[humanser] Question about Group and Couples Therapy

[Michael Abell]

Hello Sarah,
	That is exciting that you are studying the Gottman method. Where are
you taking the course?
	I have used the method with several couples that I have seen. I
particularly like the Turning away, turning towards, and turning against
discussions that they utilize. The work is envigorating if you can learn it
and then develop your own way of working with it in practice.
	I used it with a couple that was expecting their first child
together. The couple was experiencing some disturbance that left them both
attacking each other (turning against". At the end of each session I had
them say one thing positive to each other about something that they admired
or appreciated about the other. One of the elements that they had a mutual
concern for was the impact of their trouble on their unborn child. 
	One session I ended the usual way. I had them both sit facing each
other and hold hands as they expressed to each other the things that they
appreciated about each other. I then had each of them place their hands on
the mother's belly and tell their unborn child what they appreciated about
her (we later found out). The session was particular moving and became a
turning point in the therapy.
	Instead of lookin for what you are not able to implement with this
method. Look for what you do see. There are many individuals that tell me
that they did not see what I had heard. I am sure that you are a very
talented and empathic listener. Keep us posted on your progress!

Warmly,

Rev. Michael “Big Dog” Abell
MSPC

Helping individuals to find their eyes in the dark.

The Family Ministry Counseling and Psychotherapy Services
700 E Jefferson St. Suite 250
Phoenix, Arizona  85034
(602) 253-4084 ext 1

Notice of Confidentiality: This e-mail, and any attachments, is intended
only for use by the addressee(s) and may contain privileged or confidential
information. Any distribution, reading, copying or use of this communication
and any attachments by anyone other than the addressee, is strictly
prohibited and may be unlawful. If you have received this e-mail in error,
please immediately notify me by e-mail (
bigdog4744 at gmail.com) or telephone (602-253-4084), and permanently destroy
or delete the original and any copies or printouts of this e-mail and any
attachments.
 
 

-----Original Message-----
From: HumanSer [mailto:humanser-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Sarah Meyer
via HumanSer
Sent: Friday, February 02, 2018 9:37 PM
To: humanser at nfbnet.org
Cc: Sarah Meyer
Subject: [humanser] Question about Group and Couples Therapy

Hi all,
I am currently in Level One training for the Gottman Method for
Couples/Partner Therapy. I'm curious if anyone else has used this modality
in treating couples, and if so, what modifications/adaptations you may have
used/made?
Even if not, I am curious about people's experiences doing couples and group
work. As a counselor in training, I have only worked with individuals thus
far and am still learning how to handle and interpret the nonverbal
information from one person, so I'm a bit concerned or uncertain about
possibly missing certain nonverbal cues between partners or even group
members in a group. How do other clinicians navigate these types of
challenges? I'm sure there are other auditory cues that could give away
people's attitudes towards one another and so forth, but there may be other
important details that would be important to catch and comment on in the
moment. I would appreciate any thoughts or suggestions.

All the best,

Sarah



--
Sarah K. Meyer
Graduate Student, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Ball State University
sarah.meyer55 at gmail.com
(317)402-6632

The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or your future. You can live the life you
want; blindness is not what holds you back. Together with love, hope, and
determination, we transform dreams into reality.

_______________________________________________
HumanSer mailing list
HumanSer at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/humanser_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
HumanSer:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/humanser_nfbnet.org/bigdog4744%40gmail.com