Gottman Method Background
The Gottman Method is based on decades of research.
Over more than 40 years, John Gottman has performed hundreds of empirical studies with over 3,000 couples.
Of course, every couple argues and has negative interactions.
Verywell / Laura Porter
First, couples who stay together experience at leastfive positive interactions for every negative interactionduring conflict.
Gottman Method Techniques
The Sound Relationship House theory is the foundation of theGottman Method.
It uses a house as a metaphor for a secure marriage.
Gottman therapists use this theory to drive their work with couples.
Research has shown it is also effective for same-sex couples.
Understanding this difference is part of how this form of therapy can help couples positively change their relationship.
By learning new ways to deal with perpetual conflicts, couples can replace negative conflict patterns with healthier ones.
Also, because the Gottman Method is backed by rigorous research, many of the interventions are specific.
Moreover, learning these steps will help couples in the long term.
Gottman Method Effectiveness
Studies have demonstrated that the Gottman Method is highly effective.
In addition to seeing an individual therapist, the Gottman Institute also offers workshops and retreats.
The trial found all to be effective.
The therapist speaks with each member of the couple individually.
In addition, couples may complete questionnaires developed as part of the Gottman Method.
What Are the Three Main Components of Gottman Method Therapy?
This gives couples increased insight into their relationship dynamics and tools for maintaining their relationship in the long term.
What Is the Gottman Repair Checklist?
In addition, the Gottman Method isnot recommendedfor couples that suffer from physical domestic violence.
Instead, this issue should be handled by a domestic violence specialist, a shelter, or the police.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
The Gottman Institute offers adirectory of Gottman-certified couples therapistsfor those who want to do couples therapy.
In addition to in-person sessions, many Gottman-trained couples therapists are also available foronline sessions.
About The Gottman Method.The Gottman Institute.
Research Overview.The Gottman Institute.
Gottman JM.What Predicts Divorce?.
Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum; 1994.
What is The Sound Relationship House?.The Gottman Institute.
Gottman JM.The Seven Principles For Making Marriage Work.
New York: Crown Publishing Group; 2002.
2017;43(4):674-684. doi:10.1111/jmft.12276
The Gottman Institute.The Empirical Basis For Gottman Method Therapy.2013.
2018;13(2):135-141.
