I have been so excited to attend the level 1 Gottman training ever since I found out about it. FAU presented it at a reduced rate which for me was a great added bonus. Of course as life is I did not expect to be moving into a hotel room for at least 4 weeks due to a water pipe breaking under my house. Nether less it packed up the car the morning of the first session to arrive at my hotel that night.

After getting completely lost on FAU campus the training finally started. Didn’t really know it was a 2 day video of John and Julie Gottman but I managed to sit for 8 hours each day and reenergize my desire to be the best couples therapist I can be.

The first interesting thing I learned is that the Gottman’s use a 3 session assessment. First session together, second session individual and third session together. Well, now I know why I love them, this is the same format I used in my ACP to finish my doctorate.

I also learned that most of the concepts being presented were ones that I already know which was reassuring as a therapist. I think the one thing I took away from the two day training is that I need to take a step back and let my clients interact more. The Gottman approach is all about the therapist sitting back and being a guide. I will allow my clients more room to explore how they can talk to themselves.

On the second day I run into a problem where I was told information via text that I could not fix because I wasn’t there. Instead of getting mad at the person, I let them know I was frustrated because I am a fixer and was unable to fix.  I do believe this training helped me see I need to and teach others how best to speak from the “I” position.

The question remains will I go on to level 2 training. I am thinking yes! And I cannot wait to learn more.

Stay tuned for more tidbits from my experience at this training.