What is the Gottman Method and How Can It Help a Couple?

Relationships are a constant work in progress. You and your partner are constantly trying to get to know one another, spend time together, and increase the trust, commitment, and intimacy you share together.

No matter if you have problems in your relationship that you're looking to resolve or if you just want to make sure you and your partner are always on the same page, therapy is a great option.

There are many different types of therapy options if you and your partner are interested. The Gottman Method is one of the many forms of couples therapy.

Let's learn more about the Gottman Method and how it can help a couple.

What is the Gottman Method?

The Gottman Method is a type of couples therapy that was co-founded and developed by Dr. John Gottman and his wife Dr. Julie Scwartz Gottman. Together, they developed the foundation of the Gottman Method, the Sound Relationship House theory.

The Sound Relationship House theory is a theory that is based on nine elements of a healthy relationship. The nine elements are shown in the form of a house with two walls and seven floors.

How The Gottman Method Can Help

The Gottman Method can help with a large variety of relationship problems no matter what stage of a relationship a couple is in. Let's learn more about the nine elements of the Sound Relationship House theory and how they can help couples:

Build Love Maps

The first floor of the Sound Relationship House theory is to build love maps. This means taking the time to get to know one another inside and out.

Share Fondness and Admiration

The second floor is where couples can learn how to share and express how much they appreciate, care for, and respect one another. This level of communication can help strengthen the existing bond that they share together.

Turn Towards, Not Away

The third floor is especially beneficial in times of support or conflict. This floor shows how important it is for couples to support one another, especially in times of need.

The Positive Perspective

The positive perspective is the ability to be and stay positive. Even when someone makes a mistake, the other person in the relationship needs to show their partner that they're there for them and it's going to be okay.

Manage Conflict

Managing conflict is the sixth floor in the Gottman Method. In this step, couples are taught a three-step process to better manage conflict. First, they will learn to take their partner's feelings into account. Secondly, they will learn how to communicate their problems in a healthy way. And the last step of the process is to remain calm, cool, and collected.

Make Life Dreams Come True

The make life dreams come true stage involves supporting and rooting for your partner, as well as the dreams, goals, and plans they have set for themselves.

Create Shared Meaning

The seventh and final floor of the Gottman Method is to create shared meaning. This step involves the partners coming together through shared experiences, goals, and their overall lives together.

Trust and Commitment

In addition to the seven floors, the two walls of the relationship are trust and commitment. Trust and commitment are two essentials in healthy relationships. Trust ensures that each partner can come together as a team and depend on one another. Commitment means that each partner will remain faithful and work towards constantly improving their relationship together.

Next Steps

Contrary to popular belief, therapy isn't only for couples who are fighting or are about to break up. Therapy is a great option for couples who are looking to make sure they're constantly working towards bettering themselves and the relationships they share together.

If you're interested in learning more about couples therapy or the Gottman Method specifically, reach out today to set up a consultation.