I went to Dan Wile’s “collaborative couple therapy” training here in Atlanta this week (February, 2019) and it was beyond helpful (and so fun). I highly recommend it, if you have the chance. There is something very special about seeing the creator of a technique we use so regularly in the Gottman Method (“the Dan Wile?”) practiced right in front of you. It had that once-in-a-lifetime kind of feeling, and I feel a lot more comfortable with how I can use some of his techniques even better now.
Stephanie Cook, LCSW
"The author gratefully acknowledges the influence of Dan B. Wile, whose concept of the 'platform' was instrumental in developing the technology for fostering acceptance."
in a journal article describing Integrative Couple Therapy, an approach he developed with Andrew Christensen
Neil S. Jacobson, PhD,
Warning:
Stay away from Dan Wile's training if, in order to pique your interest, you need:
to feel you're in the presence of the "greatness" of an inflated ego
to hear word followed by brilliant and erudite word, without the hindrance of real-life application
to maintain a sense of perfection as a therapist - rather than to face your inner struggles
However, if you are interested in a couples orientation presented by a truly humble and authentic individual and an outstanding expert in the field, one who:
strips away your masks, exposing the inner voice of the vulnerable therapist lurking beneath your professional persona as you perform a therapy session
empowers you with tools to that facilitates each partner to bring forth their voice in the session and have their message - at long last - be heard by their partners,
then look no further.
This is not a paid announcement - political or otherwise; ) It is a tribute to the man in the field who has made the greatest impact on the services I provide in the room, transforming and empowering my sessions. I find couples work to be among the most demanding and challenging of specialty areas and am deeply thankful for Dan's contribution to the field. Although I have trained with David Schnarch (differentiation) Sue Johnson (need I say attachment?) and the Bader's (Developmental Model) among others, it is Dan's voice that has left the greatest imprimatur on my treatment of couples.
If you enjoy the presentation, check out Dan's text "Couple's Therapy: A Nontraditional Approach. " This book is a powerful resource, in that it compares and contrasts the interventions of a number of orientations to a given issue and provides a rationale for his collaborative approach in a clear and concise manner.
Looking forward to shared growth and professional development.
Malki Spira, LMHC
