Couples Counseling

Rebuilding Trust and Connection in your Relationship

 

No one goes into a marriage relationship with the desire to hurt one another or with a belief this is a trial relationship. When we begin a relationship, we commit to growing together, to dream of what can be and try our hardest to please each other just like when we first started dating. But we all carry baggage from our past and have unmet expectations that we didn’t even know we had. We heap expectations on the other person which they can’t begin to fulfill, usually because we don’t communicate or even consciously know about.

It is time to step off the crazy cycle, as Emerson Eggerich would say, and just admit you don’t feel loved or respected. Questions genuinely asked like, “What have I done to make you feel unloved or not respected?” go a long way in rebuilding trust and connection. As we take partial ownership of this conflict we can begin to move in a positive direction.

Gottman Method Couples Therapy

 

At Core Values Counseling, our therapists use Gottman Method Couples Therapy with their couples clients. Gottman Method Couples Therapy is a resarch-based approach to couples therapy that focuses on strengthening Friendship, managing conflict and creating shared meaning within a relationship. Developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, it uses principles from their extensive research on marital stability and divorce prediction to help couples improve their communication, build intimacy, and create a more fulfilling relationship. 

For a summary of what to expect from Gottman Method Couples Therapy, please read this informative Psychology Today article:

Couples Counseling 7 Protocols

 

Our hope is to give you the best help possible. We at Core Values Couples believe your relationship is worth a great deal. Especially if you are in a rut of relational despair, your relationship is worth the time, effort and financial support it needs to improve. Healing takes work and commitment. Many couples don’t understand this until it is too late. We have a protocol we believe will transform your relationship. We are upfront with you. Each step is vital, and it will take a considerable amount of time to complete. We hope you will embark on the journey of healing to rebuild your relationship and expect the best future possible.
 

Protocol for Couples Counseling with Core Values Counseling.

1.

 
  1. After being assigned a therapist, complete all the intake information, including taking the Core Values Index (CVI) assessment sent to you.

2.

 
  1. First Appointment: Intake with the therapist for a 80-minute session.

3.

Couples take Gottman Assessment (by email invitation from your therapist).

4.

Both individuals have separate 50-minute counseling appointments with their therapist to gather background history after you have completed the Gottman Online Relationship assessment.

5.

The couple has a 4th intake appointment where they will go over the Gottman Relationship checkup and map out a plan for future work.

6.

The couple will be invited to do an unpacking of the Core Values Index and create awareness of how each other is wired. This can be done a) with the therapist in session or b) an online unpacking or c) schedule a live zoom or in-person session with Life Coach Eric Walters.

7.

Counseling appointments are held to rebuild attachment and teach attunement to each other through tools within the Gottman Method of Couples Counseling.
 

Next step

Once you have read through the 7 protocols, please fill out the new client counseling short form. You can view this video for more details about the 7 protocols.

Protocol for couples wishing to work with Core Values Counseling.

Optional choices that can support your relationship.

Neurofeedback

 
Neurofeedback is also available with our counselors/coaches. This process is very helpful to reduce “fight, flight, or freeze” reactions when around others. It can also help with treatment resistant anxiety, depression, and ADD / ADHD as well as getting a better night’s sleep. Learn more about Neurofeedback.
 

Couples Conferences

 
We highly recommend our variety of conferences for individuals and couples. One of our conferences is the Gottman Art & Science of Love workshop. It is a two-day workshop for couples, but we have had siblings attend as well. It is based upon the research of John and Julie Gottman and is presented by Sabrina Walters, LPC, LMFT and Certified Gottman Consultant.
 

Couples Intensives / Marathon Therapy

 

We offer Intensive Therapy Sessions for couples wanting to jump-start their recovery. Learn more about our Couples Intensives here.

Individual Counseling

 

Individual sessions are available with counselors/coaches using a variety of tools and methods. Sessions can include but are not limited to: personal goals, attuning to spouse and children as needed, finances, and/or creating a more enjoyable experiences with those around you.

 

Cost and Insurance Information:

At Core Values Counseling, we have a wide range of fees for counseling/therapy. Fees are based on the level of experience and types of training the therapists have. We also offer telehealth therapy sessions for residents of Oregon state. Call us at 503-869-8108 or fill out the New Client Form to get started.  Approximate costs are below.

View all of our Insurance and Fee information here.

Student Interns

50 – 80 min counseling sessions

50 min $200 // 80 min $250

State Registered Associates

50 – 80 min counseling sessions

50 min $200 // 80 min $250

Licensed Therapists

50 – 80 min counseling sessions

starting at 50 min $225 // 80 min $300

The Art and Science of Love

Discover The Art and Science of Love at our world-renowned weekend conference for couples created by Drs. John and Julie Gottman and see for yourself why millions of couples worldwide have benefited from the Gottman Method.

  • 2 days filled with engaging presentations and experiential activities designed to confirm, strengthen, or restore your love
  • Couples will receive a physical box set of workshop materials
  • For couples of every age, ability, and sexual orientation

Times:
Saturday – 8:30am to 5pm / Sunday – 8:30am to 5pm

Location:
Holiday Inn Portland West – Hillsboro