Overview of Gottman Method Couples Therapy

The Gottman Method of Couples Therapy is based on Dr. John Gottman’s research that began in the 1970’s and continues to this day. The research has focused on what makes relationships succeed or fail. It is a world-renowned program that has helped millions of couples worldwide. The Gottman Method program is developed from 40 years of research with more than 3,000 couples, and is grounded in what actually works in relationships that are happy and stable, not idealistic notions of what a relationship should be.

This method is designed to help teach specific tools to deepen friendship and intimacy in your relationship. To help you productively manage conflicts, you will be given methods to manage “resolvable problems” and dialogue about “gridlocked” (or perpetual) issues. We will also work together to help you appreciate your relationship’s strengths and to gently navigate through its vulnerabilities.

How do We Begin the Couple Therapy Process?

• Assessment phase

• Treatment phase

• “Phasing Out” of Therapy

• Termination

Gottman Method Couples Therapy begins with the four simple steps:

Assessment phase: Conjoint, Individual, and Feedback Sessions

I. Prior to attending the first session, you will be asked to complete an online relationship assessment, Gottman Relationship Checkup , to help us better understand your relationship. This assessment is fully HIPAA compliant, automatically scores a couples’ strengths and challenges, and provides detailed clinical feedback and suggestions for a treatment plan with specific recommendations for intervention. The cost of the Gottman Relationship Checkup is $39 per couple and is paid directly to the Gottman Institute through the online portal.

II. In the first joint meeting session, I will learn about your concerns that bring you to couples counseling and about the history of your relationship and your relationship goals.

III. In the next session, I will meet with you individually to learn each of your personal histories and to give each of you an opportunity to share thoughts, feelings, and perceptions. In the final session of assessment, I will share with you my recommendations for treatment and work to define mutually agreed upon goals for your therapy.

Most of the work will involve sessions where you will be seen together as a couple. However, there may be times when individual sessions are recommended. I may also give you exercises to practice between sessions.

Treatment phase

The length of therapy will be determined by your specific needs and goals. In the course of therapy, we will establish points at which to evaluate your satisfaction and progress. Also, I will encourage you to raise any questions or concerns that you have about therapy at any time.

Phasing out and Termination

In the later stage of therapy, we will phase out or meet less frequently in order for you to test our new relationship skills and to prepare for termination of the therapy. Although you may terminate therapy whenever you wish, it is most helpful to have at least one session together to summarize progress, define the work that remains, and say good-bye.

Assessments and Fees

Fees for the assessment of your therapy are based on the number of hours needed to complete the three-step process. Generally, the assessment requires about 4 and 4.5 hours in 3 to 4 sessions. It also requires about 1 hour to complete the online assessment.

The components of the assessment are as follows:

Session #1 Intake Conjoint Interviews                  90 minutes

Session #2 Individual Interviews           45 minutes/each (90 total)

Session #3 Treatment Planning              90 minutes

Special Consideration for Couples Therapy

Please know that I consider the couple relationship my primary client. As such, I will work to strengthen the relationship and will balance concern for the relationship and for each member of the relationship.