Gottman Method couples therapy

Strengthening Friendship, Navigating Conflict, and Building Lasting Connection

The Gottman Method is a structured, evidence-based approach to couples therapy developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman and is grounded in over 40 years of research on what makes relationships thrive. This method helps couples strengthen their emotional bond, communicate more effectively, and build a shared life rooted in trust, respect, and meaning.

The Gottman Method can be used to help couples:

• Deepen emotional connection, intimacy, and mutual attunement

• Communicate more effectively and repair after conflict

• Recognize and shift harmful interaction patterns (such as criticism, defensiveness, or withdrawal)

• Build shared meaning through values, rituals, and long-term goals

• Strengthen trust, commitment, and emotional safety

More About the Gottman Method:

The Gottman Method is a research‑driven couples therapy model that translates four decades of observational and physiological studies into a structured intervention for strengthening relationship friendship, managing conflict, and cultivating shared meaning. At its core lies the “Sound Relationship House” framework, which emphasizes building detailed “Love Maps” of each partner’s inner world; nurturing fondness and admiration to counteract negativity; and fostering “Turning Toward” bids to reinforce emotional connection. Conflict management integrates the recognition and repair of the “Four Horsemen” (criticism, contempt, defensiveness, stonewalling) through skills such as gentle startups, physiological self‑soothing, and explicit repair attempts. Beyond conflict, the method guides couples to articulate and support each other’s life dreams, establish shared rituals of connection, and develop a mutual sense of purpose.

Empirical evaluations report moderate to large improvements in relationship satisfaction and communication stability, with high rates of sustained gains and increased emotional attunement. By combining granular, behaviorally‑anchored assessment with concrete friendship‑ and conflict‑focused exercises, the Gottman Method offers a comprehensive roadmap for nurturing both the fondness and resilience essential to lasting couple well‑being.

The Gottman Method offers structured, research-based tools to improve communication, manage conflict, and deepen intimacy. Dr. Lauren Helm integrates this approach into couples therapy at Rise Psychology to help partners build strong, resilient relationships grounded in trust and shared values.