Couples
Gottman Method Couples Therapy in Ohio (Online)
Couples therapy by video anywhere in Ohio, using Gottman Method Couples Therapy: an assessment first, then a clear plan and skills you can use at home.
Free 15-minute fit call · By video anywhere in Ohio · Anjelica M. Nelson, M.Ed, LPCC-S, IMFT-S
Completed Level 1 and Level 2 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy
What the Gottman Method is
The Gottman Method is an approach to couples therapy developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman. It grew out of decades of research on how real couples talk, argue and make up. The idea: learn what couples who stay close actually do, then help other couples build those habits.
In plain words, the method looks at a relationship in a few layers:
- Friendship. Knowing each other's world, showing fondness and respect, and noticing the small ways your partner reaches for you, then reaching back.
- Conflict. Every couple argues. The work looks at how a hard talk starts, how you calm down when it gets heated, and how you repair afterward. Some problems can be solved. Others come from real differences between two people, and the goal is to talk about them without having the same fight every time.
- Shared life. The rituals, roles and goals that make your life together feel like yours, with room for each of you to talk about your hopes and dreams.
- Trust and commitment. What holds it all together: knowing your partner has your back, and knowing you are both in it.
Gottman Method Couples Therapy starts with an assessment. You can read more on The Gottman Institute's page about the Gottman Method.
How Anjelica uses it
Anjelica has completed Level 1 and Level 2 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, and she uses Gottman Method Couples Therapy in her work with couples. It fits the same structure all couples work follows here: an assessment, a map of the relationship, and skills you can use.
01
Fit call
A free 15-minute video call, so you can decide if this approach is a fit for you.
02
Couples assessment
An 80-minute joint session, then a session with each partner, following the written no-secrets policy. Questionnaires are used when they are clinically relevant, and Gottman couples assessments are offered.
03
A map, not a vibe
You get clear feedback on your friendship, your conflict and the life you share, plus a plan for what happens in the room each week.
04
Skills you can use
Weekly sessions focus on skills: how you start the hard talk, how you take a break and come back, and how you repair. You practice them until they hold up at home.
How often you meet, and for how long, is something you decide together with Anjelica.
Who it can help
Couples come to this work for many reasons, including:
- The same fight on repeat, or arguments that get loud fast or go silent.
- Communication that has turned into criticism, defending or shutting down.
- Feeling more like roommates than partners.
- Rebuilding trust after an affair or other betrayal. More on affair recovery counseling.
- Engaged couples who want to build on purpose before the wedding. More on premarital counseling.
You don't have to be married, and everyone is welcome. Read about LGBTQ+ couples therapy.
Couples therapy is not always the right first step. If one partner feels unsafe at home, bring it up on the fit call, and Anjelica will talk with you about what may help first.
By video, anywhere in Ohio
All sessions are by telehealth. You and your partner meet with Anjelica by secure video, from home or anywhere private in Ohio. Because Anjelica is licensed in Ohio, both partners need to be physically in Ohio during each session. Read more about online couples therapy in Ohio.
Frequently asked questions
What Gottman training does Anjelica have?
Anjelica has completed Level 1 and Level 2 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, and she uses the method in her work. She is licensed in Ohio as an LPCC-S and IMFT-S.
What happens in the first session?
After the free fit call, the first session is an 80-minute joint session with both of you. Then Anjelica meets with each of you once on your own, following the written no-secrets policy, before you get feedback and a plan.
Is the Gottman Method only for couples in crisis?
No. Some couples come in when things are very hard. Others come in while things are fairly good, because they want to stay close or get ready for marriage.
Will we have homework?
Usually there is something small to try between sessions, like a planned talk or a daily check-in. Practice at home is part of the work.
Start with a fit call
The first step is a free 15-minute video call. You'll talk with Anjelica directly and decide together whether this approach fits what you need.
Anjelica has taken training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy. She is fully independent in providing clinical services at Rising Rose Relational Therapy, and she alone is responsible for those services. The Gottman Institute and its agents have no responsibility for the services you receive.
Gottman Method is a trademark of The Gottman Institute.