Exploring the Gottman Method: A Path to Relationship Growth: The Gottman Method, developed by Dr. John Gottman and Dr. Julie Schwartz Gottman, offers a research-based approach to improving relationships. It focuses on three core principles: creating shared meaning, fostering appreciation, and managing conflict constructively. By integrating these principles, couples can deepen their emotional connection, enhance communication, and navigate challenges more effectively. This method recognizes the intricate connection between mind, body, and spirit, helping partners develop a holistic understanding of their relationship dynamics. For those looking to strengthen their relationship, the Gottman Method provides practical tools and insights to build a more resilient and fulfilling partnership.

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In this blog post, we explore effective coping mechanisms for navigating life transitions and embracing change and uncertainty. By acknowledging and honoring our emotions, practicing self-compassion, focusing on what we can control, seeking support, and cultivating mindfulness, we can navigate these transitions with greater ease and foster personal growth and resilience. Every transition is an opportunity for learning and transformation, and by embracing the journey, we can emerge stronger and more resilient than ever before.

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Navigating relationships can be challenging. While connection and understanding are key to forming a secure bond, it takes healthy communication to achieve this. But what does healthy communication look like? How can we create intimacy and connection between ourselves and our partners? Curious? Read on!

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Conflict and disagreement are normal, and to some extent unavoidable, parts of being in an intimate relationship. Times will come up when a difference in needs, desires, or preferences, or just misunderstandings, lead to challenging communication. Want to learn some effective strategies to manage your post-conflict repair? Read on!

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You may see some therapists offering an ‘attachment-based’ therapy. This modality is based on the research begun by John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth. They studied how early childhood experiences with one’s caregivers set the stage for how one creates and maintains adult relationships. In short, attachment theory attempts to explain the common patterns in adult relationships that emerge from our early childhood experiences. There are 4 types of adult attachment styles. Curious to know what they are? Read on!

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Partnership- a commitment to one another, whether through marriage, a civil union, or a long-term relationship. A partnership bound by love is one of life's greatest joys, to be witnessed through the eyes of another, to be cared for, and to be chosen every single day. But what happens when that partnership finds a rupture; when one partner has been unfaithful?

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The phrase “setting boundaries” has become a ubiquitous part of our mainstream culture: personal conversations, professional relationships, and social media are all rife with the idea that “boundaries” must be set, but there is still confusion over what this actually means and how to set boundaries effectively. Most of us probably believe that “setting boundaries” looks like saying no and/or protecting our energy, and while this is sometimes true, it doesn’t reflect the whole picture. Learn more.

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The Gottman Method specifically recognizes that even within successful relationships, there will inevitably be some unresolvable conflicts. With this principle in mind, the Gottman Method refers to a system of conflict management rather than conflict resolution. There are ways that successful couples approach conflict, even those that feel unresolvable, that allow them to maintain positive sentiment and feel heard and respected within these conversations. There are three main practices to managing conflict in the Sound Relationship House: 1) accept your partner’s influence, 2) dialogue about problems, 3) practice self soothing.

- Kaely Phelps, LMSW, SIFI

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The Gottman Method is an evidence based approach to couples therapy that enables couples to reduce verbal conflict, and increase intimacy, affection, and respect. It is founded by psychologists, and husband and wife team, Julie and John Gottman. The Gottmans have over 40 years of research and clinical practice with couples and their methodology is applicable to all types of couples across all phases of life and relationship stages. The foundation of the Gottman Method is based on creating mutual understanding and positive regard within the relationship.

- Kaely Phelps, LMSW, SIFI

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We experienced massive shifts in our everyday realities in a short period of time: financial challenges abounded, domestic violence rates increased, and we longed for physical interaction with distant loved ones. We also experienced longer stretches of solitude, allowing us to reflect and initiate changes. The fear we felt - and in many ways are still feeling - is causing us to relate to and communicate with our partners and children differently - sometimes for the worse. What should we know about the pandemic’s effects on couples and families moving forward? What changes should we make to remain grounded in our relationships?

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Society tells us that for a union to exist, the union must exist as one. You must live together, love together, exist together. Build a home, share a home, firmly plant your feet on the same soil as your significant other(s). So what happens when circumstances force distance? When circumstance creates a wedge between two longing hands? Does the foundation of your relationship have to crack? Is rupture destined?
- Prerna Menon, LCSW, CTP, SIFI

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Relationships are work. They are meant to be. They require adaptation, evolution, and betterment. Sometimes, that work is much too much to be done alone. The Gottman Method for Healthy Relationships, is one way to support that work.
- Prerna Menon, LMSW, CTP

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