Compassion Commitment Communication
Matthew Benavidez, LMFT
Master ART Clinician, Gottman Seven Principles Leader
Fast, gentle trauma & couples therapy in Utah County
Gottman Method • Emotionally Focused Therapy • Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
I’m Matthew Benavidez, LMFT, a trauma and couples 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)
You don’t have to do this alone. We’ll create a focused plan and move at a pace that feels safe and steady.
What makes my approach different
ART for rapid relief: Brief, image-based trauma work to lower the body’s alarm so you can stay present in session and at home.
Couples therapy that sticks: When triggers quiet down, Gottman skills and EFCT bonding conversations land and last.
Clear, structured path: You’ll always know what we’re doing, why we’re doing it, and how we’ll measure progress.
Detail-light option: ART can work with minimal narrative—helpful if telling the story feels overwhelming.
Values-respectful care: I honor your faith, culture, and family commitments while we work.
Services at a glance
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
Brief, research-supported therapy using guided eye movements + imagery to reprocess distressing memories and sensations. Many clients notice meaningful relief in a small number of sessions for specific targets. Learn more: ART
Couples Therapy (Gottman + EFCT)
Disarm conflict, rebuild trust, and strengthen friendship and intimacy. Learn antidotes to the Four Horsemen and practice bonding conversations that change cycles—not just moments. Learn more: Gottman / EFCT
How I integrate ART with couples work
Calm the body’s alarm so you can stay engaged in hard conversations
Lower fight/flight/freeze so Gottman tools are usable in real time
Soften intrusive images that fuel distance and mistrust
Make change stick by pairing relief with new habits and meaning
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.
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.
Emotionally Focused Therapy
Whether you’re dealing with recurring arguments, emotional distance, infidelity, or simply feeling like roommates instead of partners, EFCT can help!
Blog
Read the latest blog articles regarding relationship and couple success