Compassion Commitment Communication

Matthew Benavidez

LMFT, Gottman Seven Principles Leader

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Fast, gentle trauma & couples therapy in Utah County
Gottman Method • Emotionally Focused Therapy • Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)

I’m Matthew Benavidez, LMFT, a couples and trauma therapist serving American Fork and the greater Utah County area. I blend the Gottman Method and EFT with Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) to help you calm triggers, repair trust, and reconnect, often with less overwhelm and more clarity. I am a Master ART Certified trauma therapist as well as Level 3 Gottman trained, and Emotionally Focused Couples trained.

If you’re here because…

  • Conflict keeps escalating or shutting down

  • Trust was hurt (affair, secrecy, betrayals)

  • Anxiety, panic, or past experiences hijack the moment

  • Intrusive images, nightmares, or grief won’t let go

  • You want a values-respectful approach (LDS, interfaith, multicultural)

We’ll create a focused plan and move at a pace that feels safe and steady.

How I integrate ART with couples work

  1. Calm the body’s alarm – Brief, structured ART segments reduce the intensity of distressing images and sensations, so you can stay present.

  2. Make change stick – When triggers quiet down, Gottman/EFT skills and bonding conversations land and last.

  3. Go detail-light – ART can work with minimal verbal detail, keeping sessions grounded and manageable.

Book cover titled 'The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work' with an image of wedding rings and a green banner that says 'Gottman Leader'.
Gottman Relationship Checkup logo with 'Approved Member' badge.
Gottman Referral Network Approved Member badge with green highlights and gray text
Logo for the International Society OF Accelerated Resolution Therapy with the text 'Master ART Practitioner' underneath.
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Gottman Therapy

The goals of Gottman Method Couples Therapy are to disarm conflicting verbal communication; increase intimacy, respect, and affection; remove barriers that create a feeling of stagnancy; and create a heightened sense of empathy and understanding within the context of the relationship.

Close-up of a human eye to focus on eye movements in ART.

Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)

ART is a form of psychotherapy that uses rapid eye movements, along with guided imagery, to help the brain process and reframe traumatic experiences. You don’t have to narrate every detail for ART to work—sessions focus on what your mind and body are experiencing in the moment.

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Emotionally Focused Therapy

Whether you’re dealing with recurring arguments, emotional distance, infidelity, or simply feeling like roommates instead of partners, EFCT can help!

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Blog

Read the latest blog articles regarding relationship and couple success

  • "Matthew is probably the best therapist I’ve ever had. He really listens and WANTS to help you. He has a very kind nature and is so supportive and knowledgeable. He has an innate way of getting you to open up and talk about what’s really bothering you while also keeping the mood light and the conversation flowing. One thing that I love is how he makes you feel like he’s right there with you going through the problems along side you and helping you get to a solution. I would wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone!"

    Former Client

  • "Matthew is awesome. I’ve tried multiple therapists in the past and I’ve not always been able to connect with them. Matthew is very easy to talk to!"

    Former Client

  • "Matthew is a great therapist! He gives awesome advice when I come to him with my life problems. I’ve always felt pretty comfortable telling him my unfiltered thoughts because he’s good at not passing judgment, but rather asking questions to better understand why I have those thoughts. He likes to crack jokes and can be sarcastic at times (which works for me), but overall he’s very respectful of how I’m feeling even when I’m crying like a baby or word vomiting my scattered thoughts and not making any sense!"!

    Former Client

  • "His guidance has been life changing"

    Former Client

  • "A very skilled therapist especially when it has come to relationship stress in my life. He listens and seeks to understand before sharing input. Highly recommend him."

    Former Client

  • "I love how relatable and open he is with me. I feel I can open up with him. I look forward towards my sessions with him."

    Former Client

  • "Very considerate and makes you feel like it is a safe environment. Just a very friendly person and makes it easy to trust."

    Former Client