Last Updated on October 28, 2023 by cmv

What is couples therapy?

There are a variety of couples therapy modalities that a therapist can use in their work with couples.  As a Vancouver couples counselor, you can undergo additional training to be well versed in couples work.  Popular choices for couples counselling training are Emotion Focused Couples Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Imago Relationship Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Reflective Listening for Couples, Gottman Couples Therapy, among others.  Each Vancouver Couples Counselor approach comes with their own techniques and tools to use with couples along with different ways to approach a couple’s relationship struggles.

What is the Gottman Couples Therapy approach about?

The Gottman Method is a research-based approach to couples therapy that focuses on building and maintaining healthy relationships. It was developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, who have studied couples for over 40 years and identified key factors that contribute to relationship success. The method includes techniques for improving communication, managing conflict, and increasing intimacy. It also emphasizes the importance of assessing the relationship as a whole, rather than focusing solely on individual issues or problems. Overall, The Gottman Method is a well-regarded and effective approach for couples counselling.  This is why our therapists chose this modality over the others.

What to consider

If you’re thinking about trying couples therapy, choose a Vancouver couples therapist who has enough training and experience to help you without doing harm.  Couples therapy (also known as relationship therapy, relationship counselling, marriage therapy, marriage counselling, or couples counselling) is very different than individual therapy and there are things a counsellor can do or say that are either helpful or hindering (even if it’s well intentioned) to the relationship.  Also, choose a therapist who is trained in a research based approach to couples work rather than one that is opinion based to ensure that you’re getting tools and technique that will actually help you.

Written by Erica Beauchamp