A structured approach to couples work
Gottman-Informed Couples Counseling in Oak Brook
Some couples want more than an open-ended conversation. They want a clear way to understand the interaction patterns that keep repeating and practical opportunities to respond differently. Gottman-informed counseling draws from a well-known body of couples work while still adapting sessions to the people in the room.
Some couples want more than an open-ended conversation. They want a clear way to understand the interaction patterns that keep repeating and practical opportunities to respond differently. Gottman-informed counseling draws from a well-known body of couples work while still adapting sessions to the people in the room.
What Gottman-informed means
At Oak Brook Counseling & Wellness, Jeffery Siddall uses Gottman-informed techniques with couples. The wording matters. It describes an approach he incorporates into counseling and does not claim the separate credential of Certified Gottman Therapist.
Gottman-informed work can provide a shared language for discussing friendship, conflict, repair, emotional connection, and the habits that shape daily partnership. It is not a formula that decides who is right, and it does not guarantee that a couple will stay together.
What couples may bring to counseling
Communication and conflict patterns
A familiar disagreement may quickly turn into criticism, defensiveness, escalation, or withdrawal. Counseling can help the couple see the sequence more clearly and practice ways to raise concerns, listen, and repair after a difficult exchange.
Connection, parenting, intimacy, and change
Jeffery's profile supports work involving parenting, intimacy, sexuality, and communication. Couples may also be adjusting to new roles or major transitions. These topics are addressed within counseling scope and do not imply sex-therapy, legal, or custody-evaluation services.
What sessions may involve
Early work may include understanding the relationship history, identifying the couple's current pattern, and defining goals that both partners can recognize. Jeffery may introduce structured questions, communication practice, or exercises between sessions when they fit the plan. He should explain how he handles couple confidentiality, contact outside sessions, and any individual meetings.
A skills-based approach still needs room for culture, identity, relationship context, readiness, and safety. The method serves the couple's goals rather than replacing clinical judgment.
Gottman-informed work with Jeffery Siddall
Jeffery Siddall, MA, NCC, LPC, describes his broader style as skills-based, short-term, and solution-focused. He works with couples on communication, parenting, intimacy, and sexuality and has a particular commitment to affirming LGBTQ+ individuals. Couples seeking an affirming context can also review the practice's LGBTQ+ Affirming Counseling page.
When another counseling pathway may fit
Not every relationship question requires a modality-specific service. The broad couples and family page explains marriage, relationship, and family counseling. Families seeking parent-child or broader family work can begin there. Intake can help determine whether Jeffery's Gottman-informed couples work or another service is the stronger match.
Before you reach out
Insurance
We work with several insurance and employee assistance (EAP) plans. Participation can vary by clinician, and benefits and eligibility should be verified.
Insurance and feesFees
- Initial intake or evaluation$250
- Individual psychotherapy$200
Sliding-scale availability can be discussed through intake. If cost is a concern, please tell our intake team and we will talk through your options honestly.
What happens next
- 01Reach out to our intake team
- 02Get thoughtfully matched
- 03Plan your first appointment
Finding the right therapist
We take matching seriously. The right fit between client and therapist matters, so our intake process is designed to understand your needs before suggesting someone.
Related counseling options
Frequently asked questions
What is Gottman-informed couples counseling?
Is Jeffery a Certified Gottman Therapist?
Can Gottman-informed counseling guarantee that a relationship improves?
Is this approach available in an LGBTQ+ affirming context?
Ask about Gottman-informed couples work
Tell intake what brings you and your partner to counseling and whether you are specifically looking for a structured, skills-oriented approach.
Request a consultation