Gottman Referral Network

About

Life circumstances facilitated my desire to become a marriage therapist in early adolescence. I graduated from The University of Iowa with Honors in Psychology and completed my graduate degree from Northern Illinois University. My passion has always been working with couples and that passion remains today.

I have been in practice for 16 years, specializing in helping couples who are burdened by wanting to make their relationship work, but are uncertain of the tools and where to start. It is my goal to assure that each person feel heard, respected and known in the therapeutic process.

In addition to weekly sessions, I also provide 1 to 3-day couples intensives. For more about these services, please visit shellyhummeltherapy.com

I believe that a professional should always continue to learn and provide services that are shown to be most effective. Because of this desire, I have chosen to become a Certified Gottman Therapist. What does this mean for you? This means that I have extra training and specialty in utilizing the latest methods and scientific research in working with couples. I thoroughly assess your relationship with a combination of interviews and assessments, with the recognition that there are many perspectives to every story. After the assessment, I give you a breakdown of the strengths and weaknesses of your relationship. I teach you research-based skills that break negative communication and I help you manage conflict and restore intimacy.

My desire to help couples remain happily married has given me the opportunity to speak at events held by Hope Lutheran Church, which includes a weekly study on helping couples manage conflict and a presentation entitled: “Making It Last.” I have also facilitated a mandated program by the State of Iowa called “Children in The Middle”, given to divorcing parents as an education tool designed to show parents the devastating effects of a messy divorce.

I am co-founder of CoupleStrong, an organization whose vision is to help build stronger relationships by providing access to programs that help build skills to increase the overall physical and emotional well-being of couples in all cultures.

I hope you make the first step in making a change for your life. I would love to hear from you.

Special populations

Weekly sessions are offered on Mondays and Tuesdays from 8am to 8pm. Couple Intensives are offered Tuesday to Friday. Contact me to discuss availability to determine the best option for your situation.