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|  | Michael T. Clifford, S.T.M.
[send email]
Washington State Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Certified Pastoral Counselor: Fellow Level .Certified Gottman Institute Clinician. Certified Emotion Focused Therapist
Locations:
Central Lutheran Church
(425) 258-2955 x2
2702 Rockefeller Ave
Everett, WA 98201
[map it]
Hours:
Tuesdays: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM at Central Lutheran Church
Wednesdays: 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM at Central Lutheran Church
Thursdays: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM at Central Lutheran Church
Theoretical Orientation and Approach to Counseling
The Gottman Method tm of couple’s therapy is based on Dr. John Gottman’s twenty-five years of research in what makes marriages succeed or fail. From this research, Gottman has created a therapy that emphasizes a nuts-and-bolts approach to improving marriages. Using this method, Michael helps his clients learn specific tools to build more fondness and admiration in marriage and to successfully manage conflicts, even with those issues that feel gridlocked. The overall process is positive and constructive.
As part of the assessment, couples are given written materials to fill-out that help Michael understand the strengths and weaknesses of the current marriage relationship. Then, working together with Michael, the clients define goals for counseling. Couples may also be given homework suggestions to do between the sessions that emphasize practice in using the communication methods that are taught. Termination of the therapy will most likely occur at a mutually agreed upon time when the couples’ therapeutic goals have been reached. Following termination, Michael then meets with couples once every six months for two years to help maintain progress and to prevent relapse.
Emotion Focused Therapy is a natural complement to the Gottman method. Through EFT, Michael helps clients surface and express the more tender feelings that couple’s frequently have difficulty saying to each other. The emphasis in this method is on creating an atmosphere of emotional safety in the sessions and then in the relationship. Both approaches assist couple’s in having difficult conversations without them spiraling into conflict and more hurt. To learn more about it you may view a video of Sue Johnson, the creator of EFT, by following the link below. You may also search the local EFT website www.seattleeft.com for more information about EFT.
http://www.holdmetight.net/video.php
Personal Information and Therapy Style
Michael has been a therapist with Lutheran Counseling Network since 1981. He has been in practice since 1974.
He has worked primarily with couples for the last seven years. He uses the scientifically-based methods developed by John Gottman, Ph.D., and the Emotion Focused Therapy developed by Sue Johnson, Ph.D. As a Pastoral Counselor and ordained Lutheran clergy person, Michael seeks to help clients integrate their faith life and their spirituality into the therapy where that is desired.
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|  | Michelle Nelson Sinn, LMFT
[send email]
Washington State Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Locations:
Central Lutheran Church
2702 Rockefeller Ave
Everett, WA 98201
[map it]
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
(425) 258-2955 x4
7215 51st Ave NE
Marysville, WA 98270
[map it]
Hours:
Tuesdays: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM at Central Lutheran Church
Wednesdays: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM at Central Lutheran Church
Thursdays: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM at Bethlehem Lutheran Church
Personal Information and Therapy Style
Michelle completed her Master of Arts degree in 1981 from Luther Northwestern Theological Seminary and a post graduate program in Marriage and Family Therapy in 1988 from Presbyterian Counseling Service. She has been on the staff of Lutheran Counseling Network since 1989.
One of the most important aspects of effective therapy is a supportive and collaborative working relationship between client and therapist. Her model of therapy is primarily drawn from cognitive behavioral, family systems and dialectical behavioral theories. Because she values the intricate connections of body, mind and spirit, Michelle is particularly interested in helping clients integrate their spirituality with their therapy and overall self care.
Areas of Expertise
Michelle works with individual adults, couples and families. Her areas of specialty include issues of depression, anxiety, relationships, and grief /loss related to divorce, death and chronic illness. She is especially excited about working with women’s small groups where participants focus on balancing the demands of relationships, work and play. Michelle is trained to administer and interpret the Prepare/Enrich inventory for pre-marital couples.
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