The Gottman Institute

Year Founded: 1996

Model of Therapy: Gottman Method Couples Therapy

The Gottman Institute is dedicated to combining wisdom from over four decades of research and clinical practice to support and strengthen relationships. It brings the knowledge of science to therapists and the insight of therapists to science. This link between research and practice reflects the collaboration of John and Julie Gottman, whose combined experience is extensive and incomparable.

Combining the knowledge and wisdom of more than forty years of research and clinical practice, Gottman Method Couples Therapy helps couples break through barriers to achieve greater understanding, connection, and intimacy in their relationships. Through research-based interventions and exercises, it is a structured, goal-oriented, approach to therapy. Intervention strategies are based upon empirical data from Dr. Gottman’s study of more than 3,000 couples. By tracking what real couples do, and comparing the interactions of couples who stay together to those couples that end up separated or divorced, John Gottman has discovered factors that can reliably predict with over 90% accuracy which relationships will succeed and which will fail if left untreated.  

Based on this research, John and Julie Gottman have developed The Sound Relationship House theory, the seven building blocks needed for lasting, thriving romantic relationships. 

As a model, it strives to assist couples in achieving a deeper sense of understanding, awareness, empathy, and connection within their relationships that ultimately leads to heightened intimacy, interpersonal growth, and friendship.

Actual therapy sessions are experiential and focused on emotional communication. Couples are guided by specific research-tested blueprints for making conflict constructive, building friendship and intimacy, building the couple's shared meaning system, and establishing or rebuilding trust and commitment. By combining therapeutic interventions with practical exercises, this type of therapy helps couples identify and address the natural defenses that hinder effective communication and bonding.

Gottman Method Couples Therapy has been tested and shown to greatly improve relationships, including those of very distressed couples, those transitioning to parenthood, and those experiencing minor domestic violence. A version of Gottman Method Couples Therapy has also proven effective for couples suffering from traumatic effects of poverty. Gottman Method Couples therapy is taught worldwide, including in Europe, Asia, Australia, the Middle East and throughout the Americas.

Clinical trainings in Gottman Method Couples Therapy: 

• Level 1 Training
• Level 2 Training
• Level 3 Training
• Certification 

Specialty trainings 

• Treating Affairs and Trauma
• Couples and Addiction Recovery
• Seven Principles Leader Training 
• Bringing Baby Home Educator Training