Support for Couples
Gottman Method
I am Christina Thompson, an LCPC licensed in Maryland. In my practice of about 6 years, I work with adults and couples via telehealth from Monday to Friday. When I meet with people, I focus on the ways partners interact during moments of tension. Using the Gottman Method, I invite you to look at the specific ways you speak to one another and where those habits might create distance. My approach is warm and grounded, rooted in my experience with CBT, DBT, ACT, somatic work, and mindfulness based practices. We work together to observe your daily interactions and practice skills intended for your specific relationship dynamic.
Observing Conflict Patterns
Disagreements are a common part of shared lives, yet they often lead to a sense of isolation. During our sessions, I help you notice specific habits that occur when you disagree. We look at behaviors like turning away, reacting with harshness, or stopping conversation entirely. Instead of focusing only on the topic of the argument, we explore how to begin these discussions with more neutral language. I offer space to practice staying present while you navigate difficult subjects. This work is about noticing the way you communicate so you can choose different responses when you feel frustrated with your partner.
Practicing The Art Of Repair
Focusing on how you reconnect after a disagreement is a central part of our work. I help you explore ways to offer a repair during a tense moment. This might involve using a specific phrase to acknowledge a partner or a simple gesture to show you are listening. We look at the process of offering an apology and the experience of receiving one when feelings are sensitive. By practicing these responses, we address how to prevent small misunderstandings from becoming ongoing points of contention. We work on these skills so you can navigate the aftermath of disagreements with more intentionality and awareness.
Maintaining Mutual Awareness
It is common for partners to lose track of the evolving details of each other's inner lives. I use Gottman techniques to help you check in on the current interests and concerns of your partner. We discuss your current daily pressures and the small things that bring you satisfaction. This encourages curiosity about your partner rather than relying on old assumptions. By updating your knowledge of each other, you practice maintaining a sense of friendship and connection. This grounded exploration provides a way to stay aware of one another during busy weeks in Maryland when your schedules feel full and demanding.
Expressing Appreciation Daily
Noticing positive interactions is a skill we practice together. In our sessions, I invite you to vocalize appreciation for the small gestures your partner makes. Perhaps they finished a chore without being asked or offered a kind word after a long day. We work on sharing these thoughts aloud rather than letting them go unsaid. This practice is about shifting the focus to mutual respect and acknowledging the effort you both put into the household. Focusing on these daily strengths helps you observe the value in your partnership while you invest time in your shared life and long term goals.
Practical Focus
What We Can Work On
- Observing communication habits
- Practicing repair attempts
- Exploring partner perspectives
- Building daily appreciation
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Related Pages
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