Salvatore (Sam) Garanzini, LMFT, LPCC, and Alapaki Yee, LMFT, are Certified Gottman Method Couples Therapists and co-founders of the Gay Couples Institute and the Couples Therapy Training Academy. Since 2007, they have helped more than 4,300 same-sex and queer couples strengthen their relationships and have trained thousands of therapists to become more confident couples therapists.
Their peer-reviewed research study, co-authored with Drs. John and Julie Gottman, demonstrated the effectiveness of the Gottman Method with same-sex couples.
Inspired by these findings, they created the Gay Relationship Revolution 9-Step Roadmap, a treatment model designed specifically for LGBTQ+ couples that addresses challenges such as internalized shame, body image, different relationship agreements, identity exploration, and the lasting impact of coming out on relationship dynamics.
Their work has contributed to expanding evidence-based couples therapy for LGBTQ+ relationships while informing practical clinical strategies that therapists can apply with couples of all backgrounds.
Although much of their clinical work has focused on LGBTQ+ couples, the concepts taught in this course are foundational couples therapy skills that apply across all relationship types. The interventions, case examples, and clinical decision-making process are relevant whether you work with same-sex, opposite-sex, married, dating, or non-traditional relationships.
Salvatore (Sam) Garanzini, MFT, and Alapaki Yee, MFT, are Certified Gottman Therapists and Cofounders of both the Gay Couples Institute and the Couples Therapy Training Academy, where they have helped over 4,200 same-sex/queer couples strengthen their relationships and have trained hundreds of therapists to build successful private practices.
Their work bridges clinical excellence with private practice success—Alapaki leads the Institute’s clinical programs, bringing the best in couples therapy to the LGBTQ+ community, while Sam helps therapists grow profitable practices through the Practice Magnet Program and Software, an all-in-one HIPAA-compliant marketing system for therapists.
Their peer-reviewed research study, co-authored with Drs. John and Julie Gottman, demonstrated the effectiveness of the Gottman Method with same-sex couples. Inspired by these findings, they created the Gay Relationship Revolution 9-Step Roadmap, a structured approach designed to help LGBTQ+ couples navigate unique challenges – from internalized shame and body image struggles to exploring different relationship models, identity exploration, and the lasting impact of coming out on partnership dynamics.
Jared DeFife, Ph.D is a seasoned clinical psychologist with a doctorate from Adelphi University and advanced training from Harvard Medical School. With over a decade of experience, he specializes in adult ADHD, chronic depression, and men’s mental health. Known for his relatable, science-informed approach, he helps clients challenge patterns, rebuild confidence, and live more fully.