What is Gottman Method Couples Therapy?

What is the Gottman Method?

Gottman Method Couples Therapy was developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman. The Gottman Institute describes it as built on “research-based characteristics that any therapist or couple can learn to apply.” The Gottman Institute describes its goals as disarming conflicting verbal communication, increasing intimacy, respect and affection, removing barriers that create stagnancy, and building empathy and understanding.

What is the Sound Relationship House?

The Gottman Institute describes nine components of healthy relationships as the “Sound Relationship House.” Concepts it names on its method page include “Love Maps,” fondness and admiration, “turn towards instead of away,” and trust.

What are Gottman sessions like?

The method is structured:

• Assessment. A joint session, followed by individual interviews with each partner, plus questionnaires. The couple then receives detailed feedback on strengths and challenges.
• Framework. The couple and therapist decide together on frequency and length of sessions.
• Interventions. Work focuses on friendship, conflict management and shared meaning. Couples learn to replace negative conflict patterns with positive interactions and repair past hurts. Relapse prevention is part of the plan.

Ask the therapist whether they give exercises between sessions.

Who may find it a good fit?

If you and your partner like structure, a formal assessment and practical tools, you may want to ask a Gottman therapist how they use them. Some therapists blend it with other models; a Gottman Institute blog post describes integrating Gottman Method with Emotionally Focused Therapy.

How do I find a Gottman-trained therapist?

The Gottman Institute offers professional training and certification. Ask the therapist which training they have completed. The Gottman Institute runs its own directory of trained therapists. Once our listings open, you can filter by “Gottman Method”; therapists describe their training in their own words.