TherapyDave
Gottman Couples Therapy & Individual Counseling in Eugene, Oregon
The secret to a long-lasting relationship is not just luck or chemistry. Research from Dr. John Gottman has identified a simple but powerful formula, grounded in rigorous scientific study. The essence is straightforward: for every negative interaction you have, aim for at least five positive ones. When you get this balance right, your relationship can thrive. …
Continue Reading about The No-Nonsense Guide to Improving Your Relationship: The 5:1 Ratio Unpacked
You can't control what other people do. You can wish they were different, but that’s not going to change them. Mel Robbins' "Let Them" philosophy encourages a mindset shift that involves accepting others as they are and releasing control over things you can't change. Instead of getting caught up in trying to influence or manage others' behaviors or choices, the idea is to let …
Watching a family member fall under the influence of a narcissistic individual is a uniquely painful experience. It's like losing someone while they're still alive, leaving you questioning your reality and grappling with a whirlwind of emotions. If you're going through this, know that you're not alone. This article aims to validate your experience, help you recognize the signs …
If you grew up in an unhealthy or dysfunctional family, it has drastically and permanently altered the course of your life. It is absolutely vital to understand how, specifically, this affects you so that you can stand a chance to change patterns of unhealthy choices and behaviors that plague you and your adult life. Left unchecked, these patterns can drastically sabotage …
Continue Reading about Wait, I’m not Crazy?! Adults Who Grew Up in Dysfunctional Families
After many years together, you might think you've got this relationship thing figured out. You can predict each other's responses, finish each other's sentences, and probably even know exactly how your next argument will play out. But sometimes that predictability is part of the problem. …
Continue Reading about Criticism, Contempt, Defensiveness & Stonewalling
Let me be real clear: You don’t stay in a relationship because you feel bad. That’s not doing anybody any favors. You’re not helping them, and you’re certainly not helping yourself. If this feels familiar, you’re probably stuck in this pattern because you’re avoiding the discomfort of making a hard decision. …
When you’re expecting a baby, it’s a beautiful time, but it can also be a real strain on your relationship if you’re not prepared. The Gottmans have laid out several critical concepts in their book "And Baby Makes Three" that can help keep your relationship strong during this transition. …
Continue Reading about What the Gottmans Want New Parents to Understand About Having a Baby
I’m one of the few Certified Gottman Therapists in both Oregon and Arizona — and the only one serving the Eugene–Springfield area. My approach to relationship transformation is structured, practical, and grounded in over five decades of research by Dr. John Gottman — the most scientifically validated method for helping couples create lasting change.
I work with motivated couples who are ready to move beyond traditional talk therapy and take meaningful action. If you’re tired of spinning your wheels and want a clear, research-backed path forward, I’m here to help you reconnect and rebuild — together.
