Steps for Change

Coaching and resources to raise your emotional intelligence

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About Dr Greg Hamlin

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  • Level 3 Training in the Gottman Method for Couples Therapy

  • PhD in Psychology

  • Board Certified Coach

  • More than 20 years of experience coaching people into more satisfying relationships and personal breakthroughs

  • Certified to administer the leading measure of emotional intelligence:  the EQ-i 2.0

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Couples Therapy

I use a research-based approach to couples and marriage counseling.  This has the benefit of saving time and money, because efforts are focused on specific key areas of a relationship that research has shown to be critical for relationship success.  Much of this research has been done by Dr. John Gottman and his team at the University of Washington over a 40 year period.  I have completed level 3 of the Gottman training as well as a specialized couples training course taught by Drs. John and Julie Gottman:  “Treating Affairs and Trauma:  Helping Couples Heal and Rebuild Trust.”   Additionally, I have completed the training course taught by the Gottman Institute, “Couples and Addiction Recovery.”  Of course, I bring my 20 plus years of experience working with couples to bear in using the Gottman method and techniques.

My style of coaching/counseling couples can be described as follows:

I am a careful listener with an interactive, conversational style. I really love empowering couples to reclaim the joy in their relationship. My emphasis is on clear steps, tools, and skills that help disconnected couples discover closeness and help couples in conflict to relax while they solve problems together. Sessions focus on equipping couples with the Gottman research-based communication tools to achieve deep satisfaction in the relationship.

I weave into the couples therapy my years of experience as a therapist to reduce the stress of change so that the process feels doable to each person. A key aspect of the Gottman method and my approach is to train couples how to calm themselves. This consists of specific steps and tools for reducing anger and anxiety This brings peace of mind and makes communication easier, paving the way for a couple to actually start enjoying each other again.

I work hard to be even-handed in my approach to every couple. I want each person to feel understood and that I get who they are. I especially enjoy unlocking the strengths of each individual so that the relationship can thrive.

Couples who go through the process of couples counseling with me find that they have more emotional intelligence and much more confidence than when they started.

Coaching Specialties

My specialties include communication skill for more satisfaction in marriage, parenting, and relationships.  I have a unique approach to big life transitions such as divorce, stages of bereavement, and career disappointments. I provide hours of free resources online.

Education and Credentials

Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant University, Los Angeles, CA

M.A. in Psychology, California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant University, Los Angeles, CA

M.Div in Theology, Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, PA

B.A. in Philosophy and Religious Studies, Westmont College, Santa Barbara, CA

Licensed psychologist in California (Lic # PSY16871)

Board Certified Coach (BCC)

Member of the Gottman Referral Network.

Some Things that Fascinate Me

The coaching process, the therapy process, what makes people tick, how change and growth happen in people, music, photography, nature, human relationships and resilience, the real meaning of love, spirituality and faith.