Gottman Method couples therapy is a research-based approach that strengthens relationships through connection, clear communication, and effective conflict management.
Developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman and grounded in decades of empirical study, the method integrates tools to improve communication, manage conflict, deepen intimacy, and create shared meaning—organized around the Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work.
The Gottman Method integrates therapeutic tools to improve communication, manage conflict, deepen intimacy, and create shared meaning.
Central to the model are the Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work, which give couples a practical framework for navigating relationship dynamics.
Key Components of the Gottman Method
- Building Love Maps: Know each other’s inner world—hopes, dreams, fears, and history—to strengthen friendship and emotional connection.
- Sharing Fondness and Admiration: Cultivate respect and appreciation to counter contempt and reinforce positive regard.
- Turning Toward Instead of Away: Notice and respond to bids for connection—small moments that, over time, build trust and closeness.
- The Positive Perspective: Maintain a positive lens on the relationship to mitigate conflict and build resilience.
- Managing Conflict: Use gentle start-ups, accept influence, self/other-soothing, and compromise to handle inevitable disagreements effectively.
- Making Life Dreams Come True: Support one another’s personal goals and aspirations to deepen mutual purpose.
- Creating Shared Meaning: Develop shared values, rituals, and traditions that foster unity and purpose.
Benefits of the Gottman Method
Research indicates the Gottman Method can improve relationship satisfaction and stability.
For example, couple-centered counselling using this method enhanced marital intimacy and satisfaction among infertile couples
(Hosseinpoor et al., 2022).
Interventions grounded in the model also help couples manage conflict and increase adjustment during the transition to parenthood (Feinberg & Kan, 2008).
Conclusion
The Gottman Method provides a robust, practical roadmap for strengthening relationships—emphasizing emotional connection,
effective communication, and conflict management to build resilient, fulfilling partnerships.
For more details, visit the Gottman Institute’s official website.
References
Feinberg, M. E., & Kan, M. L. (2008). Short-term change in couples’ conflict following a transition to parenthood intervention.
Journal of Family Psychology, 22(4), 599–602.
Hosseinpoor, M., Masoumi, S. Z., Kazemi, F., Soltani, F., & Ahmadpanah, M. (2022). Investigating the effect of couple-centered counseling by Gottman method…
BMC Psychiatry, 22(1), 581.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-022-04228-z
