The Foundation
Originated by Dan Wile, Ph.D., Collaborative Couple Therapy (CCT) structures how to turn the conflicts all couples have into intimate conversations that strengthen intimacy and connection. When couples disagree or argue, one or two things usually happen: people emotionally withdrawal from the relationship and/or they become adversarial. CCT constructs a platform from where couples can talk honestly about their disagreements without attacking or blaming each other. John Gottman, Ph.D., arguably the foremost authority on what makes a relationship ‘good’, called Dan Wile “a genius and the greatest living marital therapist.” * I’m so impressed with Dan Wile’s work that I devoted six years of repeated travel to Dan's home in Oakland, California for training and consultation. I’ll bring that same commitment to helping your relationship.
An additional facet of my work with couples is the concept of Differentiation (as described by David Schnarch, Ph.D.) Differentiation is the ability to stay with yourself (hold onto yourself) within the shifting tensions of your relationship. Differentiation means cultivating the ability to self-soothe your own hurt feelings when painful interactions overwhelm you, tempt you to angrily blame your partner, or lead you to surrender your innate strength and resiliency. It is a skill you can learn to ease your own suffering when the friction of relationship feels painful.
Please go to my contact page so we can connect and I can answer any questions you have.
*From the acknowledgements in John Gottman’s book The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work, 1999.