This presentation delves into the diverse landscape of couples therapy, examining various successful models that have proven effective in fostering relational well-being, specifically Imago Relationship Therapy; the Gottman Method; Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy; Relational Life Therapy; Internal Family Systems; CBT Couples Therapy; and Solution Focused Couples Therapy.  The presenter offers an overview of these models, highlighting their distinctive features, commonalities, and differences. A significant portion of the presentation is dedicated to the presenter's approach to couples therapy, placing a particular emphasis on enhancing communication skills and conflict resolution strategies.

Brief descriptions of couples therapy models  (50 minutes)

1.Imago Relationship Therapy (Harville Hendrix and Helen LaKelly Hunt)

2. Gottman Method (John and Julie Gottman)

3.EFT - Emotionally Focused Therapy (Sue Johnson)

4.Relational Life Therapy (Terry Real)

5.Internal Family Systems (Richard Schwartz)

6.CBT Couples Therapy (Arthur Freeman, Frank Dattilio)

7.Solution Focused Couples Therapy (Steve de Shazer, Insoo Kim Berg, Elliott Connie)

8.Discernment Counseling (Bill Doherty)

9.Breakout Discussions – what approach would you choose (10 minutes)

10.Conclusions from Discussions (10)

11.Q & A (15 minutes)

12. The “Keith Jordan” approach to couples therapy (25 minutes)

13. Rules of Engagement (25 minutes)

14. Addressing defensiveness and trauma reactivation triggers (15)

15. Advanced conflict resolution and problem-solving techniques (15)

16. Q & A (15 minutes)

17.Presenter demonstration of couples therapy techniques (25)

18. Q & A (15 minutes)

19. Addressing infidelity issues (10 minutes)

20. Issues in nontraditional relationships: same-sex couples, polyamory/open marriages (10 minutes)

21.Co-parenting communication for separated couples (10)

22. Q & A (15 minutes)

23. Breakout Role-play Exercise 1 (25 minutes)

24. Q &A (15)

25. Breakout Role-play Exercise 2 (25 minutes)

26. Q & A (15)

27. Summary, Concluding Remarks (15 minutes)