How Crystal Works

Gottman Method Couples Therapy

The Gottman method is an approach to couples therapy built on decades of research into what helps relationships last and what wears them down.

How Crystal Works

The Gottman Method in Plain Language

Every couple argues. What matters is how. The Gottman approach looks at patterns such as criticism, defensiveness, contempt and shutting down, and helps partners replace them with gentler ways to raise a problem, repair after a fight and turn toward each other.

It also pays attention to the friendship underneath the relationship: how well you know each other's world, and whether small bids for attention get noticed.

What Couples Often Work On

The same argument that keeps coming back
Harsh words or scorekeeping
Feeling like roommates instead of partners
Repairing after hurt
Building shared goals for the years ahead

For Couples at Any Stage

Crystal sees couples at many stages, including couples who have been married for decades. Long history can make patterns feel set in stone, and they can still change when both people are willing to do the work.

How Crystal Uses the Gottman Method

The Gottman method is among the approaches in Crystal's training, and couples sessions may draw from it alongside emotionally focused therapy. Crystal does not apply one method to everyone. Sessions may draw from this approach when it fits your goals, alongside others in her training.

Repair Matters More Than Perfection

Couples who do well are not couples who never fight. They are couples who can repair: a joke that breaks the tension, an apology, a hand on the arm, a request to start over. Sessions pay close attention to how repair attempts are offered and received, and help both partners get better at both.

Small daily habits count too, like asking about each other's day and noticing what the other person is carrying.

What Couples Sessions Look Like

Early sessions focus on understanding your history, your strengths and the conflicts that keep coming back. Later sessions often slow a real disagreement down so each person can be heard. Couples meet by secure telehealth from somewhere private in Arizona or Oregon. After a free consultation, the couple intake is $300 and couple sessions are $250.