Gottman Institute – Gottman Method Couples Therapy – Level 1, 2 & 3

The Gottman Method Couples Therapy Program provided research-based strategies and tools to help couples form a friendship system which becomes the foundation for intimacy, passion and good sex. Training included learning skills and methods to empower partners to dialogue about their worst gridlocked issues by uncovering their underlying dreams, history, and values. Additional training focused on learning techniques to help couples process fights, soothe physiological flooding, heal their hurts, and prevent relapse.

 Ester Perel’s Transformative Approach to Couples Therapy

Esther Perel’s transformative approach to couples therapy delves deep into the intricacies of modern relationships, exploring themes of desire, intimacy, and conflict. She challenges traditional therapeutic models by:

• Focusing on erotic intelligence: Rekindling desire and maintaining connection within long-term relationships.
• Embracing paradox: Recognizing the simultaneous need for security and freedom in love.
• Exploring underlying emotions: Uncovering the hidden dynamics and unspoken needs fueling conflict.

This approach helps couples:

• Reimagine their relationship: Move beyond blame and rediscover a sense of connection.
• Communicate effectively: Learn to express needs and desires with vulnerability and clarity.
• Navigate infidelity: Heal from betrayal and rebuild trust.

Dr. Sue Johnson’s Intensive Course in Emotionally Focused Therapy: Attachment-Based Interventions for Couples in Crisis

Dr. Sue Johnson’s intensive course in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) provides therapists with advanced training in attachment-based interventions for couples in crisis. This research-backed approach helps couples:

• Understand the root of conflict: Recognize how attachment needs and fears drive relationship patterns.
• Re-establish secure connection: Create a safe space for vulnerability and emotional responsiveness.
• Heal attachment injuries: Address past hurts and rebuild trust through forgiveness and empathy.

Course Features:

• In-depth training: Mastered the core principles and techniques of EFT for couples.
• Case studies and demonstrations: Learned from real-life examples and expert guidance.
• Practical skills: Developed effective interventions for addressing common relationship challenges.

Clinical Fellow – Issued by American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. The AAMFT Clinical Fellow Designation indicates a therapist has completed the rigorous training standards for independent practice of marriage & family therapy and are held to the highest ethical standards. Clinical Fellow Designees demonstrate specific education, clinical training, and supervision in systemic marriage & family therapy. AAMFT Clinical Fellow Designation is recognized by the US state licensure boards and worldwide as the standard for education and training in systemic therapy.

American Psychotherapy Association — Board Certified PTSD Clinician.

ADOPTS Training – ADOPTS is a training program based on the acclaimed A.R.C. (attachment, regulation, and competency) informed treatment approach developed by the Justice Resource Center of Boston, Massachusetts and the Bessel van der Kolk group. This approach is focused on diminishing trauma symptoms in order to allow for healthy development and increased relationship capacity. This evidenced based model shows children how to express their emotions in a healthy way, understand the effects of past trauma, form healthy attachments, and build personal strengths.

Amen Clinics’ Brain SPECT Course – Included education on how to implement a brain system approach to diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. Education also focused on The Amen Clinics’ diagnostic tool called SPECT. (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) to help accurately identify underlying brain issues that contribute to mental health symptoms.  

EMDR Institute – Included education on a specialized, complex approach to psychotherapy that accelerates the treatment of a wide range of pathologies and self-esteem issues related to upsetting past traumatic events and present life conditions. Education also addressed working with patients evidencing a considerable range of presenting complaints including: loss of loved one, rape, sexual molestation, combat and natural disaster.

International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF)

Crisis Interventions – Included learning a multi-component approach to critical incidence response in communities, schools, churches, and workplaces. Education in the physiological, spiritual, and psychological impacts of traumatic events, OSHA Post Incident Response Guidelines, and traumatic event debriefing and defusing were integral parts of this course.

Prepare Enrich – This training included education on premarital and marital counseling/education along with learning how to administer and interpret the Prepare Enrich Assessment.

Certified SYMBIS Assessment Facilitator – This training included how to administer and interpret the Symbis (Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts) Assessment.

U.S. Department of Transportation-Substance Abuse Training and National Examination
This training and national examination meet the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requirement to certify as a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP). Course work included learning how to evaluate employees who have violated a Department of Transportation drug and alcohol regulation and make recommendations concerning education, treatment, follow-up testing, and aftercare.

U.S. Journal Training and The Institute for Integral Development – Included education addressing the issues of behavioral health and addictions using an integrated approach which considers the complex emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions of each individual. Trauma, brain research and therapy, prescription drug abuse, process addictions, dual disorders, sexuality, depression, mindfulness and spirituality, medical issues, humor in recovery, and family therapy were explored.

Gottman Institute – Gottman Seven Principles Program Educator – The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work Program is focused on showing couples how to strengthen their relationship with research-based tools and techniques.  The program presents a guide for couples to nurture their friendship, maintain a positive perspective in their relationship, deal with relationship issues and manage conflict, help make one another’s life dreams come true, create shared meaning, and build a sense of shared purpose.

Gottman Institute – Gottman Bringing Baby Home Program Educator – The Bringing Baby Home Program is a research-based and research-tested psycho-educational intervention.  The program is focused on helping expectant couples and parents of infants and toddlers to equip themselves with the knowledge and skills needed to cope constructively with the changes brought about by the birth of a child. The Bringing Baby Home Program teaches couples how to strengthen their friendship, increase intimacy, and regulate conflict.  Couples learn about child development, learn how to co-parent with their partner, and discover ways to keep both partners involved.  This program teaches sensitive and responsive parenting.  It promotes the development of healthier infants and assists children in their emotional, social, cognitive, and physical development. 

GIVE AN HOUR:

Includes providing mental health counseling services to military personnel and families in a private practice setting.

Patricia has been assigned a consultancy upon completion of the program Student Veterans of America at California State University of Channel Islands.

CHRISTIAN COUNSELING:

Included work with staff, missionaries, individuals, and couples with a wide range of clinical issues, including depressive, mood, anxiety, adjustment, psychotic, and personality disorders. Counseling experience also includes work with faith crisis, domestic violence, anger management, and sexual and substance abuse issues.

RESEARCH

Biola University Research Paper on Domestic Violence & Self Esteem

Examined the interrelationship between certain self-esteem principles and domestic violence.

• American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress – National Center for Crisis Management
• American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy
• American Psychological Association
• American Psychological Science
• American Association of Christian Counselors, Board Certified Professional Christian Counselor
• American Psychotherapy Association, Certified Professional Counselor
• American Psychotherapy Association, Fellow
• American Psychotherapy Association, Board Certified PTSD Clinician
• California Association of Marriage and Family Therapy
• EMDRIA (EMDR International Association)
• Employee Assistance Professionals Association
• Focus on the Family, Credentialed Marriage And Family Therapist
• Gottman Method Couples Therapy Training, Level 1& 2
• ICISF (International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc.)
• International Association of Christian Coaching
• Focus on the Family, Credentialed Marriage And Family Therapist
• NAADAC – The Association of Addiction Professionals