What it is
Brief Directive Marriage Counseling™ is a short, structured approach to couples counseling. The aim is to get your relationship back on a workable course in six sessions, in the window where most change happens. The work doesn't stay inside the problem. It puts in place the changes you need to move forward.
The six sessions
- We start from one agreement: you are both committed to making the marriage work.
- We talk about the past once, so the situation is clear.
- After that, sessions stay on what you're doing now and on the agreement you make with each other.
- We meet weekly to check that the new habits are being practiced.
- By the sixth session, you two should be holding yourselves to the changes you named.
What makes it directive
I'm active in the room. I won't take sides, and when the conversation slides back into old history, I'll steer you back to the marriage you both said you want. The issue might be communication, trust after an affair, or co-parenting. Either way, the goal is the same: real changes you make together.
The baseline commitment
The method starts from one agreement: you're both committed to making the marriage work. That lets us spend every session on change instead of on whether to stay. If that question is still open, I'll say so and suggest what might help first.
Where it's offered
In person at my office in Los Gatos, and by online couples counseling across California.
Frequently asked questions
Is six sessions really enough?
For many committed couples, yes. The structure is designed so each session has a job. Some couples choose a few follow-ups afterward.
What kinds of problems does it help with?
Communication breakdowns, recurring fights, broken trust, co-parenting strain, and feeling disconnected.
Do we have to talk about the past?
Once, at the start, so the situation is clear. After that we focus on what you do now.
Book on TherapyFinder or call (408) 665-7920