Gottman Method

The Gottman Method is a therapeutic approach to couples therapy that includes a thorough assessment of the relationship and integrates the research-based intervention, the Sound Relationship House Theory, into treatment. The method (and Sound Relationship House Theory) is based on the research findings of John Gottman’s in depth studies of married couples. The Gottman Method emphasizes the importance of building a strong “friendship system,” believing that investing energy in building a positive connection and knowledge of each other’s inner worlds will make your relationship more fulfilling, and will also make it more resilient to weathering storms. The Sound Relationship House Theory, a fundamental part of the Gottman Method, describes the essential building blocks of marital intimacy for building a lasting and healthy relationship (it includes things like managing conflict and creating shared meaning). Some common issues that the Gottman Method addresses include frequent conflicts or fighting, poor communication, sexual difficulties, infidelity and financial problems, among others. Think this approach might be right for you? Reach out to one of TherapyDen’s Gottman Method experts today.

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Meet the specialists

I am level one trained and use the Gottman Method with couples to create practical interpersonal relationship skills that build intimacy and relationship satisfaction.

— Allison Jensen, Licensed Professional Counselor in Chicago, IL
 

I have completed Level 1 and Level 2 of Gottman Method training.

— Loren Schouest, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist in Birmingham, AL

I fell in love with the Gottman Method as a client, when my wife and I started couples counseling with a Gottman certified therapist. The techniques simply worked, and years later, when I started working with couples, I started using them myself. I now have Level 2 training in Gottman Method couples therapy, and I use it because I believe in it. I believe in it because it made real, lasting difference. It saved my marriage.

— Michael McVey, Marriage and Family Therapist Associate in Fort Worth, TX
 

I am currently attending Gottman training so I can explore the best possible ways to help couples communicate and interact with each other in a healthy way. I am not a certified therapist, but hope to continue with all levels of training in this specific method.

— Kristin Holland-Pitts, Counselor in Oklahoma City, OK
 

The Gottman Method was the first couples modality I was trained in (Level I + II, as well as Affair Recovery and Addiction Recovery). My clients and I love it for its very approachable framework, and I still use it often.

— Christian Bumpous, Marriage & Family Therapist in Nashville, TN

I have experience and training utilizing the Gottman Method in therapy. This therapy focuses on developing understanding and skills so that partners can maintain fondness and admiration, turn toward each other to get their needs met (especially when they are hurting), manage conflict, and enact their dreams—and what to do when they mess up.

— Paige Bond, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Orlando, FL
 

Maybe you've tried couples counseling in the past, and it didn't really help. Or perhaps you're on the fence about starting therapy, but you're not sure if therapy really "works." If so, the Gottman Method approach to couples therapy might be a good fit for you. The Gottman Method is an evidence-based approach, deeply rooted in research, that teaches couples to replace hurtful communication patterns with positive interactions, repair past hurts, and increase closeness and intimacy.

— Valery Krieg, Clinical Social Worker in Evergreen, CO

The Gottman Method is an approach to couples therapy that includes a thorough assessment of the couple’s relationship and integrates research-based interventions based on the Sound Relationship House Theory. 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.

— Monica Manuel, Licensed Professional Counselor in Atlanta, GA
 

When working with couples I primarily use the Gottman Method. Gottman Method focuses on helping couples increase respect and create an environment of appreciation for each other. As a result of this, couples tend to see an increase in intimacy and report that they are better able to navigate through conflict and are better able to process the aftermath of a conflict. Through the Gottman method couples gain education on relationships and learn skills to help them communicate and stay connected when experiencing stress or when they are in conflict. The Gottman method has a lot of data to support its efficacy which is one of the reasons I am such a fan of this approach.

— Gwendolyn Nelson-Terry, Marriage & Family Therapist in Berkeley, CA

There are three main elements to the Gottman method: Assessment: The assessment process involves both joint and individual interviews with the couple. Framework: Sessions focus on friendship, conflict management, and the creation of shared meaning. Interventions: With guidance, couples learn to use positive interactions to replace negative conflict patterns.

— Ana Liza Scully-Skinner, Therapist in Wichita, KS
 

This systematic and research-based approach to helping individuals and couples with relationship concerns is highly effective. It involves numerous concepts and tools that are easily-understood and that you can start using right away.

— Kate McNulty, Clinical Social Worker in ,

Completed Clinical (L1) Gottman Method Couples Therapy through the Gottman Institute.

— Alyssa Doberstein, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Raleigh, NC
 

I am currently a Level 2 Gottman practitioner. The Gottman approach includes a thorough assessment of the couple relationship and integrates research-based interventions to help couples cultivate healthy lasting relationships.

— Paula Kirsch, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Detroit, MI

I love the Gottman Method for treating couples. It helps to build relationships on the basis of friendship and respect. The method gives couples a concrete box of skills to use to improve communication, resolve conflict, and build trust. I’ve seen my couples build hope for a brighter future, together.

— Marie Ragona, Creative Art Therapist in , NY
 

I am a Certified Gottman Method Couples Therapist (CGT). I am the first Black male psychotherapist and in the world to become a CGT. The Gottman Method for couples counseling is a research based couples counseling modality that can help couples and other "non traditional" relationships repair, reconnect and revitalize. It is a leading edge treatment that can be used to work through just about any problem including communication issues, infidelity, trauma and substance abuse.

— John Edwards, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Oakland, CA

I am a Level 2 trained Gottman couples therapist and have worked with couples experiencing conflict, infidelity, intimacy issues, parenting struggles, and partners with PTSD or substance abuse. I am experienced in using the Gottman Connect assessment with couples and plan therapeutic interventions accordingly.

— Pamela Harms, Licensed Professional Counselor in Belton, MO
 

Gottman's principles are part of the foundation of my work with couples. In particular, my clients find it helpful to learn and draw from Gottman strategies about connection and communication. They find it easy to understand and not very hard to incorporate, which empowers and provides hope to couples.

— Robin K. Schnitzler, Marriage & Family Therapist in Middleton, WI