Gottman-Method
Couples Therapy
Gottman-Method Couples Therapy: Overview of the Treatment Process
Overview
Gottman Method Couples Therapy is one evidence-based treatment modality that I utilize in my practice when working with couples. 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 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, which you will learn more about throughout our work together. We will also work together to help you appreciate your relationship’s strengths and to gently navigate through its vulnerabilities.
Gottman Method Couples Therapy Consists of five parts:
Treatment
Out of therapy
Termination
Outcome Evaluation
Assessment Phase
The assessment process in Gottman Method Couples Therapy is very thorough and comprehensive. The entire process helps us to better understand you as individuals and your relationship and where I can best help to get you from where you are to where you want to be. In the first session, we will talk about the history of your relationship, areas of concern, and shared goals for treatment. After our first session, I will have each of you separately complete the Gottman Relationship Checkup, an online assessment that automatically scores a couple’s strengths and challenges.
In the next two sessions, I will meet with each of you individually to learn your personal histories and to give each of you an opportunity to share thoughts, feelings, and perceptions, as well as review findings from your individual online assessment. 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.
The components of the assessment are as follows:
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Session #1 |
Couples Intake Interview |
60-90 minutes |
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Assessment |
Individually at home |
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Session #3 |
Individual Interview, Partner 1 |
45 minutes |
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Session #4 |
Individual Interview, Partner 2 |
45 minutes |
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Session #4 |
Feedback Sesssion and Treatment Planning |
75-90 minutes |
Most of the work will involve sessions in which 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.
The length of therapy will be determined by your specific needs and goals. In the course of therapy, we will continue to evaluate your satisfaction and progress. In the later stages of therapy, we will phase out or meet less frequently in order for you to test out your new relationship skills and to prepare for termination. IT IS EXPECTED that you will be committed to working through the phases of treatment. As your therapist, I will work to accommodate, as best as I can, your needs and concerns regarding any obstacles or problems that may arise that may hinder treatment.
In the outcome stage, as per the Gottman Method, four follow up sessions are planned: one after six months, one after 12 months, one after 18 months and one after two years.
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