When to Start Couples Therapy (Most People Wait Too Long)
Most couples wait too long to start therapy. By the time they reach out, they've often been having the same fight for years — and one or both partners are quietly wondering if it's worth saving.
In this episode of The Good Exchange, Gordon Gooding, LCSW, sits down with Lisa Current, LMFT, the Clinical Director at Gooding Wellness Group, to talk about what actually works in couples therapy — and why earlier is almost always better. Lisa is trained in the Gottman Method, the research-backed approach developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman based on decades of research on what differentiates couples who thrive from those who don't.
In this conversation:
Why couples therapy is a tool, not a last resort
The difference between marriage and family therapy training and general clinical training
What the Gottman Method actually is and why it works
The "turning toward" principle that predicts long-term relationship success
How conflict can deepen connection — when handled correctly
Why "I just want the therapist to tell my partner I'm right" is the wrong goal
What to expect in a first couples therapy session (assessments, the Gottman "Sound Relationship House," and more)
When couples therapy isn't the right fit — and what to do instead
The signs it's time to reach out to a therapist
📍 ABOUT GOODING WELLNESS GROUP
Gooding Wellness Group is a therapy practice based in Cold Spring Harbor, NY, offering individual, couples, and family therapy. Lisa Current, LMFT, is our Clinical Director and specializes in the Gottman Method.
🌐 Learn more: goodingwellness.com
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PSA: Even though We are licensed therapists, our videos are for educational purposed ONLY. The video is not a replacement for individual psychotherapy. We always recommend seeking out your own individual care if accessible.
LINKS:
Website: https://www.goodingwellness.com/
Instagram: / goodingwell. .
Facebook: / goodingwelln. .
Blog Post: https://www.goodingwellness.com/post/...
00:00 Introduction
00:26 Introducing Lisa Current, LMFT
01:09 Challenges in Couples Therapy
02:19 Importance of Couples Therapy
03:06 Training and Approach in Therapy
06:42 Gottman Method Overview
08:24 Turning Towards Each Other
10:50 Managing Conflicts in Therapy
16:28 First Therapy Session Expectations
24:43 When to Seek Couples Therapy