Couples Counseling, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Mindful Eating & Nutritional Psychology, & Psychotherapy
Couples Counseling FAQs
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Call 510-594-8224
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How often are the couples therapy sessions?
The first four evaluation sessions are typically done weekly or more often, so you receive some immediate help. After the evaluation, we will mutually have a better understanding of your needs.
If your time allows, continuing weekly for 10-12 sessions after the assessment builds an excellent foundation. The more you invest in the beginning, the more your confidence grows as you practice reconnecting frequently in a safe space. After your initial goals are met, you may decrease to every other week.
Research shows that intensive weekly couples therapy at first, followed by therapist "fading," decreasing to once a month, every 2 months, and finally every 6 months for 2 years, is most effective. Over time, you'll learn to repair conflict and increase connection on your own and can fire your therapist.
To make the therapy more accessible financially, you also have the option to come in every other week from the beginning. The benefits include less travel, which saves time, money, and the environment, and if you have kids, less money for a sitter. You can receive all the benefits of the internationally-respected Gottman research, often for less money per month than some private weekly therapy.
Why are the sessions 70 minutes or longer?
Our experience as Gottman Method Couples Therapists shows that longer sessions work better than shorter sessions, to have enough time for satisfying dialogue.
We're concerned that the first month is more expensive.
Money is certainly a concern in these challenging times. Gottman Method Couples Therapy is absolutely an investment of time, money and energy. You have to be willing to say that you're worth the investment — that the quality of your life and your relationship is worth it. The first month will involve the most time for all of us. I will spend hours reviewing your written and verbal assessments and working on a treatment plan on a complementary basis.
How can we get the most out of therapy?
The best way to make couples therapy work effectively is to practice at home, exercises and opportunities for intimacy you will choose each session.
Do you work with straight people?
Gladly. I have been pleased to do effective work with many heterosexual couples, both married and unmarried. It makes me happy to increase love and peace in the world.
Please call 510-594-8224 to schedule an appointment in Oakland or get thoughtful answers to any questions you may have.
The first four evaluation sessions are typically done weekly or more often, so you receive some immediate help. After the evaluation, we will mutually have a better understanding of your needs.
If your time allows, continuing weekly for 10-12 sessions after the assessment builds an excellent foundation. The more you invest in the beginning, the more your confidence grows as you practice reconnecting frequently in a safe space. After your initial goals are met, you may decrease to every other week.
Research shows that intensive weekly couples therapy at first, followed by therapist "fading," decreasing to once a month, every 2 months, and finally every 6 months for 2 years, is most effective. Over time, you'll learn to repair conflict and increase connection on your own and can fire your therapist.
To make the therapy more accessible financially, you also have the option to come in every other week from the beginning. The benefits include less travel, which saves time, money, and the environment, and if you have kids, less money for a sitter. You can receive all the benefits of the internationally-respected Gottman research, often for less money per month than some private weekly therapy.
Why are the sessions 70 minutes or longer?
Our experience as Gottman Method Couples Therapists shows that longer sessions work better than shorter sessions, to have enough time for satisfying dialogue.
We're concerned that the first month is more expensive.
Money is certainly a concern in these challenging times. Gottman Method Couples Therapy is absolutely an investment of time, money and energy. You have to be willing to say that you're worth the investment — that the quality of your life and your relationship is worth it. The first month will involve the most time for all of us. I will spend hours reviewing your written and verbal assessments and working on a treatment plan on a complementary basis.
How can we get the most out of therapy?
The best way to make couples therapy work effectively is to practice at home, exercises and opportunities for intimacy you will choose each session.
Do you work with straight people?
Gladly. I have been pleased to do effective work with many heterosexual couples, both married and unmarried. It makes me happy to increase love and peace in the world.
Please call 510-594-8224 to schedule an appointment in Oakland or get thoughtful answers to any questions you may have.