Working with couples (with Marie Vakakis)

Mental Work

Bron and Marie chat about working well with couples on common issues like sexual desire discrepancies, communication, and conflict. Marie shares her approach to using the Gottman method for assessment and intervention, stressing the need for balancing conflict resolution with positive interactions. They also chat about 👉🏽 handling countertransference 👉🏻 Challenges of retention in couples therapy 👉 The value of therapists being aware of their own limitations 👉🏿 Avoiding triangulation.

Guest: Marie Vakakis, Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (MHSW), and Family & Couples Therapist at The Therapy Hub

LINKS

• Bron is hosting our first online hangout on 16th July at 5:30pm AEST! Join the Patreon to chat about episodes and connect with other listeners here.
• When should you refer an individual to couples therapy? Blog post by Marie.
• This Complex Life - Marie's podcast where she delves into the messiness of wellbeing and relationships.
• Books: Come Together by Emily Nagoski, Mating in Captivity by Esther Perel, Eight Dates by John and Julie Gottman
• Interested in couples therapy training? Gottman Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy are common evidence-based approaches!

THE END BITS

Mental Work is your companion to early-career psychology, hosted by Dr Bronwyn Milkins.

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CREDITS

Producer: Michael English

Music: Home

Disclaimer: The Mental Work podcast adheres to the APS Code of Ethics, the National Law, and relevant legislation. It provides informational, and entertainment content. Content should not be considered a replacement for professional consultation or therapy. The Mental Work podcast is not a psychological service and being a listener or participant does not establish a therapeutic relationship.

Opinions expressed are personal and subject to change, and do not represent those of any affiliated organisation. Efforts are made to ensure accuracy, but opinions may not always align with fact. Listeners are encouraged to thoughtfully assess the information presented and report any inaccuracies or concerns via email. Further information can be found here.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chapters

1. Working with couples (with Marie Vakakis) (00:00:00)

2. Introduction (00:00:45)

3. A case study couple (00:03:32)

4. Avoid the triangulation trap (00:33:13)

5. Sexual desire discrepency (00:39:03)

6. Final advice (00:44:09)