Couples Counseling
Rebuilding trust and connection in your relationship
No one goes into a marriage relationship with the desire to hurt one another or believe 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 Eggerichs 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.
Couple’s Counseling 7 Protocols
Protocol for couples wishing to work with Core Values Counseling.
1.
- After being assigned a therapist, fill out all the intake including taking the Core Values Index (CVI) assessment sent to you.
2.
- 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) attend an enticing love conference put on by Eric and Sabrina Walters.
7.
Optional choices that can support your relationship.
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.
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:
Embassy Suites · Hillsboro, OR
ASL Registration
Cost and Insurance Information:
Because we have therapists of varying experience levels we offer our services at variable cost ranges. We have student interns, pre-licensed therapists and licensed therapists. Please discuss this with the scheduler. Approximate costs are below.
Insurance typically doesn’t cover couples therapy. If one person has a diagnosis, insurance can be billed for part of the sessions, however, using the best practice of Gottman Couples Method Therapy we do 80-minute sessions when working with couples. Whether or not you use insurance you will be responsible for the extra 30 min required to do Gottman Couples Therapy. We can help bill for out of network insurance for our licensed therapists. We can give you a super bill that can be turned into your insurance company and you can always use HSA accounts even with pre-licensed therapists.
Next step
Once you have read through the 7 protocols, please fill out the new client counseling short form.
Protocol for couples wishing to work with Core Values Counseling.
Student Interns
50 – 80 min counseling session
50 min $90 // 80 min $135
State Registered Associates
50 – 80 min online sessions
50 min $130 // 80 min $195
Licensed Therapist
50 – 80 min counseling session
start at 50 min $150 // 80 min $225
In some situations we will use a sliding scale when requested.
Please talk to the scheduler about your concerns.
We offer Intensive Weekend Sessions for couples wanting to jump-start their recovery.
Couples articles on conflict
Eight Dates #2: Agree to Disagree — Addressing Conflict
In our last post, we shared that Eric and I have committed to going on the “Eight Dates” prescribed in Eight Dates: Essential Conversations for a Lifetime of Love by John Gottman, Julie Schwartz Gottman, Doug Abrams, and Rachel Carlton Abrams. We will then share our...
Do You Know the Story Beneath Your Relationship to Emotions?
In counseling — and in life, in general! — we talk a lot about emotions. But have you ever considered why you engage with and process your emotions (or don’t) the way you do? Lately, in my practice, I have become increasingly aware of how important it is to understand...
How to Embrace the Gift of Boundaries (and an Exit Strategy)
The holiday season is nearly upon us. And with it, gathering. In my last post, I shared about how important it is to set expectations (LMFT Kati Morton has a great video on how to do just that, by the way). In tandem with setting expectations, it’s important to also...