About Gottman Couples Therapy
Gottman Method Couples Therapy is founded on Dr. John Gottman’s extensive research that began in the 1970s and continues to this day. This research has delved into what makes relationships succeed or fail, encompassing over five decades and more than 4,000 couples. From this research, Dr. Gottman and his wife, Dr. Julie Gottman, have developed a method of therapy that assists couples in breaking through barriers to achieve greater intimacy, understanding, and connection in their relationships. Gottman Method Couples Therapy is structured, goal-oriented, and scientifically based.
This method is designed to teach specific tools to deepen friendship and intimacy, manage conflicts productively, foster greater understanding between partners, and support each other’s future aspirations. Drs. John and Julie Gottman have identified seven components of a healthy marriage, known as the levels of the Sound Relationship House, which couples can use to achieve greater friendship, conflict resolution, and meaning in their relationships.
At the Center for Couples Therapy, all of our therapists are trained in the Gottman Method. Three of us – Dr. Trish Stanley, PsyD, Iliana Berezovsky, LMFT, and Mako Csapo, LCSW – are fully Certified Gottman Therapists and Certified Gottman Designed Art & Science of Love Couples Workshop presenters.
The Sound Relationship House includes:
Build Love Maps: Understanding each other’s internal and external worlds by asking open-ended questions.
Share Fondness and Admiration: Expressing appreciation, gratitude, affection, and respect for one another, while also exploring romance and intimacy.
Turn Towards: Recognizing and responding positively to your partner’s bids for connection and emotional needs, thereby building an emotional bank account for times of crisis or turmoil.
The Positive Perspective: Fostering a positive overall sentiment by focusing on your partner’s thoughtful, interesting, or positive actions.
Manage Conflict: Learning to dialogue about perpetual (unsolvable) problems and work on solvable problems.
Make Life Dreams Come True: Creating an environment that encourages the honest exploration of each person’s dreams, values, beliefs, and aspirations.
Create Shared Meaning: Developing shared narratives and rituals of connection that reflect your shared life meanings.
To learn more about how the Gottman Method can help your relationship, contact us at the Center for Couples Therapy.