When couples undergo therapy together, they all have the same goal. They’re looking for something that works, something that addresses the challenges they’re currently facing.
Yet no one benefits from a one-size-fits-all approach.
In order to effectively treat couples, it’s important to hone in on the unique relationship dynamics of each, and come up with an individualized treatment approach. It is also important to have advanced skills in couples therapy.
At the Relationship Therapy Center, our therapists are well-versed in a variety of proven couples counseling protocols which means they’re prepared to assist no matter what the issues are.
Here are some of the ones we use often, and what they help address.
The Gottman Method
Often considered the gold standard of relationship therapy treatment protocols, the Gottman Method was created after decades of research Dr. John Gottman compiled after working with couples.
Based on his diligent and astute observation, Gottman noticed patterns. He came up with warning signs that accurately predicted the end of a relationship, and he also constructed actionable ways for couples to repair their union.
So, what is The Gottman method? It’s a framework that empowers couples to build a real and meaningful friendship, understand how to communicate and navigate conflict in a healthy way, and generate a shared vision of the future.
Additionally, it offers clear actionable steps for couples as they strengthen their relationship. It is a proven approach—we use it because the results speak for themselves.
Attachment Theory
Many of our behaviors are learned at such an early age it’s hard to be objective about them — or even notice them.
Attachment theory purports that the type of relationship we establish with primary caregivers early on plays a huge part in our adult relationships.
According to this theory, there are four types of attachment styles:
- Secure
- Anxious-preoccupied
- Dismissive-avoidant
- Fearful-avoidant
Learning how to become secure is (obviously) the goal.
Attachment theory is pivotal in explaining the intensity many people experience as their partner withdraws — that “I can’t live without you” feeling that many misinterpret as what love is supposed to feel like.
It also explains why some people have a really hard time letting down their guard and getting close to their other half.
Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT)
Often used as a way to help couples form a secure attachment style, EFT works to educate each person in a relationship, helping them understand their emotions and needs. It identifies and addresses destructive patterns that rear up as a result of emotional disconnection or insecure attachment.
It gives words and meaning to powerful feelings, and offers a rational explanation for why certain behaviors occur.
Sex Therapy
When sex and intimacy go cold, it’s a good indication something is awry.
Rather than ignore it, it’s important to figure out why. Often discussed in conjunction with other relationship issues, sex therapy is talk therapy that aims to reconnect partners with their own sexuality, so they can feel comfortable and excited about sex again.
There’s a myriad of reasons why a couple’s sex life fizzles out, and sex therapy works to rekindle the flame, so to speak. It focuses on addressing this crucial element of a relationship — understanding what is going on so it can be remedied.
Differentiation
It can be challenging, especially when you’re in a relationship, to grasp the concept that other people have different experiences and ways of perceiving events.
We use differentiation to help couples learn to express their own needs while also respecting each other’s differences. It improves emotional connection and helps facilitate healthy communication between partners.
We work hard to understand the dynamics of each couple we see, and create an individualized treatment plan. Our experience in the field coupled with our understanding of all the different modalities used allows us to customize a treatment plan that effectively addresses the needs of every couple we work with—including you.
Give the Relationship Therapy Center a call or text any time to learn more about how we can help.
Begin Couples Counseling in the Sacramento Area:
If you are ready to learn how to deal with the problems in your relationship, the therapists at The Relationship Therapy Center in Fair Oaks, CA and Roseville, CA can help! Our therapists are ready to support you and your partner in your journey towards creating a healthy and happy relationship. To begin marriage counseling in Roseville, CA area, or marriage counseling in Fair Oaks, please follow these three simple steps:
- Contact our counseling office to get more information about couples counseling and to schedule a free consultation.
- Make an appointment with one of our Gottman Method trained therapists.
- Find support and healing in your relationship!
Other Services Offered at The Relationship Therapy Center in California:
In addition to couples counseling, Our Sacramento area counseling clinics located in Roseville and Fair Oaks, CA are pleased to offer a variety of mental health services. Our couples counseling services include: Counseling after infidelity, sex therapy, co-parent counseling, family therapy, divorce counseling, couples therapy retreats, and premarital counseling. Our individual therapy services include, anxiety treatment, trauma therapy, teen therapy, therapy for children, codependency counseling, depression treatment, and individual relationship counseling. We also offer online counseling to California residents. Please contact our office to learn more about the many ways we can help you and your loved ones.