Oak & Associates, LLC offers a fresh and unique approach to partnered counseling that can only be found in a handful of therapy practices across the United States. Dr. Oak and his wife, Michelle, conduct sessions with their partnered clients together, using a technique known as co-therapy.
Co-therapy is a treatment technique in which two or more therapists treat one or more clients together. Research shows co-therapy imparts a balanced approach to counselling which benefits the clients and the therapy process. Co-therapy with married therapists offers additional advantages when compared to single therapist counseling or co-therapy with non-partnered therapists.
Benefits of co-therapy with partnered therapists include:
- No decision making regarding whether to engage a male or a female therapist
- Understanding of an issue(s) from a male and a female perspective
- Modeling of healthy interactions, including conflict
- Additional set of eyes and ears to catch what one therapist might miss
- Multiple perspectives
- Role play – one therapist participates while the other provides commentary
- Demonstration of homework assignments
- Balance – less likely a client will feel ‘ganged up on’
- Additional support
- Greater diversity – gender, ethnicity, religion, life experiences, etc.
- Skill set of two therapists
- Modeling of effective communication
- Therapist does not practice therapy in isolation allowing for more insightful feedback and session planning
- Sharing of examples from their own marriage, as appropriate
The Oaks follow the Gottman Method and are level II trained.
“The Gottman Method is an approach to couples therapy that includes a thorough assessment of the couple’s relationship and integrates research-based interventions based on the Sound Relationship House Theory. The goals of Gottman Method Couples Therapy are to disarm conflicting verbal communication; increase intimacy, respect, and affection; remove barriers that create a feeling of stagnancy; and create a heightened sense of empathy and understanding within the context of the relationship.”
As integrated therapists, interventions from additional models and methods are implemented to best fit the partners’ needs.
The Oaks’ collaborative approach to partner counseling is guided by their core principles – to provide a safe, welcoming, unbiased, non-judgmental, caring atmosphere that makes sharing the most intimate details of your partnership less stressful.
The fee structure for co-therapy is $375.00 for the initial 90-minute session. Subsequent sessions are $250.00 / hour. There is a $50.00 fee for the Gottman Assessment which includes the online assessment and the analysis. The Oaks offer a session fee discount for law enforcement, active or retired military, and first responders.
In-home immersion sessions and prepaid packages are available. Please call for additional information and fees.
The Oaks welcome and support couples and polypods in all stages of their relationships irrespective of any differences in gender, sexual orientation, disability, religious affiliation, race, ethnicity, culture, and/or alternative lifestyle.