Entering a relationship can be daunting as it means the merging of lives with another while trying to understand their flaws, quirks, and beliefs.  So how can we bridge the gap to understanding our partners better?  Many underlying factors impact the interpersonal relationship, and it is sometimes difficult to appreciate the cause of conflict or friction in a relationship.  Some of the causes may include poor communication, infidelity, inability to resolve relationship issues, and acting out underlying negative feelings. 

The Gottman Method Couples Therapy system extends beyond the conflict between the couple into everyday aspects of a couple’s interaction, addressing the building and repairing of relationships by emphasizing the shared meaning of those interactions to foster understanding. There are four elements of a relationship that can cause lasting damage and it only escalates the conflict. We call them the four horsemen but they also have antidotes. Replacing criticism, defensiveness, contempt, and stonewalling with healthy and productive communication patterns are essential to the positive health of any relationship.

The Gottman method focusses on emotion, skill building for managing conflict and enhancing friendship, and helping the couple to create a system of shared meaning together. Frank is a trained leader for delivering the weekend workshop, The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work, for couples. In addition, Frank is trained in Clinical Foundations in Gottman Method Couples Therapy.

Frank can be contacted at 250-600-7598 or via email at frankmorven@gmail.com and he would be happy to answer any questions.