Psychotherapy & Marriage Counseling
Woodland Hills, CA and Beverly Hills
Dr. David Gorton, Ph.D.
Marriage Counseling & Relationship Counseling, Couples Therapy
Couples typically come to see me for marriage counseling or couples therapy when the relationship has become difficult and painful. The causes can be poor communication, money issues, poor sexual relations, an affair, aging issues... In any case it is my goal to help you and your partner get back the good feelings you had about each other when the relationship began. Or, in some instances where one or both feel it is too late for that to help make the separation as painless and amicable as possible.
The Role Of The Marriage Counselor
Many people who embark upon relationship therapy are concerned that the counselor will side with one person... When I am doing couples therapy I see the relationship as my client, not either individual involved. This way I do not fall into the trap of favoring one person over the other.
Getting Started
I often begin counseling by taking an inventory from each person to find out what they find good about the relationship and what is lacking. As we are doing this process together I pay attention to the communication skills of each person and to how improvements can be made in this important area. Some examples are: helping them make more "I" statements and teaching them the invaluable skill of "active listening", so that they can experience being heard and validated.
The Course Of Therapy
The first sessions can be very difficult because often resentments have built up over a long period of time... It is important even though not easy to express and hear these resentments but with my help as facilitator I can make this process much easier and less painful for both parties. This then "clears the air" so that we can go on to the goal of saving your marriage or relationship.
Premarital Counseling
I also offer premarital counseling for those wanting to be more sure of their compatibility before entering into a marriage and hopefully avoid some common marital problems. It is often helpful to address relationship issues and thus avoid relationship problems.
About My Services
My master's degree is in Marriage and Family Therapy and I enjoy this aspect of my training very much. Over the past 33 years I have seen many couples improve their relationships to, as they put it, "better than ever"... This is very gratifying to me and keeps my passion for my work alive.
If you would like to learn more about communicating more effectively, please feel free to call me today for a free confidential phone consultation at (818) 347-2633.
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individual psychotherapy
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Dr. David Gorton, Ph.D.
Psychotherapist & Marriage and Family Therapist
Lic. No. MFC7027
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