How to Handle Criticism and Build Emotional Granularity in Relationships | Dr. John Williams

Dr. John Williams is a licensed clinical psychologist and couples therapist with over 20 years of experience in understanding relationship dynamics. He works in corporate psychology as a test developer, has been married for two decades, and is trained in four major empirically supported couple therapy modalities. His unique perspective combines clinical expertise with real-world experience navigating modern relationships.Main Points Covered:Male bias in therapy settings - How the predominantly female therapy profession may inadvertently create an environment where men feel unheard or judged, and practical strategies therapists use to create balanceThe "fix my partner" dynamic - Why women often initiate couples therapy with the expectation of changing their male partners, and how therapists redirect this energy toward mutual growthSolvable vs. unsolvable problems - Understanding which relationship conflicts stem from changeable behaviors versus fundamental personality differences, and how couples can adapt to perpetual issuesBuilding emotional granularity in men - Practical approaches to help men develop richer emotional vocabulary and expression while avoiding the trap of having their feelings interpreted or invalidated by partnersResources:Substack: "Cheaper Than Divorce" blogAvailable for couples therapy in CaliforniaGottman Method techniques and assessments: https://www.gottman.com/about/the-gottman-method/