Therapeutic approach

Dr. Côté’s interventions are inspired by an integrative model of psychotherapy, even though his initial training was founded on cognitive-behavioural principles. His clients can expect their initial reasons for consultation to be translated into specific therapeutic objectives and a mandate that will be part of an explicit alliance with the therapist. The agreed upon mandate then serves to determine the main themes of customized interventions aimed at reducing psychological distress (e.g., angst, suffering, helplessness) and formulating a renewed constellation of each individual’s unique potential (e.g., expanding their repertoire of adaptive responses, reconfiguring their fears, reattachment).

Experience and training

Gérald Côté holds a doctorate in psychology (Ph.D. research-intervention) from Université de Montréal since 1993. His thesis focused on the description of the family mediation process according to the level of couple disruption. With his research, he contributed to the development of the family mediation service which, since 1997, has considerably modified the way parents who separate in Quebec are made aware of their responsibilities. As such, he regularly presents the psychosocial perspective in mandatory information sessions on parenting after separation that are offered in all courthouses, as well as continuing education workshops at the Barreau du Québec that focus on the psychological aspects of separation. Having retired in 2009 from teaching psychology at the collegiate level, he now teaches a few courses at Université de Montréal’s Department of psychology, in addition to being a CRIPCAS practitioner-researcher. Dr. Côté is a founding psychologist of CCCF.

Key Issues

• Couple distress
• Relationship difficulties
• Romantic relationships
• Life cycles (separation / divorce / reconstituted family)
• Parenting