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Couples Therapy

“we are wounded in relationship and we are healed in relationship”

Harville Hendrix

Couples therapy can help you gain insight into your relationships, learn skills to handle specific problems, and improve your overall relationship satisfaction.

 

Some of the issues that can be addressed in the couples therapy include:

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  • Frequent arguments, gridlocked conflicts

  • Communication issues and emotional distance

  • Problems leading to separation and divorce

  • Issues related to transitions such as getting married, becoming parents, moving to a new country

  • Specific problems such as infidelity, sexuality or finance.

“Some people leave a marriage literally, by divorcing. Others do so by leading parallel lives together.” 

John Gottman

The Gottman Method

 

I use the Gottman Method Couples Therapy which was developed based on Dr. John Gottman's          research on close relationships that began in the 1970s and continues to this day. 

 

This evidence-based method provides specific tools designed to help couples with

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  • addressing and managing conflicts, 

  • strengthening friendship and intimacy,

  • building or recreating shared meaning and goals.

 

We will also work on preventing relapse to create lasting positive change.

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Therapeutic framework:

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Gottman Method Couples Therapy starts with a comprehensive assessment process. The assessment includes a conjoint session (part 1), followed by individual sessions with each partner and completing several questionnaires (part 2). In the final session of the assessment, I will present feedback on your relationship based on the prior evaluation, including mutually agreed-upon goals and a treatment plan (part 3). 

 

We will decide on the frequency and length of the sessions based on the your needs.

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And baby makes three - New service for couples:
Support Through the Transition to Parenthood

Becoming parents is one of the most significant transitions a couple

can experience. It’s a journey filled with joy and wonder, but it can

also bring unexpected challenges to your relationship. I offer a

specialized consultation service for couples navigating this profound

change—whether you're preparing to welcome a baby or already

adjusting to life with a child.

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Drawing on principles from Gottman method couples therapy, this service is designed to strengthen your relationship during this pivotal time. Through a series of pre-agreed number of focused sessions, I will guide you in building a solid foundation for your partnership as parents while preserving the unique connection that brought you together.

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What We’ll Explore Together
Each couple’s journey is unique, but here are some common areas we can focus on:

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  • Strengthening the Couple’s Bond: Parenthood can shift the focus away from your relationship as a couple. Together, we’ll work on maintaining and deepening your connection, ensuring your partnership remains a priority as you grow your family.

  • Managing Conflict Effectively: Parenthood can amplify existing stressors. Learn Gottman’s evidence-based tools to communicate constructively, address disagreements with respect, and resolve conflicts without eroding trust.

  • Creating a Culture of Appreciation: Building a strong “emotional bank account” of fondness and admiration is crucial. We’ll explore ways to nurture positivity, gratitude, and mutual appreciation in your relationship, even amid sleepless nights and busy schedules.

  • Turning Toward Each Other: Small moments of connection matter. We’ll discuss how to recognize and respond to each other’s bids for attention and support, keeping your relationship strong and emotionally fulfilling.

  • Navigating Role Shifts: As you transition to becoming co-parents, the division of labor and roles can cause tension. We’ll address how to navigate these changes collaboratively, reducing resentment and fostering teamwork.

  • Protecting Intimacy and Romance: Parenthood can bring changes to your physical and emotional intimacy. We’ll create strategies to keep your relationship vibrant and romantic, even as life becomes more demanding.

  • Building a Family Culture Together: Develop shared goals, values, and rituals that celebrate your new family while keeping the foundation of your relationship intact.

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Why Seek Support?


Research shows that becoming parents can strain even the healthiest relationships. By addressing potential challenges early, you can:

  • Reduce conflict and miscommunication

  • Strengthen your emotional connection

  • Equip yourselves with tools to manage stress and change collaboratively

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Using proven strategies from relationship experts, my goal is to help you weather this transition with resilience and grow closer as partners in life and parenting.

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The greatest gift you can give to your child is demonstrating a healthy relationship with your partner

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Get Started Today


Whether you’re expecting a child, newly adjusting to parenthood, or reflecting on how your relationship has changed since becoming parents, this service is here to support you. Let’s work together to build the relationship you and your child deserve—a strong, loving partnership that thrives.

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Contact me to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a stronger foundation for your family.

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© 2018 Yaprak Bahar

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Gottman Approved Member