PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGISTS TRAINED IN GOTTMAN THERAPY IN EDMONTON

The Gottman Method for Couples Therapy in Edmonton

TRUSTED EDMONTON THERAPISTS SPECIALIZING IN GOTTMAN THERAPY

About The Gottman Method for Couples Therapy in Edmonton & Area

At Solace Psychology & Wellness in Edmonton and St. Albert, we understand that every relationship has its own story, challenges, and strengths. That’s why we’re proud to offer the Gottman Method Couples Therapy, a research-based, compassionate approach that helps couples truly reconnect.

Relationships are at the heart of our lives, but even the strongest couples can struggle to stay connected when life gets overwhelming. 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

*Research on the effectiveness of Gottman couples therapy reveals that it can significantly improve marital satisfaction and relationship intimacy, bringing about enduring positive change to couples (Davoodvandi et al., 2018). The Gottman Method has also been shown to be effective for same-sex couples (Garanzini et al., 2017).

Why Couples Thrive with the Gottman Method

At Solace Psychology & Wellness, our couples therapists in Edmonton and St. Albert are committed to providing an inclusive, respectful, and affirming environment for all relationships. We offer evidence-based support to both same-sex and heterosexual couples, recognizing and honoring the unique experiences and dynamics that come with every partnership. Whether you’re navigating communication challenges, rebuilding trust, or deepening your emotional connection, our therapists tailor their approach to meet the specific needs of your relationship with compassion and expertise.

Our clients often tell us they feel seen, understood, and hopeful again, sometimes for the first time in years. Whether you’re navigating conflict, growing apart, or simply wanting to strengthen what’s already good, the Gottman Method offers a roadmap that’s both practical and empowering.

Here’s what makes it work, and why it works so well at Solace:

Backed by decades of research: The Gottman Method isn’t just theory. It’s rooted in over 40 years of studying real couples and identifying what makes love last. You’ll be guided by strategies that are proven to build trust, intimacy, and resilience.
A warm, non-judgmental space: We know that coming to couples therapy can feel vulnerable or even intimidating. At Solace, you’ll meet therapists who lead with kindness, professionalism, and a deep respect for your relationship. We don’t take sides; we work with both of you to create stronger understanding.
Tools you can use right away: From the very first sessions, couples begin learning simple yet powerful communication tools to manage conflict, express needs clearly, and stay emotionally connected, even when things get tough.
A personalized, thoughtful process: No two relationships are the same. We tailor every session to your unique goals and communication patterns. Whether you’re rebuilding trust, improving intimacy, or preparing for long-term commitment, we meet you where you’re at.
Therapists trained in the Gottman Method: Our team includes therapists with advanced training in Gottman Couples Therapy who stay current with the latest practices, attend professional workshops, and are passionate about relationship health.
Help for all stages of love: From new couples to those who’ve been together for decades, we support people across all phases of life and love. We work with couples navigating parenting, cultural differences, blended families, trauma recovery, or simply the everyday stress of life.

When you choose Gottman Therapy at Solace Psychology & Wellness, you’re not just working on your relationship, you’re learning how to be teammates again. You’ll develop deeper emotional insight, better communication, and tools to create the kind of partnership you both deserve.

You don’t need to wait until things are falling apart to get help. Many couples come to therapy simply because they want to grow stronger, be more connected, and feel closer. And if things are hard right now, that’s okay too. You’re not alone, and healing is possible. We are here to support you in building a relationship that feels safe, loving, and strong, no matter what life brings your way.

What to Expect in Gottman Couples Therapy Sessions at Solace

We understand that starting therapy as a couple can feel intimidating. Whether you’re coming in to repair trust, communicate better, or simply strengthen your bond, we want you to feel supported and informed every step of the way. Here’s what your journey with the Gottman Method at with our Couples Therapists might look like:

Initial Intake and Relationship Assessment: Your first session begins with a thorough intake process where both partners complete research-based questionnaires. We’ll also take time to understand your relationship history, communication style, strengths, and challenges through conversation. This gives your therapist a full picture of what’s going on beneath the surface, not just what’s happening during conflict, but also how you connect emotionally, share responsibilities, and manage stress.

Initial Individual Sessions: In some cases, your therapist may recommend a one-on-one session with each partner. This allows for a safe space to explore individual experiences, family history, or other personal factors that may be influencing the relationship dynamic. It’s an opportunity to reflect, gain insight, and better prepare for shared work in your joint sessions.

Couples Sessions with Targeted Interventions: The heart of Gottman Therapy happens in your joint sessions. These are goal-oriented, focused on building your connection through proven tools and interventions. Your therapist might guide you through conversations like the “stress-reduction conversation” or support you in having repair discussions when past conflicts remain unresolved. You’ll learn new ways to listen, respond, and support one another not just in therapy, but in real life. Each Gottman couples therapy session is practical, not just theoretical. You’ll leave with simple, meaningful tools to practice at home, whether it’s creating rituals of connection, using daily check-ins, or learning how to de-escalate conflict before it spirals.

At Solace Psychology & Wellness, our goal is to help you feel empowered, understood, and capable of growing together. No matter where you’re starting from, we’re here to help you build a relationship rooted in trust, friendship, and lasting connection.

References:

Davoodvandi, M., & Shokouh Navabi Nejad, V. F. (2018). Examining the effectiveness of gottman couple therapy on improving marital adjustment and couples’ intimacy. Iranian journal of psychiatry, 13(2), 135.

Gottman, J. M., & Gottman, J. S. (2015). Gottman couple therapy. In A. S. Gurman, J. L. Lebow, & D. K. Snyder (Eds.), Clinical handbook of couple therapy (p. 129–157). The Guilford Press.

Garanzini, S., Yee, A., Gottman, J., Gottman, J., Cole, C., Preciado, M., & Jasculca, C. (2017). Results of Gottman method couples therapy with gay and lesbian couples. Journal of marital and family therapy, 43(4), 674-684.

“A strong relationship isn’t about avoiding conflict — it’s about learning how to turn toward each other, even in the hardest moments.”

— Couples Therapy Team at Solace

Direct billing is available for select insurance companies.

Please note that therapy coverage varies by provider and policy. In the event that your plan does not allow for direct billing, you will be provided with a detailed receipt to submit for reimbursement.

Don’t live in Edmonton?

In addition to in-clinic sessions in Edmonton and St. Albert, our counsellors offer secure virtual couples therapy sessions (video or phone) for anyone living in Alberta. Access quality therapy from the comfort of your own home.