Solution-Focused Applications of Gottmans’ Approach

Virtual Event ~Approved for 6 CEUs

This workshop applies a Solution-Focused lens to the approach for couples therapy and family therapy developed by John and Julie Gottman. The workshop will be presented in two parts: A Solution-Focused Application of the Gottmans’ Couples therapy AND a Solution-Focused Application of the Gottmans’ Approach to Parenting and Therapy with Children.

This online 6-hour workshop delivers an innovative way to facilitate and enhance couples therapy and therapy with children and families. The workshop will be interactive and will use exercises that participants can apply in their work with couples, parents, and children.  

Since not every counselor or therapist has had training in both (or either) of these approaches, the workshop will cover the basic tenets of Solution Focused Brief Therapy as well as identify the core elements of the Gottmans’ approach with couples and children. The heart of this workshop is the INTEGRATION of these two approaches with specific clinical applications that counselors and therapists can immediately apply in their agencies and practices.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Participants will review the core elements of Solution Focused Brief Therapy
2. Participants will review the basic constructs of the Gottman’s approach to working with couples, parents, and children
3. Participants will acquire skills and gain confidence in the integration of these two approaches
4. Participants will be equipped with exercises and materials that can be immediately applied to their work with clients
5. Participants will practice new skills in small group exercises and interactions

Victor Nelson, M.Div., S.T.M.,   LMFT began his ministry as a Lutheran pastor in 1974 before becoming a Pastoral Counselor and a Marriage and Family Therapist. He has integrated the disciplines of therapy and spirituality in his work since 1985. Victor has been in private practice as a marriage and family therapist since 1988, is an AAMFT (American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy) Clinical Member and Approved Supervisor, and has conducted numerous workshops and training events on a local, national, and international level. He is a former director of the Family Institute in Logan, Utah and also a former director of the Santa Fe Pastoral Counseling Center. Victor currently serves on the Southwestern College Board of Trustees where he has also taught as adjunct faculty since 2014. Victor is a licensed marriage and family therapist in New Mexico. He has been a practitioner of solution-focused brief therapy since the 1990’s and brings a solution-focused perspective and passion into his therapy, supervision, teaching, mediation, spiritual direction, and consulting work.

Pamela King, M.S., LMFT founder of Solution Play Training Center, is an enthusiastic and experienced solution focused practitioner, international speaker, author, and trainer. She has over 25 years of experience in numerous settings including domestic violence treatment programs, public schools, as adjunct university faculty, and in private practice. Pam has designed and implemented innovative solution-focused play therapy treatment programs with children and families; she has specialized training in play therapy, trauma, family violence. Pam applies the principles of improvisation to develop flexibility, confidence, and spontaneity with clients and workshop participants. She is the author of Tools for Effective Therapy with Children and Families: A Solution-Focused Approach and recipient of the Steve de Shazer Memorial Award for Innovations in Solution Focused Brief Therapy.

Reagon Heikes, M.A.,   LMHC is a trauma informed therapist passionate about working with children and families in New Mexico. Her specialties include  working with couples as a level two trained Gottman method therapist, and working with parents to build positive parenting practices and increased stability in their families. Reagon is a rostered Child Parent Psychotherapy clinician helping infants and young children ages 0-5 and their caregivers. 

A Secure Zoom link will be provided to registered participants