Gottman Method Couples Therapy: What it is and How it Can Help Our Relationships

Overview of Gottman Method Couples Therapy

The Gottman Method Couples Therapy is based on Dr John Gottman’s research that began in the 1970s and continues to this day. The research has focused on what makes relationships succeed or fail. From this research, Drs John and Julie Gottman have created a method of therapy that emphasises a nuts-and-bolts approach to improving clients’ relationships.

This method is designed to help teach specific tools to deepen friendship and intimacy in your relationship. To help productively manage conflicts, clients will be given methods to manage resolvable problems and dialogue about gridlocked (or perpetual) issues. Your Melbourne psychologist aims to work together with you to help appreciate your relationship‘s strengths and to gently navigate through its vulnerabilities.

Gottman Method Couples Therapy Consists of Five Parts

  • Assessment

  • Treatment

  • “Phasing Out” of Therapy

  • Termination

  • Outcome Evaluation

Assessment Phase

Early in the assessment phase, there are written materials to complete that will help us better understand your relationship.  In the first sessions, the history of your relationship, areas of concern, and goals for treatment are usually discussed.

In the next session, each person will attend an appointment individually such that personal histories can be obtained.  This also gives each person an opportunity to share thoughts, feelings, and perceptions.  In the final session of assessment, recommendations for treatment and work to define mutually agreed-upon goals for your therapy may be discussed.

Treatment and Sessions

Most of the work in our couples counselling will involve sessions in which you will be seen together as a couple. However, there may be times when individual sessions are recommended. There are also exercises to practice between sessions.

The length of therapy will be determined by your specific needs and goals. In the course of therapy, evaluation of your satisfaction and progress is discussed.  Similar to individual therapy, raising questions or concerns that you have about therapy at any time is encouraged.

Phasing Out and Termination

In the later stage of therapy, “phase out” or having less frequent appointments may occur in order for you to practise new relationship skills and to prepare for completion/termination of therapy.  Although therapy can be terminated whenever you wish, it is most helpful to have at least one session together with your psychologist to summarise progress, define the work that remains, and conclude therapy.

Outcome Evaluation

In the outcome-evaluation phase, as per the Gottman Method, four follow-up sessions are planned, after 6 months,12 months, 18 months, and the last one after 2 years. These sessions have been shown through research to significantly decrease the chances of relapse into previous, unhelpful patterns.  In addition, commitment to providing effective therapy requires ongoing evaluation of methods used and client progress.  The purpose of these follow-up sessions may be used to fine-tune any of the relationship skills and to evaluate the effectiveness of the therapy received.

The above is a general guide only, and the structure of therapy sessions usually vary depending on therapists and client’s needs.

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