Top-Rated Couples Therapy Seattle
Trauma-Informed Care at Bellevue Trauma Recovery Center
About Bellevue Trauma Recovery Center
The BTRC was carefully curated as a safe and supportive space where individuals can find relief and support on their path to recovery and resilience. The BTRC instills hope for those seeking healing from past traumas through innovative therapeutic approaches and a nurturing environment.
Our Philosophy on Approaching Couples Therapy
Believing in the Power of Relationships
At the heart of our approach to couples therapy is the belief that healthy relationships are vital for individual well-being. We understand that strong, nurturing partner connections contribute significantly to our emotional, mental, and even physical health.
Communication and Understanding
We emphasize the importance of effective communication and deep understanding as the cornerstones of a successful, committed relationship. By helping couples improve their communication skills and fostering a profound understanding of each other’s perspectives, we lay the groundwork for stronger, more resilient partnerships.
The Possibility of Change
Change is not only possible but also a natural part of growth and life transitions within relationships. Couples therapy provides the tools and support necessary for couples to evolve together. We believe in empowering couples to face challenges head-on and to transform them into opportunities for growth.
Tailored to Unique Needs
Every relationship is unique, with its own set of dynamics and challenges. Therefore, our approach to therapy is always tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of each couple. We do not believe in a one-size-fits-all solution but rather in creating a customized plan that addresses the distinct aspects of your relationship.
A Safe Space for Exploration
The therapist’s role is to facilitate a safe, non-judgmental space where both partners can openly explore their feelings and experiences. This secure environment allows for honest communication and vulnerability, essential for meaningful progress in therapy.
Commitment, Trust, and Mutual Respect
We hold that commitment, trust, and mutual respect are the bedrock of both successful therapy and a thriving relationship. By fostering these values in therapeutic relationship, we help couples rebuild and strengthen the foundations of their partnerships.
In essence, our philosophy on couples therapy revolves around these core beliefs, guiding our mission to support and nurture healthy, fulfilling relationships.
Best Seattle Couples Therapist
1. Whitney Dickey
Whitney considers the unique blend of histories, cultures, beliefs, relationships, identities, and stories that are a play. She is committed to forming relationships rooted in consideration, trust, and care, ensuring a supportive and affirming space for clients and their support systems.
Credentials: LMFTA, MA, MBA
License Number: MG61514866
Education: MA Clinical Psychology, MBA Social Impact, BA – Sociology
Specialty Areas: Individuals, Couples, Attachment, Trauma, Somatic, Neurodiversity
Years in Practice: 1.5 years
Why choose us for Seattle couples therapy
Couples therapy focuses on the relationship. Your relationship therapist will support you in better understanding one another and your relational dynamic
With couples therapy by a trained listened therapist at the BTRC, a safe space is created to explore challenges and practice new skills with the goals to increase relational mental health, and grow together as a couple.
FAQs about marriage counseling in Seattle
When betrayal or infidelity strikes a relationship, it shakes the very foundation of trust and intimacy. To rebuild this foundation, couples often seek therapy to work through their pain and restore their bond. Two highly effective methods for addressing betrayal and infidelity in couples therapy are The Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).
Gottman Method
Developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, the Gottman Method is rooted in over 40 years of research on couples. It focuses on improving relationship dynamics through practical techniques aimed at enhancing communication, building trust, and increasing emotional connection.
Key Components
Assessment: The therapy begins with a thorough assessment of the couple’s relationship, including its strengths and areas for improvement.
Sound Relationship House Theory: This theory serves as the framework for the therapy, guiding couples through building trust and commitment.
Skill-building exercises: Couples engage in exercises to improve communication, manage conflict, and foster intimacy.
Why It Works for Infidelity/Betrayal Trauma
The Gottman Method is particularly effective in cases of infidelity because it helps couples rebuild trust through structured interventions. The method emphasizes transparency, open communication, and the creation of a new, shared vision for the future.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Emotionally Focused Therapy, developed by Dr. Sue Johnson, is based on the premise that emotional attachment is the key to fulfilling relationships. EFT aims to create secure bonds between partners by addressing unmet emotional needs and fostering a safe, supportive environment.
Key Components
Attachment Theory: EFT is grounded in attachment theory, which posits that emotional bonding is essential for relationship satisfaction.
Three Stages of Therapy: The therapy progresses through three stages—De-escalation, Restructuring Interactions, and Consolidation.
Emotionally Focused Techniques: Therapists use techniques to help couples express their emotions, identify negative interaction patterns, and develop new ways of relating.
Why It Works for Infidelity/Betrayal Trauma
EFT is highly effective for couples dealing with betrayal because it addresses the emotional wounds caused by infidelity. By fostering a secure emotional connection, EFT helps couples heal from past hurts and build a stronger, more resilient bond.
Both the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy offer valuable approaches to healing from betrayal and infidelity. The choice between them ultimately depends on the couple’s unique needs and preferences. However, both methods emphasize rebuilding trust, enhancing communication, and fostering a deeper emotional connection.
If you’re struggling with betrayal in your relationship, consider seeking therapy by booking a session with a trained therapist in either the Gottman Method or EFT. Taking the first step towards healing can make all the difference in restoring your relationship.Can couples counseling save a relationship?
Many couples facing relationship challenges may feel unsure whether they need couples counseling or couples therapy. While these terms are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences between the two approaches to relationship therapy that are worth understanding.
What is Couples Counseling?
Focus on the Present
Couples counseling primarily addresses current issues and conflicts within a relationship. It is solution-focused and aims to improve communication, resolve disputes, resolve conflict and enhance relationship satisfaction.
Short-term Approach
Typically, couples counseling is short-term, involving a few sessions that focus on specific problems. For example, couples may seek counseling to deal with a particular issue like financial disagreements or communication breakdowns.
Practical Tools and Techniques
Counselors provide practical tools and techniques to help couples manage their issues. This might include exercises to improve listening skills, conflict-resolution strategies, and methods to foster intimacy and connection.
What is Couples Therapy?
Delving into the Past
Couples therapy, on the other hand, often involves a deeper exploration of underlying issues that may be rooted in the past. It seeks to understand the psychological patterns and emotional experiences that influence current relationship dynamics.
Long-term Engagement
Couples therapy usually requires a longer commitment, as it aims to uncover and address deeper emotional and psychological issues. It can involve many sessions over several months or even years.
In-depth Psychological Work
Therapists use various psychological approaches, such as psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), or emotionally focused therapy (EFT), to see relationship distress and help couples understand and change maladaptive patterns. This approach not only resolves immediate issues but also promotes long-term emotional growth and healing.
Key Differences
Focus:
Counseling: Present-focused, dealing with specific issues.
Therapy: Past and present-focused, addressing underlying psychological patterns.
Duration:
Counseling: Short-term, solution-focused.
Therapy: Long-term, in-depth work.
Approach:
Counseling: Practical tools and techniques.
Therapy: In-depth psychological exploration.
Which One is Right for You?
Choosing between couples counseling and couples therapy depends on the nature of your relationship issues and your goals. If you’re dealing with specific, immediate conflicts and seeking practical solutions, couples counseling may be the best fit. However, if your relationship struggles are deeply rooted and require significant emotional and psychological work, couples therapy might be more beneficial.
Regardless of your choice, seeking help is a positive step toward improving your relationship. If you’re uncertain which approach is right for you, a consultation with a professional can provide clarity and direction.
By understanding the differences between these two types of support, you can make an informed decision that meets your relationship’s unique needs.
Our Seattle marriage counselors are here to help you grow as a couple.
Our primary approach in couples therapy is to foster:
Emotional Safety: Creating a safe space where both partners feel secure and understood.
Connection: Strengthening the emotional bond between partners.
Healthy Relational Dynamics: Promoting respectful and supportive interactions.
Techniques
We utilize a variety of evidence-based techniques to address these goals:
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
EFT helps restructure interactions and build a more secure emotional bond. By identifying and transforming negative cycles, we create a foundation for positive and lasting change.
Communication Skills Training
Effective communication is key to any healthy relationship. We focus on improving listening and speaking skills to foster understanding and connection.
Attachment-Based Techniques
By addressing underlying relationship patterns through attachment theory, we work to foster emotional safety and security within the relationship.
Mindfulness Practices
Mindfulness increases self-awareness and helps regulate emotions, allowing couples to respond to each other with greater empathy and understanding.
Narrative Therapy
We help couples reframe negative relationship stories and promote a more positive shared narrative, enabling them to see their relationship from a new, constructive perspective.
Homework Assignments
We believe that practice makes perfect. Through homework assignments, couples can apply new skills in real-world situations, reinforcing what they’ve learned in therapy.
By combining these techniques, we aim to provide a comprehensive and tailored approach to couples therapy, ensuring that both partners feel heard, valued, and connected.
Reach Out
If you’re in need of a couples therapist, please reach out to us at hello@thebtrc.com. We’re here to help you create a healthier, more connected relationship.