Gottman Method Couples Counseling at Work It Out Counseling & Wellness

What Is the Gottman Method?

The Gottman Method focuses on understanding what makes relationships succeed or struggle, and provides clear, “nuts-and-bolts” tools that couples can immediately begin using in their daily lives.

Our therapists use Gottman techniques to help couples:

• Deepen emotional connection and intimacy

• Communicate more effectively

• Break out of recurring arguments

• Manage conflict productively

• Repair past hurts

• Rebuild trust and team-work

• Strengthen the friendship at the core of their relationship

The goal is to help partners develop the skills needed to enjoy each other again and sustain a healthy, connected relationship long-term.

What to Expect: The Gottman Method Process

The Gottman approach includes five structured phases that guide your therapeutic journey:

1. Assessment

Your therapist will begin by learning about your relationship history, concerns, strengths, and goals.
This includes questionnaires, guided conversations, and sometimes individual meetings with each partner.

2. Treatment

Most sessions are held together as a couple. You’ll learn and practice specific skills like conflict management, emotional attunement, and strengthening friendship and intimacy.

Your therapist may provide exercises to practice between sessions to help accelerate growth.

3. “Phasing Out” of Therapy

As progress builds, sessions gradually become less frequent. This time allows you to practice new skills independently while still having support as needed.

4. Termination

When therapy goals are met, your therapist will help you reflect on progress, clarify remaining areas to strengthen, and create a plan for moving forward.

5. Follow-Up & Outcome Evaluation

Research shows that periodic check-ins help support long-term change.
Gottman follow-up sessions are typically scheduled at:

• 6 months

• 12 months

• 18 months

• 24 months

These appointments are optional but can be valuable for tuning up skills and keeping your relationship strong.

The Sound Relationship House: The Heart of the Gottman Method

The Gottman’s describe healthy relationships using the Sound Relationship House, a model built on foundational skills and habits that support connection, intimacy, trust, and resilience.

The Key Elements of the Sound Relationship House

• Build Love Maps - Stay curious about your partner’s inner world.

• Share Fondness & Admiration - Express appreciation and make deposits into the Emotional Bank Account.

• Turn Toward Instead of Away - Respond to bids for connection.

• Maintain a Positive Perspective - Nurture the friendship beneath your marriage or partnership.

• Manage Conflict Skillfully - Learn to discuss differences with respect, compromise, and self-soothing.

• Make Life Dreams Come True - Support each other’s goals, hopes, and passions.

• Create Shared Meaning - Build a shared purpose, mission, and vision for your life together.

At the core of the house are Trust and Commitment, built through daily acts of care, emotional safety, honesty, and intentional connection.

Why Choose the Gottman Method at

Work It Out Counseling & Wellness?

• Our couples therapists are Gottman-trained, skilled, and experienced

• We offer a structured, compassionate, and evidence-based approach

• Techniques are practical and designed for real-life use

• We support couples of all backgrounds, orientations, and stages of relationship

• We focus on long-term relationship health, not just conflict resolution

Whether you're navigating communication challenges, recovering from disconnection, healing after a rupture, or simply wanting to strengthen your relationship, the Gottman Method provides a clear path forward.

Ready to Begin?

Couples counseling can be a powerful step toward rebuilding connection, deepening understanding, and creating a more loving and resilient partnership.

Contact us today to schedule your first session or learn more about our Gottman-trained therapist

at Work It Out Counseling & Wellness.