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Gottman Marriage Therapy in South Tampa, Florida with Counselor Elizabeth Mahaney
GOTTMAN MARRIAGE THERAPY
Elizabeth Mahaney, LMHC, MFT, NCC, Ph.D will help her clients:
Choose an intervention that is appropriate for the clients at the moment.
Recognize the Four Horseman when one member of a couple exhibits the behavior.
Stop the couple’s dyadic interaction when one member exhibits one of the four horseman. Describe the Four Horseman to the couple.
Explain the antidote to the relevant horseman clearly and accurately.
Coach the person with an alternative way to express him- or herself using an appropriate antidote.
Re-direct the couple to resume communication in a dyadic way. Continue to monitor for the four horsemen and intervene if they reemerge.
Identify when one or both partners are physiologically flooded (and not just upset) and stop the interaction between the couple.
Provide a brief explanation of flooding in clear, sensitive language.
Intervene by guiding one or both partners through a relaxation technique before continuing.
Explain the Dreams Within Conflict process and goals clearly.
Instruct couple on the Dreams Within Conflict intervention.
Assist one partner to ask the other partner questions about the dream or deeper meaning imbedded in their specific gridlocked issue.
Provide The Dream Catcher Questions handout and coach one partner to ask the other questions from the handout to increase understanding of their partner’s underlying dreams or deeper meaning embedded in the specific gridlocked issue; help the couple hold to the questions to go deeper vs. getting into their own point of view.
Introduce the concept of softened start-ups and explain why it helps (i.e., it is easier for their partner to hear and understand their point).
Explain research showing that the first three minutes of a discussion predicts whether that discussion will go well and whether their overall relationship will go well.
Explain importance of expressing needs in positive terms and instruct the partner to restate their point without criticism and then direct them to resume dyadic interaction.
Stop couple’s interaction when one or both partners are not accepting influence.
Explain the need for accepting influence (which may include reference to research). This includes finding a way to understand and honor some aspect of their partner’s position, with a focus on yielding and accepting influence rather than on persuading.
Stop couple and instruct in the concept of offering and accepting repairs and why it is useful.
Provide the Repair Checklist and explain the use.
Ask appropriate Gottman Oral History questions and stay on track with sensitivity to couple’s issues.
Conduct History interview with appropriate timing.
Conduct History interview with sensitivity to issues of co-morbidity.
Gottman Method Couples Therapy
What is Gottman Method Couples Therapy?
Developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman of The Gottman Institute, Gottman Method Couples Therapy is a research-based approach to strengthening relationships.
Dr. John Gottman has been studying relationships for decades, gaining insight about what makes relationships last. Over 3,000 couples participated in long-term research studies, which led to the development of one of the leading methods of couples therapy.
What are the goals of Gottman Method Couples Therapy?
-To increase respect, affection and closeness,
-Break through and resolve conflict when partners feel stuck,
-Generate greater understanding between partners,
-And keep conflict discussions calm.
How do we accomplish this?
Drs. Gottman developed “The Sound Relationship House” which includes the 9 components of a healthy relationship. A therapist who is trained in The Gottman Method can keep your therapeutic work on track by including activities in session which help your relationship in these areas:
Build Love Maps (or how well you know your partner’s inner world).
Share Fondness and Admiration (the antidotes to contempt).
Turn Towards (small moments of relationship bonding).
The Positive Perspective (maintain positive view of your partner even in times of conflict).
Manage Conflict (how to manage conflict even when there isn’t a clear resolution).
Make Life Dreams Come True (encourage the couple to share honestly about hopes, values and aspirations).
Create Shared Meaning (understand the important stories and dreams for your relationship).
Trust (creating a secure feeling in the relationship).
Commitment (believing and acting as committed life partners).
As a relationship therapist in Tampa, Florida
I’ve had the privilege of training with the Gottmans and have completed Gottman Method Couples Therapy Levels I and II. Depending on your needs, I blend Gottman Method, NVC Communication and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) to give your relationship the best chance of success!
Make an appointment: www.SouthTampaCounselor.com/BookAppointment
Top Rated Marriage Counselor In Tampa
I am honored to be among the top 3 rated marriage counselors in Tampa!
Thank you so very much for this recognition. I love what I do!
Feeling Honored and Passionate About Helping Couples & Families! ~Liz