The Gottman Method for Couples Therapy was developed by world-renowned psychologists Julie and John Gottman. Based on 40+ years of clinical experience and intensive research on relationships, the Gottman method is an evidence-based and scientifically sound therapy that provides couples with specific tools to help them build the foundation for a lasting relationship. In Gottman couples therapy we focus on emotion, skill-building for managing conflict, developing new skills for enhancing friendship, and creating a system of shared meaning.

Studies that follow couples over time show that there are key differences that exist between the “masters” and the “disasters” of relationships. For instance, the disasters of relationships exhibit four reliable interaction patterns of escalating negativity, including criticism, defensiveness, contempt and stonewalling. These dysfunctional patterns are appropriately titled the ‘Four Horseman of the Apocalypse’, as when found together they are highly predictive of divorce, separation and continued unhappiness in couples. Over the course of Gottman couples therapy, we work to break the cycle of negativity by addressing each of the Four Horsemen and replacing them with their respective antidote.

Beginning with a comprehensive and detailed assessment, the first stage of Gottman couples therapy is to accurately identify the strengths and challenges of the relationship. Using this new-found understanding, we then establish goals for therapy and introduce exercises designed to strengthen any areas of weakness. Guided by the Sound Relationship House model, the interventions used in Gottman couples therapy address the 9 key “levels” of healthy relationships:

• Building love maps
• Sharing fondness and admiration
• Turning towards your partner
• Having a positive perspective
• Managing conflict
• Making life dreams come true
• Creating shared meaning
• Having trust
• Commitment