Dr. Tara practices relationship therapy based on the Gottman Method. These interventions are designed to help people strengthen their relationships in three primary areas: friendship, conflict management, and the creation of shared meaning. The goals of Gottman Method are to disarm conflicting verbal communication, increase intimacy, respect, and affection, remove barriers that create a feeling of stagnancy in conflicting situations, and create a heightened sense of empathy and understanding within the context of the relationship. This form of therapy usually involves three stages:

1. Assessment – During the assessment, the therapist speaks with both partners together. Couples share their relationship philosophy, history, and therapeutic goals. They also complete questionnaires and receive feedback on their relationship.
2.  Therapeutic framework – The couple and the therapist decide on the structure and parameters of therapy that are most likely to promote healing. Considerations may include how often the couple meets for therapy, the length of each session, and the overall duration of treatment.
3. Therapeutic interventions – Couples in therapy learn specific techniques and strategies that strengthen their relationship in three major areas: friendship, conflict management, and the creation of shared meaning. These interventions are designed to help couples learn how to replace negative patterns with positive ones, become closer, develop shared goals, and prevent relapse.

(excerpted from www.gottman.com)