Working with couples
So you're thinking about engaging in couples work...
I can offer two options; coaching or therapy. What’s the difference?
Put simply, coaching is more future focussed, goal-oriented and focusses on skills development. Couples therapy involves taking a deeper look into the relationship; seeking to understand the history of the relationship, what each partner brings to the dynamic, understanding what has worked and what hasn’t, the strengths and the challenges, as well as setting goals, healing past hurts, and building relationship skills, in order to improve the state of the relationship.
Coaching
If you are after coaching, our 7 principles workshop may be just the thing for you!
Check out information about the workshop, and sign up for the next round.
Couples Therapy
If you are wanting to dive deeper, you know that there are “issues” to unpack, and you require the support of a trained professional, couple’s therapy may be the thing you need...
Not sure?
Book in a free consult to discuss your relationship needs, and I'll let you know what option suits your unique relationship.
Therapy
If you are wanting to dive deeper, you know that there are “issues” to unpack, and you require the support of a trained professional, couple’s therapy may be the thing you need... All therapist’s differ in their approach, however, I predominantly use the Gottman Method (for more info on the Gottman Institute, click here), which is based on over four (4) decades of research and evidence!! I also incorporate alternative approaches; including exploration and balancing of masculine and feminine energy (this is not based on gender), and a more philosophical take on our expectations of relationships and ways of relating to a partner. As a Clinical Psychologist, I also have a deep understanding of the unique story that each partner brings to the table and as such, I also incorporate Schema Therapy, CBT, and various other psychological “tools”.
If this sounds like something you’re after, here are some things for you to consider when choosing to work with me;
Assessment
Without fully understanding the relationship, I cannot confidently assist couples to move forwards in the right direction. Just as when you get your car repaired, if a thorough assessment isn’t done, you may find yourself wasting a lot of money on “repairs” that don’t seem to address or fix the issue.
So…. That means you need to be prepared to engage in a thorough assessment process, which includes:
4 sessions:
- An initial joint session – we explore the story of the relationship, where it’s currently at, and where you would both like it to be
- Two (2) individual sessions – one with each of you. This allows me to get to know each of you better and to understand your unique history’s, and what you each bring to the relationship dynamic
- A joint feedback session – you are provided with feedback regarding the assessment process, including your results from the Relationship Checkup (see below for info). You are also introduced to the relationship model we use (based on the Gottman Institute’s research), and goals for therapy are identified.
Completion of the Gottman Relationship Checkup – this assessment gathers information that helps us to identify the strengths of the relationship, as well as challenges. Please provide both partner’s email addresses when booking your appointment, as you will each receive a separate email with a link inviting you to complete the assessment. A small fee (approximately $50AUD) is charged by the Gottman Institute to complete the assessment, and the results are emailed to me once you have completed the questionnaire.
Therapy
From session 5 onwards, we do the work!
What does this look like? Depending on the issue/complaint/area you would like to improve that you bring to the session, we use a range of exercises and skills that seek to:
- facilitate improved communication (both speaking and listening skills),
- develop skills and strategies for compromising (where necessary),
- improve friendship, and the level of respect that you each hold for one another,
- support both partners to get clearer about their goals for the relationship
- assist you to identify your own personal goals and dreams and how your partner can support you, and visa versa
- address past wounds (including infidelity/betrayal) where required
- create more joy and connection in the relationship
- improve sexual connection and intimacy
- and so much more!
If you would like to book in, it is suggested that you do the following:
- Book all four assessment sessions in, within a seven (7) day period if possible. This allows us to speed up the assessment process and dive into therapy, with a sense of hope and momentum.
- When you receive a confirmation email from the team at empoweredbyshannon, complete and return the forms.
- When you receive an email from the Gottman Institute, click on the link and complete the Relationship Checkup prior to your initial assessment
- Hit the Contact form if you have further questions.
