Before Starting Couples Therapy: Course

I created an educational guide to the world of couples therapy and relationship help. It is designed to give you the understanding that many people only build gradually, after several therapy appointments or after trying more than one provider.

It is not therapy. It cannot diagnose your relationship, replace personalized treatment, or provide crisis support. But it can help you become a more informed, confident participant in the process of getting help.

Inside the course, you will learn about six different couples therapy modalities—what each approach is trying to change, what sessions often feel like, the kinds of issues it may be especially useful for, and the questions you can ask to determine whether it fits your situation. It aims to help navigate practical decisions: where to search for a therapist, what credentials and training may matter, how to ask about an approach before committing, and how to evaluate whether you and your partner feel understood and productively challenged—not simply listened to.

And because couples therapy is not the only possible path, we also examine alternatives and complementary forms of support. We address common topics that bring people to therapy or complicate treatment, including infidelity, difficult personality patterns, parents and in-laws, and other high-conflict or emotionally loaded relationship dynamics. You can check out the course website here: Before Starting Couples Therapy

Understanding couples therapy options

Not all couples therapy is the same—there are multiple approaches, each with its own methods, philosophies, and evidence base. The two most widely supported examples are Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and the Gottman Method. Other methods (IBCT, CBCT, Imago, and others) may also be helpful, but are newer and/or have less research evidence behind them.

Knowing which therapeutic approach to couples therapy best fits your relationship—and which approach your couples therapist uses—is essential. An informed choice allows couples to set clear goals, align expectations, and engage more fully in the process.

My Approach Providing Couples Therapy

I am extensively trained in both the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), the two most respected and broadly researched approaches to couples therapy today. Typically, sessions begin with the Gottman Method, which provides clear, practical guidance grounded in decades of scientific research on what makes relationships thrive and how couples can constructively manage conflict. This structured approach is accessible and effective for partners who value a roadmap for improving communication, rebuilding trust, and strengthening their relationship foundation.

When couples are ready to explore the emotional roots of their patterns—such as deeper vulnerabilities, fears, and longings—I incorporate EFT interventions that help partners understand and reshape their emotional connection. This allows for a tailored process that matches each couple’s learning style, personality, and readiness for change.

For couples seeking the strongest evidence-based treatment, the Gottman Method and EFT are considered leading approaches, both endorsed by decades of outcome research. If you ultimately choose another therapist, I recommend looking for someone who can offer significant training and experience in these models and who commits to using them in your work together. Doing so increases the likelihood of meaningful, lasting improvement in your relationship.

Relationship Help and Couples Therapy from anywhere in Michigan, Idaho or Alaska

My in-person office is located in Okemos, Michigan, or can meet with you by video if you’re located anywhere in Michigan, Idaho, or Alaska.

Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation and take the first step towards a healthier, more fulfilling relationship.