Meet Couples Therapy Expert Rob Giltner, LMFT!
In Shifting Our Shit (SOS) Podcast Season 2, Episode 8, Rob Giltner’s passion for couples is evident as he discusses his work as a therapist. Rob’s interest in couples therapy stems from his personal experiences and natural inclination towards being a “feeler.” His ability to understand and navigate powerful emotions makes him well-suited for helping couples navigate their own emotional landscapes. This empathy and understanding are crucial in creating a safe and supportive environment for couples to explore their relationship dynamics.
Rob’s journey to becoming a therapist started with his recognition of the mindful perspective and the importance of relationships. As he grew older, he developed a deeper understanding of emotions and their impact on individuals and their relationships. This understanding likely fueled his desire to pursue a career in therapy and help couples build healthier, more fulfilling connections.
Being a male therapist in a field often dominated by women is noteworthy, as it brings a unique perspective and representation to couples seeking therapy. Rob’s ability to connect with both male and female clients is a valuable asset, as it allows him to address the needs and concerns of both partners in a relationship. His presence in the field challenges stereotypes and promotes inclusivity, making therapy more accessible and relatable for all couples.
Rob’s passion for couples is further highlighted by his commitment to prioritizing social health and fostering connections among individuals. He recognizes the challenges of maintaining social relationships as one grows older and believes in the importance of creating opportunities for people to come together. This dedication to building community and supporting social well-being extends beyond his therapy practice and demonstrates his genuine care for the well-being of couples and individuals alike.
Passion for working with couples.
From the beginning of the episode, Rob mentions his ability to connect with emotions and suggests that he has a natural affinity for understanding and empathizing with others. This sensitivity likely plays a significant role in his ability to connect with couples and help them navigate their relationship challenges.
Rob emphasizes the importance of relationships in his own life, including family, friends, and romantic partnerships. He recognizes the value of these connections and the impact they have on personal growth and well-being. This recognition likely fuels his passion for working with couples, as he understands the transformative power that healthy and fulfilling relationships can have on individuals and their overall happiness.
Rob’s interest in relationships deepened during college when he took a class on the subject. This experience sparked a desire to learn more and led him to seek out additional resources, such as reading and watching videos. This eagerness to expand his knowledge and understanding of relationships demonstrates his dedication to his craft and his commitment to providing the best possible support to couples.
Rob’s parents played a significant role in supporting his passion for working with couples. They connected him with couples therapists they knew, highlighting their belief in his abilities and potential in this field. This support likely reinforced his passion and provided him with valuable insights and experiences that shaped his approach to therapy.
Rob’s decision to pursue graduate school immediately after completing his undergraduate degree further exemplifies his dedication to his chosen path. He did not hesitate to continue his education and further develop his skills and knowledge in couples therapy. This commitment to continuous learning and growth is essential in a field that requires therapists to stay up-to-date with the latest research and therapeutic techniques.
When asked about his specific interest in working with couples, Rob admits that it was not something he initially considered during college. However, upon entering seminary, he quickly realized that couples therapy was his true calling. While he acknowledges that his skills and expertise have expanded to include individual work, his passion for couples remains unwavering. He describes couples therapy as his “jam” and something he thinks about in his spare time. This level of enthusiasm and dedication is a testament to his genuine passion for helping couples build healthier and more fulfilling relationships.
Rob’s ability to connect with couples and ease their concerns is evident in his approach to therapy. He compares therapy to getting an oil change in a car, emphasizing the importance of regular maintenance and addressing wear and tear in relationships. By using this analogy, he normalizes the idea of seeking therapy and encourages couples to see it as a proactive step towards maintaining a healthy and thriving relationship. This approach helps to alleviate any fears or stigmas associated with therapy and fosters a sense of hope and possibility for couples seeking support.
Relationships are complex and rewarding.
Relationships are complex and rewarding. Rob discusses the intricacies of relationships and the challenges that individuals face when navigating them. He highlights the importance of recognizing the individuality of each person within a relationship and how this can contribute to the complexity of the dynamic.
Rob emphasizes that relationships involve multiple variables and that these variables can greatly impact the overall health and success of the relationship. He acknowledges that relationship stress can have a significant impact on other areas of our lives and emphasizes the importance of protecting and repairing these connections.
One aspect of relationships that Rob finds particularly intriguing is the puzzle-like nature of working with couples. He describes the process of therapy as a collaborative effort, where he acts as a guide rather than pushing individuals in a specific direction. He enjoys the challenge of helping couples navigate through the maze of their relationship, finding solutions and resolutions together. This process can be both present and empathetic, as well as intellectually stimulating, as he works with couples to solve the puzzle of their relationship.
While therapy can often involve heavy and difficult topics, Rob finds great joy in witnessing couples overcome challenges and find their way out of the maze. He describes this process as euphoric, relieving, and hopeful. It is a moment of triumph and growth for the individuals involved and a testament to the resilience of their relationship.
Rob also introduces a spirituality component to his work, acknowledging that there is often a sense of sacredness and intimacy in the vulnerability that couples bring to therapy. He values the perspective of spirituality and recognizes that it can play a significant role in the healing and growth of relationships. He encourages couples to explore this aspect if it resonates with them, but also acknowledges that spirituality can take many forms and can be unique to each individual.
