Timothy C. Donovan
Couples • Methods • Workshops
Psychotherapy for couples, and individuals.
Timothy C. Donovan
Licensed Baltimore Therapist
My focus, training, and expertise have evolved into seeing couples and individuals dealing with relationship issues.
This started off in 2016, when I became a certified Gottman therapist (CGT). I was excited to become more involved the Gottman Institute starting with as a rover for the Art and Science of Love Weekend Workshop for Couples led by Drs. John and Julie Gottman. This led to me facilitating these same workshops for couples in Maryland with a fellow CGT. Eventually, this led to presenting the Gottman method of couples therapy (levels 1 & 2).
Over the years, I have become devoted to becoming a leader in working with couples and individuals around their relationships.
This led to learning other approaches to working with couples, such as Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy (PACT); discernment counseling; working with neurodiverse couples; and the Developmental Model Couples Therapy.
Couples Therapy
Not feeling heard makes it hard to hear, not feeling understood makes it hard to be understanding and not feeling listened to makes it hard to listen to your partner. These are the ingredients of conflict in a relationship, and it sucks when you feel misunderstood. Often, this is when you tell yourself all kinds of things about your relationship, your partner or yourself, a lot of it not true. Conflict is when the words get in the way of any mutual understanding.
Good couples therapy turns all of that on its head. It helps both partners feel heard and understood. It helps partners better understand each other and each one’s role in the conflict. It goes from “I” to “we” because a relationship is a two-person system. All of this can lead to developing solutions that work for both.
Methods
There is a famous quote in Leo Tolstoy’s novel, Anna Karenina: “Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” In a way, that quote parallels couples in distress. Each person brings their own family history, their own developmental issue, their own self, all of which influence a relationship. So, learning, understanding, and integrating various methods of couples therapy has been in my blood these last few years. I think it fair that you expect me to understand these various methods and to know when and how to apply the techniques and principles of each.
The Gottman method…a researched based method that helps you become better friends, managing conflict and creating more shared meaning. All of this leads to deeper closeness and connection.
The psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy (PACT) helped me understand immensely about how biology is intertwined in couples conflict as well as learning more about attachment and how that template can be played out during conflict in a relationship.
Maybe not a method but a process in working with neurodiverse couples, the Peter M. Friedman Neurodiverse Couples Institute offered me training and resources to become certified and confident in working with neurodiverse couples.
The development Model of Couples Therapy integrated differentiation, development, attachment and being a leader in working with couples.
My wife teases me about my approach to lifelong learning as I continue to seek new tools and insights on helping couples who engage me…there is always more to learn.
Workshops
- Historically, for couples, I have offered the Art and Science of Love-Weekend Couples Workshop and I am planning to add new dates for 2023 and 2024.
- Historically, for professionals, I have presented level 1 & 2 of the Gottman method, and I am planning to resume these trainings later in 2023 and 2024.
Couples
Couples Therapy
Not feeling heard and understood makes it hard to hear and understand your partner. Couples therapy turns that on its head. Both partners feel heard and understood. That is the way to get to understand each other more deeply as well as getting to working solutions that work for both.
Discernment Counseling
Discernment counseling is designed for couples who are uncertain whether they want to continue their relationship. It can provide clarity and confidence in which direction to take in their marriage, based on a deeper understanding of what has happened to the marriage.
Neurodiverse Couples
Because neurological differences between partners affect the dynamics of their relationship, including their communication, behavior, and ability to perceive each other’s perspectives, therapists must understand that neurology matters when working on the couple’s issues.
Couples in Recovery
Supporting couples talking about the impact of addiction and individual/joint recovery strengthens recovery as a time to change together instead of being alone in their recovery. A method for working with couples in recovery.
Couples Intensives
Our evidence-based marital counseling is a comprehensive, all-inclusive approach to healing intimate bonds. It has been clinically proven to reduce relationship distress and improve relationship satisfaction.
Methods
Gottman Method
The Gottman method of couples therapy is a research-based approach that first focuses on a thorough assessment of the couple’s relationship and integrates research-based interventions.
PACT
The Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy (PACT) relies on the application of research in neuroscience and attachment theory to improve interactions between couples.
Developmental Model
Developmental Model of Couples Therapy is an approach that focuses on the growth and development of each partner individually in addition to the growth and development of the couple as a unit.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) uses a variety of cognitive and behavioral techniques, with problem-solving approaches borrowed from many psychotherapeutic modalities.
Workshops
Gottman Method Level 1
This is the first step in learning Gottman Method Couples Therapy. A truly inspiring workshop, Level 1 Training, will give you new insights into treatment for couples who struggle, using research-based assessments and effective interventions.
Gottman Method Level 2
Deepen your understanding of the Gottman Method Couples Therapy and expand your strategies and interventions in your work with couples. Practice using Gottman Method interventions in group role-plays while receiving personal, supportive coaching from trainers.
Art & Science of Love Weekend Couples Workshop
This workshop is designed for ALL couples in committed relationships. If you have a strong relationship, this workshop will provide you with insights and tools to foster further closeness, friendship, and trust. If your relationship is distressed, this two-day workshop will provide you with a greater understanding of your relationship and a road map for repair. No public discussion or disclosure is involved. All work is done as a couple and me Gottman to support one-on-one during exercises.
Statement from Timothy C. Donovan
Success in psychotherapy is based on expectations and goals set forth in treatment, on the connection we make with clients, on the therapist’s ability to deal with ambiguity, and on using evidence-based practices.
It is not the absence of problems that concerns me, because life is full of problems; it is how we respond to them
I believe strongly in the capacity for change, and I use a collaborative approach to reach short and long-term goals.
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What People Are Saying…
I have known and worked with Tim for over 20 years. He is a solid, caring, and skilled therapist that is well trained in CBT, addiction, and couples therapy. Tim’s skill lies in his ability to connect with his clients and prepare them for the change they are seeking. I continue to enjoy collaborating and learning from Tim.
I’ve know Tim for about 16 years now. Throughout the years, Tim has be a trusted and respected figure in my life. He has provided me with invaluable knowledge, support, and encouragement. He has the ability to set me straight while offering compassion and guidance. Tim has the ability to work with a wide range of ages and backgrounds which makes him a rare find. I would highly recommend Tim to anyone In search of a therapist.
As a student going through my master’s program in counseling, I experienced great supervision and guidance from Tim Donovan. Over about 18 months, Tim offered flexibility in scheduling, willing to accommodate supervision sessions during morning, afternoon, and evening hours. His guidance on cases, therapeutic techniques, and ethical matters was greatly helpful and supportive. In all, Tim was always readily available by phone or email for any urgent matters.
My partner and I decided to seek couples counseling as a way to proactively strengthen our relationship, and develop the skills needed for a lifetime of love. We chose Tim because he employs the Gottman method, and I can say without a doubt that working with Tim has been one of the best decisions we have ever made. Tim has been a critical component in enabling my partner and I to connect and support each other on a level we didn’t think was possible, and it has made us incredibly happy as a couple. You wouldn’t be reading this if you weren’t seriously considering counseling. Take the leap.
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