An all you need to know guide about Couples Therapy. This blog discusses when the right time is to seek couples therapy, common reasons to seek couples therapy, common myths and misconceptions about why people seek couples therapy, types of therapeutic approaches to couples therapy, Repose Therapy’s approach to couples therapy & more!

The Gottman Method specifically recognizes that even within successful relationships, there will inevitably be some unresolvable conflicts. With this principle in mind, the Gottman Method refers to a system of conflict management rather than conflict resolution. There are ways that successful couples approach conflict, even those that feel unresolvable, that allow them to maintain positive sentiment and feel heard and respected within these conversations. There are three main practices to managing conflict in the Sound Relationship House: 1) accept your partner’s influence, 2) dialogue about problems, 3) practice self soothing.

- Kaely Phelps, LMSW, SIFI

The Gottman Method is an evidence based approach to couples therapy that enables couples to reduce verbal conflict, and increase intimacy, affection, and respect. It is founded by psychologists, and husband and wife team, Julie and John Gottman. The Gottmans have over 40 years of research and clinical practice with couples and their methodology is applicable to all types of couples across all phases of life and relationship stages. The foundation of the Gottman Method is based on creating mutual understanding and positive regard within the relationship.

- Kaely Phelps, LMSW, SIFI

We experienced massive shifts in our everyday realities in a short period of time: financial challenges abounded, domestic violence rates increased, and we longed for physical interaction with distant loved ones. We also experienced longer stretches of solitude, allowing us to reflect and initiate changes. The fear we felt - and in many ways are still feeling - is causing us to relate to and communicate with our partners and children differently - sometimes for the worse. What should we know about the pandemic’s effects on couples and families moving forward? What changes should we make to remain grounded in our relationships?

Society tells us that for a union to exist, the union must exist as one. You must live together, love together, exist together. Build a home, share a home, firmly plant your feet on the same soil as your significant other(s). So what happens when circumstances force distance? When circumstance creates a wedge between two longing hands? Does the foundation of your relationship have to crack? Is rupture destined?
- Prerna Menon, LCSW, CTP, SIFI

Whether we like to admit it or not, no relationship is perfect. All couples experience conflict from time to time. The classic culprits responsible for these encounters are spending habits, differing sex drives, family of origin involvement in the relationship, miscommunication, and other patterns of argument that seem never-ending. However, for many couples, a new stressor has been added into the mix – living together in quarantine. This is especially true for married or cohabitating couples who were forced to work from home over the last year and a half in the pandemic.

Human connection is something that we all strive for. We want to feel validated and loved by our partners, and we want to do everything we can to show them that we care. Learning what love language you speak and what you need to feel that validation can not only be helpful in your own journey, but it can aid your connection with your partner(s).

- Ava Kaplan, LMSW

Attachment theory sees the human spirit as being inherently relational - seeking social and intimate bonding with those around us. EFT prioritizes emotional regulation as the key ingredient in navigating one’s individual experience and their relational interactions. EFT is seen to be most effective in working with couples, but is also frequently used to treat anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress.
- Prerna Menon, LMSW, CTP

Relationships are work. They are meant to be. They require adaptation, evolution, and betterment. Sometimes, that work is much too much to be done alone. The Gottman Method for Healthy Relationships, is one way to support that work.
- Prerna Menon, LMSW, CTP

When you choose to be with someone, you’re committing to being with and holding space for everything that made them who they are, including their culture and race.