The Gottman Method is a research-based approach to couples therapy developed by renowned psychologists Drs. John and Julie Gottman. It is designed to help couples build stronger, healthier relationships by improving communication, understanding, and conflict resolution skills. This method is rooted in over four decades of scientific research and has been extensively tested and validated. At its core, the Gottman Method focuses on enhancing relationship satisfaction and promoting long-term relationship success. It provides couples with practical tools and strategies to deepen their emotional connection, foster empathy, and create a secure bond built on trust and mutual support. One of the key elements of the Gottman Method is effective communication. Couples are taught techniques for active listening, expressing their needs and concerns, and responding empathetically to their partner's emotions. By improving communication skills, couples can reduce misunderstandings, increase understanding, and strengthen their overall relationship quality. Conflict resolution is another crucial aspect addressed by the Gottman Method. Couples learn healthy ways to manage and resolve conflicts, with a focus on understanding each other's perspectives and finding mutually beneficial solutions. The method helps couples navigate disagreements constructively, reducing the negative impact of conflict on the relationship. The Gottman Method also emphasizes the importance of emotional intimacy. Couples are encouraged to deepen their emotional connection by expressing fondness and admiration for each other, building friendship and trust, and creating shared meaning in their relationship. By fostering emotional intimacy, couples can cultivate a strong and fulfilling partnership. Overall, the Gottman Method is widely recognized as one of the most effective approaches to couples therapy. Its evidence-based techniques have helped countless couples improve their relationship satisfaction, strengthen their communication skills, and develop strategies for long-term relationship success. Therapists trained in the Gottman Method utilize these principles to guide couples towards healthier and more fulfilling relationships.

Discernment Counseling is a specialized form of counseling designed for couples who are unsure about the future of their relationship and contemplating divorce or separation. It is a short-term and structured therapeutic process that helps couples gain clarity and make informed decisions about the next steps in their relationship. The primary focus of Discernment Counseling is to assist couples in exploring three paths: staying in the relationship as it is, pursuing a divorce or separation, or committing to a focused effort on reconciliation and relationship repair. The goal is to help partners gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their partner, and the patterns and dynamics within their relationship. Unlike traditional couples therapy, Discernment Counseling is not about solving problems or working on relationship issues directly. Instead, it provides a safe and supportive space for couples to examine their concerns, emotions, and motivations. The counselor helps facilitate open and honest conversations, allowing each partner to express their perspectives, desires, and doubts. Discernment Counseling typically involves a combination of individual and joint sessions. In individual sessions, each partner has an opportunity to privately explore their thoughts and feelings. Joint sessions provide a platform for guided conversations where couples engage in structured dialogues facilitated by the counselor. The role of the counselor in Discernment Counseling is to support both partners without taking sides or advocating for a specific outcome. The counselor helps couples navigate the complexities of their emotions and decision-making process while providing guidance, insight, and tools to facilitate productive discussions. Discernment Counseling is time-limited and usually consists of 1-5 sessions. The number of sessions can vary depending on the couple's needs and progress. It is a collaborative effort between the couple and the counselor, with an emphasis on creating a safe and non-judgmental environment for exploration and reflection. The overarching purpose of Discernment Counseling is to provide couples with the clarity and understanding necessary to make a thoughtful and informed decision about the future of their relationship. It helps couples gain insight into themselves, their partner, and their relationship dynamics, empowering them to move forward with confidence, whether that involves continuing the relationship, pursuing separation, or committing to reconciliation efforts.