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Gottman Method

Introduction to

The Gottman Method

The Gottman Method is a research-based couples therapy that can strengthen existing relationships through unique strategies such as sharing fondness and creating love maps. Partners learn to better manage conflicts by increasing healthy communication, enhancing respect and affection, and removing barriers to intimacy and empathy. Alex Szablya uses elements of the Gottman Method to help her clients build lasting, mutually supportive bonds that stand the test of time.

Meet Alex Szablya in New Orleans

Philosophy & Approach

Alex distinguishes herself from other therapists by her focus on the positive when it comes to relationships. She zooms in on what is already working in the partnership, the unique gifts each client brings to the table, the positive intentions of each partner, and the ever-present potential for the relationship to deepen. This approach is invaluable, as many couples come into therapy already overwhelmed with negativity, anxiety, and frustration. Alex believes that love is always a decision, and armed with the right tools, partners can achieve the positive outcome they envision for themselves. ​

Alex takes on all kinds of clients: Same-gendered, non-binary, polyamorous, and heteronormative. Couples come from all over the country and the globe, with a wide array of backgrounds. Whether they are looking to improve physical and emotional intimacy, are in crises due to unresolved disputes and roadblocks, or are simply seeking to take their partnership to the next level, Alex provides a warm, supportive, solution-focused setting where couples can reimagine and renew their bond.

Accreditations

  • Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
  • Master’s in Psychology, Seattle University
  • B.A. in Psychology, University of Washington
  • Trained in The Gottman Method
  • Trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
  • Certified in Theme Centered Interaction: a holistic group paradigm based upon structure, process, & trust
  • Trained as a hospice volunteer
  • Humanistic therapist, educated within existential-phenomenological psychology

Schedule Your Complimentary 30-Minute Consultation Today

Getting started with the Gottman Method in New Orleans and beyond involves meeting with Alex Szablya for an in-depth assessment and initial consultation. 

This detailed 30-minute introductory session is set apart in the following ways:

  • It is significantly longer and more comprehensive than is customary with other therapists, allowing clients the space and time to fully express their goals, ask questions, and discover next steps.
  • Couples meet with Alex via live videoconferencing, allowing for a more emotionally intimate setting.
  • The consultation is entirely complimentary, requiring no upfront fees, obligations, or commitments.

Alex will cover the following topics in your introductory session:

  • Her credentials, expertise, and positive track record in helping couples reclaim their close bonds
  • Previous client success stories
  • An overview of what to expect during your marathon intensives or weekly visits with Alex
  • The underlying framework of the Gottman Method, including the Four Horsemen and Sound Relationship House Theory
  • Negative patterns or conflicts that arise over and over, keeping you from experiencing the stable, supportive connection you deserve
  • Pricing and scheduling
gottam-method-intro

What Is the Gottman Method?

The Gottman Method, originally developed by John and Julie Schwartz Gottman, relies on research-based interventions to help couples experience optimal joy, peace, and connection in their partnerships. The method has been used in therapeutic settings for over 40 years and is based on hundreds of studies with over 3,000 participating couples. 

The Gottman Method identifies “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse” that impede intimacy, including:

  • Criticism
  • Defensiveness
  • Contempt
  • Stonewalling (withdrawal)

By overcoming these blocks to closeness, couples can heal from past wounds and focus on future aspirations and dreams. 

Love maps provide a rich foundation for better understanding and relating to your partner. They entail learning about your significant other’s hopes, dreams, vulnerabilities, and ambitions—their inner world. This helps you to show up better in a way that makes sense to them and fulfills their unspoken needs.

What Are the Benefits of the Gottman Method?

The Gottman Method espouses Nine Components of Healthy Relationships, known as the Sound Relationship House Theory. These include building love maps, sharing fondness and admiration, turning toward each other rather than away, maintaining a positive perspective, managing conflict, making life dreams come true, creating shared meaning, and developing trust and commitment. The advantages of the method include:

  • Helps resolve longstanding conflicts
  • Turns negativity into positivity
  • Gives couples new tools to cope with uncertainty and frustration
  • Backed by rigorous research
  • Actionable steps to improve closeness and connection
  • Couples can continue to apply the principles even after therapy is complete

Who Are the Best Candidates for the Gottman Method?

Couples who face ongoing conflicts that seem unsolvable may be perfect candidates for the Gottman Method. The therapy is useful for clients from all walks of life, with different racial, economic, and cultural backgrounds. And same-sex couples have had the same amount of success with the Gottman Method as their heterosexual counterparts. Issues that can be addressed in therapy include:

  • Frequent arguments and fights
  • Poor communication
  • Emotional distancing
  • Couples on the verge of breaking up
  • Sexual difficulties
  • Infidelity
  • Financial issues
  • Parenting concerns
Alex Szablya MA, LMHC in beige outfit sitting on leather chair in modern illuminated interior space - In Los Angeles, CA

What to Expect From the Gottman Method

Assessment

Couples who enter Gottman Method therapy undergo a detailed assessment and learn about the framework and interventions available through the work. They then attend individual interviews and complete questionnaires, allowing them to provide feedback on where they believe their relationship stands at this moment. 

Therapeutic Framework

Together, the partners and Alex Szablya decide on the frequency and duration of the sessions, ensuring that all parties feel confident moving forward.

Therapeutic Interventions

Interventions strengthen the couple’s bond in three key areas: Friendship, conflict management, and the creation of shared meaning. Partners learn to replace negative patterns with mutually supportive interactions, repairing past hurts and rebuilding love and passion from the ground up. 

How Much Does the Gottman Method Cost?

Based in New Orleans, Alex Szablya usually charges around $300 per session for couples. However, pricing may vary depending on your goals, the frequency of your visits, and the specific strategies Alex employs. During your initial consultation, you will learn more about Alex’s unique and proven approach to therapy, along with pricing details.

Why Choose Alex Szablya?

Alex Szablya helps couples seeking to elevate their relationships to new levels of intimacy, trust, communication, bonding, and respect. She uses a data-driven therapeutic approach in Marathon Intensives and weekly sessions, helping clients see things from their partner’s perspective, which can increase goodwill, fondness, and positivity. She works with established models such as Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and the Gottman Method to strengthen bonds and renew love and admiration.

Alex’s Marathon Intensives entail highly concentrated two-day intensives, during which partners reinvigorate the foundation of their relationships. Through the work, couples experience renewed alignment with one another, with positive changes unfolding more rapidly than is possible in weekly appointments.

Clients from all over the world seek out Alex Szablya, including those from Asia, Europe, Africa, and North America. She works with clients across a variety of professions, including technology, academia, finance, and other sectors, providing invaluable insights that help coupleships get back on track. Marathons are offered in New Orleans, Seattle, New York, Boston, and Los Angeles.

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Book a Consultation

To get started with the Gottman Method in New Orleans and beyond, please contact Alex Szablya today for an informative and empowering introductory session. 

Alex Szablya is an experienced couples therapist who helps partners reclaim alignment, connection, and fondness, re-establishing the bonds of love. Call today to embark on a path to renewed intimacy and closeness with your significant other.

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