Gottman Method Couples Therapy

The Gottman Method has several unique components that differentiate it from traditional couples therapy:

1. The Love Lab Assessment

In traditional couples therapy assessment and treatment planning take place in the first session and may or may not involve standardized relationship surveys. The Gottman Love Lab assessment is multidimensional over multiple days. We assess the relationship as well as each partner individually. We also assess each individual’s physiological response to conflict in the relationship. The assessment covers each component of the Gottman Sound Relationship House theory.

This assessment includes a series of in depth on line relationship surveys called the Gottman Relationship Checkup and video assessment of discussions between you and your partner. You will also complete three 90 minute assessment sessions with Craig Tucker, LCSW. In the first assessment session we take an in depth relationship history. On the second assessment session we spend 45 minutes with each partner for individual assessments. And on the third assessment session we review all the data from the relation ship surveys, video evaluations, and interview sessions. From this we make a goals and written plan that addresses the specific needs or your unique relationship. You will be provided with a detailed written report. After the assessment you will be given full access to the Gottman Relationship Coach tutorial series. For some couples the information they gain out of the Gottman assessment process alone is sufficient for them to make the changes they need. The total fee for the Love Lab assessment is $1240.

Video Assessment

Feed back analysis

Written Report

2. The Therapy Process

We do not start couples therapy until the assessment phase is completed. Couples therapy sessions are at least 90 minutes and at least once a week in the beginning (with marathons session option lasting up to 6 hours a day over 3 days). Every session focuses on addressing the layers of the Sound Relationship House. Therapy addresses what ever the couple brings in to the session whether it involves current concerns or old hurts. In dealing with old hurts and betrayals, we work to create a safe environment where every wound can be soothed. In dealing with the day to day struggles of life, specific conversations are facilitated. Methods and principles are practiced in the session that have been demonstrated to increase safety, and mutual understanding. We develop compromise where possible and acceptance where differences are likely to persist. Video recording and physiological monitoring are also integral to Gottman Therapy sessions as a teaching tools. As the principles are mastered we lengthen out the space between sessions and can decrease the time to 45 minutes. Little by little we fade out the need for a therapist in the relationship.

3. The Length of Sessions

Traditional couples therapy is done in a 45 to 50 min therapy hour. The Gottman Method roughly doubles that time to 90 minutes weekly (or more often). The longer session allows the time for each partner to fully process their perception of an issue, reflect understanding, and to practice application of new principles for better repairs. Dr. Gottman has demonstrated that the more time you focus early in treatment the better the results. The 90 minute at least weekly approach is clearly better than traditional 45 to 50 minute sessions but the very best option is a Marathon Session.

Marathon Intensive Sessions

Dr. John Gottman has reported the best results from using the intensive marathon approach. Marathons are 16.5 hours of assessment and therapy over one weekend (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) plus 1.5 hours of individual assessment prior to the weekend (total of 18 hours). The structure is as follows:

A 45 min. individual assessment for each partner arranged prior to the start of the marathon. These can be done in my office or via video conference on my website.
All Gottman Assessment forms must be completed on line prior to the start of the marathon.
Day 1 Friday
- 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM History of the relationship and video assessment. Review of Gottman Assessment Survey data and treatment plan.
- 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM Lunch
- 2:00 -5:00 PM Couples therapy session, introduction to Gottman Principles
Day 2 Saturday
- 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM Couples therapy session.
- 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM Lunch
- 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM Couples therapy session.
Day 3 Sunday
- 12:00 PM to 4:30 PM Couples therapy session. Consolidating gains, creating a relapse prevention plan, and scheduling follow up.

The fee for a 3 day Marathon session is $3690.00. Marathon sessions can be booked on line at this site after you register and complete your intake forms here on this site. All who complete a marathon session will also receive full access to the Gottman Relationship Coach tutorials.

4. The follow up

At three to six months we revisit our work together and tune up any areas that may have been neglected. Tuneup sessions are welcome as often as needed.

5. The Gottman Relationship Coach Series

The Gottman Relationship Coach video tutorials are fantastic tools to supplement your couples therapy. Or they can be used as a self paced DIY method for improving your relationship. Couples who complete the Love Lab Assessment or and Intensive Marathon session with Craig Tucker, LCSW, also receive the full package of Gottman Relationship Coach tutorials

Brief Overviews By Dr. John Gottman

The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (with Anderson Cooper)

Making Marriage Work

To learn more about Gottman Method Relationship Therapy see my resources page at this link: Gottman Resources