Gottman Method Couples Therapy in Minnesota
Evidenced-based therapy for lasting change.
The approach that not only supports and repairs troubled marriages and committed relationships, but strengthens happy ones.
Relationship therapy based on Dr. John Gottman’s research from more than 40 years and includes more than 3,000 couples studied, following some for 20 years. His research and outcome studies is used as the gold standard for couples treatment and evidence-based practice. Dr. Gottman’s research has focused on what makes relationships succeed or fail and what makes marriages thrive over time. Through the study of relationships, Dr. Gottman has been able to predict divorce with over 90% accuracy.
Why science-based relationship therapy matters
John Gottman, PhD and his wife, Julie Schwartz Gottman, PhD, have created a method of therapy that helps people understand and interact in ways that eliminate the behaviors that cause divorce, and instead use what people do who are in long-term happy relationships to achieve greater friendship, emotional and sexual intimacy, create deep understanding and connection, manage conflict, and support each other’s life dreams.
Three primary areas to help couples: friendship, conflict management, and creating shared meaning.
Couples learn to replace negative conflict patterns with positive interactions and to repair past hurts.
Increase closeness and intimacy are used to improve friendship, deepen emotional connection, and create changes which enhances the couples shared goals.
Relapse prevention is discussed so interventions go beyond when therapy is completed.
Key Components of the Gottman MEthod
The Sound Relationship House
The framework for a thriving relationship includes: 1) building love maps (knowing each other's inner worlds), 2) nurturing fondness and admiration, 3) turning towards each other instead of away, 4) creating a positive perspective, 5) managing conflict effectively, 6) making each other's dreams come true, and 7) establishing shared meaning.
Relationship Assessment & Interventions
Good couples therapy starts with a research-based assessment. The online couples assessment tool automatically scores a relationship’s strengths and challenges and provides specific recommendations for therapeutic interventions. Proven interventions proven for relationship repair and strengthen your connection using the Sound Relationship House.
The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse
The Gottman Method identifies four communication patterns that can be detrimental to relationships and are referred to as the "Four Horsemen." These patterns are criticism (attacking a person's character), defensiveness (making excuses or denying responsibility), contempt (expressing disrespect and superiority), and stonewalling (withdrawing from interactions). The method focuses on helping couples identify and replace these negative patterns with healthier communication styles.
Conflict Management
Learning to fight more effectively by teaching the skills couples need to manage conflict. The method encourages couples to approach conflicts with empathy and understanding, fostering a collaborative problem-solving approach. It teaches couples skills for managing conflicts constructively, including active listening, expressing needs and desires, and finding compromises.
Dr. John Gottman has found that all marital conflicts fall into two categories: Either they can be resolved, or they are perpetual. Gottman says that 69% of marital conflicts are perpetual problems, and these are of particular focus in much of the work performed by Gottman-trained therapists.
Emotional intimacy and attunement are crucial for a strong relationship. The Gottman Method helps couples enhance their emotional connection through exercises and techniques aimed at promoting vulnerability, understanding each other's emotional experiences, and cultivating empathy and responsiveness.
Building Connection
Why I work with the Gottman MEthod
Successful couples therapy has proven strategies for positive results for your relationships.
I’m trained in this method which has been widely recognized and has been extensively researched, showing positive outcomes in terms of relationship satisfaction and stability.
This research actually shows therapist what actually works to help couples achieve a long-term healthy relationship.
Couples who engage in this approach learn skills to better navigate challenges, strengthen their emotional bond, and create a healthier and more fulfilling relationship that last beyond therapy.
Schedule your first appointment today!