Couples Counseling Q&A

How successful couples counseling will be, will vary amongst individual couples. The specific statistics related to the success rates of marriage counseling vary between different studies.

However, most studies reflect upwards of 70% of couples gaining benefits from couples counseling. An individual’s attitude when entering marriage counseling can significantly impact their experience. A positive and willing approach to addressing challenging issues is more likely to lead to favorable outcomes. Conversely, resistance from one or both partners may hinder the desired results.

At Gold Counseling the Gottman Method, an evidence-based and actionable approach to couples therapy, is utilized. What sets this method apart is its research foundation. While many other models remain theoretical, the Gottman Method is firmly evidence-based, with clinical trials confirming its effectiveness. The overwhelming majority of couples who visit Gold Counseling tend to benefit in the short and long term as the sessions leave them with the skills and methods to better communicate and manage conflicts with their partners.

Couples therapy is a form of counseling tailored for intimate partners, with a primary focus on identifying and addressing conflicts. Typically, of short duration, this therapy primarily targets specific issues within the relationship.

During the initial session, both partners will meet with the therapist together, and most subsequent sessions will also be conducted jointly. Gold Counseling’s therapists specialize in the renowned Gottman Method of couples and relationship counseling, known for its high success rates.

A fundamental principle of the Gottman Method emphasizes the significance of positive interactions in contrast to negative ones. Negative emotions, such as defensiveness and contempt, are recognized as more damaging to a relationship than the healing power of positive emotions.

As a result, therapy primarily centers around equipping partners with the necessary skills and insights to nurture fondness and admiration, effectively communicate their needs, and manage conflicts. The approach also addresses strategies for repairing the relationship when harm occurs.

Couples counseling can fix many relationships, it can also improve communication in relationships in which the partners may not consider the relationship in jeopardy. Couples counseling at Gold Counseling focuses on not only addressing the immediate needs of a relationship but also equipping the partners with the necessary tools to communicate and manage conflicts going forward.

Couples counseling with the Gottman Method categorizes conflicts in relationships into two distinct types, those being resolvable and perpetual. Perpetual conflicts are those that persist and are typically rooted in fundamental differences in personalities or lifestyle needs.

The therapy encourages couples to develop the skills to manage these unresolvable conflicts rather than seeking to eliminate or avoid them. The Gottman Method proves beneficial for a wide range of relationship challenges, spanning from frequent arguments to issues like infidelity and emotional distance, which, at their core, often stem from perpetual conflicts.

This approach can also benefit couples who may not perceive their level of conflict as problematic but are seeking a deeper understanding of their relationship.

At Gold Counseling, many of the interventions offered are highly specific, providing couples with actionable steps to follow after each session. These steps empower couples to continue working on their issues beyond therapy and cultivate long-term relationship skills, thereby preventing a return to negative patterns even after therapy concludes.

Couples counseling offers a multitude of approaches and the selection of the most suitable one hinges on your specific relationship objectives. Ideally, couples are best served by seeking a therapist, particularly one well-versed in the highly successful Gottman Method of couples and relationship counseling. Couples can find experts trained in this effective method of counseling at Gold Counseling, where sessions are available in person or by telehealth.

Couples counseling is available at Gold Counseling. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We serve patients from Riverdale UT, Washington Terrace UT, Clinton UT, Kaysville UT, Clearfield UT, Farmington UT, Draper UT, Riverton UT, Sandy UT, St. George UT, Bloomington UT, Santa Clara UT, and surrounding areas.