Individual therapy models eventually gave rise to family models after the end of World War II. Early couples therapy models sought to help partners express repressed anger at one another. Nowadays, other approaches exist that have more empirical validation. Often, there is an assessment process at the beginning and meeting with each member of the couple. Sessions progress with the aim of helping the couple to manage the emotions between them. Homework is often included and may consist of learning new ways to communicate or going on a date with a specific focus.
We humans seem, for the most part, to be inclined to form relationships. As babies, we bond with our caretakers. As adults, we learn how to balance our dependency on others with our individual needs for achievement and creativity. It is critical to our well-being, that we nurture and maintain fulfilling relationships. Occasionally, however, we find that our close relationships are so filled with conflict and strife that they cause us more stress than they solve. Frequently, a professional can be helpful and getting individuals to come to an understanding that is satisfactory to all. We have skills in working with families, couples and other kinds of groups. Please feel free to contact us, should you find your relationship or family in need of help.
For more information about couples therapy, please contact Dr. Debbie Quackenbush
Gottman Method Couples Therapy
Years ago, therapists would have spouses hit each other with ‘bataka bats’ (soft foam bats seen here) as a form of couples therapy. The belief was that it was therapeutic to express anger and hostility. These days we are aware that there is much more to effective couples therapy than Bataka bats. Husband and wife research team John and Julie Gottman have been researching couples for over thirty years to determine what makes couples happy and healthy. Their empirically based approach is the most researched couples method in the world. Several of our psychologists practice this method and/or training in it. For more information about the Gottman Method, click here.
For more information about couples therapy at the Little White House, contact Dr. Debbie Quackenbush at +45 60 54 72 02.
Watch on YouTube: For couples embarking on Gottman Method therapy with Dr. Quackenbush
Watch on YouTube: For couples who have just started Gottman Couples therapy.
Co-Therapy
Dr. Quackenbush often practices co-therapy with couples. Co-therapy simply means that two therapists are present during the meetings. This can have obvious advantages in that sometimes it can be difficult for one therapist to keep track on what both members of a couple are saying/doing. Two people allows for one person to take notes and observe while the other is more involved in administering therapy.
Please feel free to email Dr. Quackenbush if you have questions or concerns about co-therapy.
For a low-cost alternative to therapy, sign up for our couples skills classes. More information can be found here.
For couples with scheduling problems, marathon sessions might be an option where you attend for several hours in a row. Please keep in mind that marathon sessions require a non-refundable deposit.