Sabrina Walters

*Accepting New Certification Candidates*

Sabrina believes deeply in the Gottman Couples method of therapy and has been drawn to the practical nature of this method, which is so rooted hard research. After working as a family therapist in a school-based program for several years, she opened her private practice in 2010. In 2017, she began training interns and now runs a small group practice, where all of her clinicians use the Gottman Method as their primary methodology.

Early in her career, Sabrina was originally drawn to working with adolescents in schools. But her work there revealed a recognizable pattern: , she noticed that real change in a child’s life only took place when the parents were on the same page — and working toward the same goal. After that, she tried to refocus her work on couples therapy. In 2012, she attended the Level 1 Gottman Method training and began using the tools taught by Dr.s John and Julie Gottman. She instantly felt a difference in her clients’ results; she suddenly had the tool belt she needed that could make lasting change in couples. It was then that her work with couples really became exciting, rather than daunting. She was so enthusiastic about the method that she completed level 1, 2 and 3 in rapid succession in the fall of 2012, although she quickly realized it would take years to become proficient and fully understand the complexities of Gottman Method Couples work. She finished her certification in 2017 and has gone on to become an Advanced Gottman Trainer to help others in the method. e  Twice she has attended the “Art and Science of Love” couples workshop, presented by the Gottmans. Later, she was a roving assistant as Don and Carrie Cole presented. In 2021, Sabrina began presenting the “Art and Science of Love” herself in Portland, Or. She became a trainer for the Gottman Institute and is now a trainer for Levels 1, 2 and 3, which she absolutely loves doing. Prior to becoming a therapist, Sabrina was a teacher, so her methods of training are based in hands-on, active learning. Many have commented that her teaching style helps them learn deeply as they practice and review constantly throughout the training. 

Sabrina has a sub-specialty in both Affair Recovery and Addiction Recovery, and is also certified in treating trauma through EMDR.  

Sabrina understands how nerve wracking it can be to think of entering the Certification Track. She also remembers the daunting process of editing and uploading the clips, not to mention the thought of someone reviewing them! But she has also found ways to make the process easier, and is committed to giving her candidates the support they need to be successful

Throughout the certification process and in the years that followed, Sabrina has experienced the incredible support of the team and colleagues at the Gottman Institute, and the community of fellow Gottman Certified therapists. Her certification process ended up being one of encouragement, profound growth and excellent support. This is the model she follows as she prepares her people for video submissions, and honing their skills as a relationship therapist.  

You can contact Sabrina directly to learn about her consultation pricing and more through her Gottman Referral Network profile here.