What is the Gottman Method?
John Gottman and his colleagues completed decades worth of research studying couples and is now able to, at a 94% accuracy rate, determine within a 30 minute conversation the future longevity of a relationship. `With this information, he and his wife, Julie Gottman, created the Gottman Method for Couples Therapy to address the core issues he saw lead to the breakdown of marriages. The framework for this therapeutic approach is called the Sound Relationship House Theory.
The Sound Relationship House Theory states that there are 3 systems that make up a relationship:
The Friendship System: how well you each know each other's inner worlds, your level of fondness and admiration for each other, and how often you turn towards each other's attempts at connection rather than turn away.
The Conflict System: how well you navigate conflict and avoid the four horsemen of the apocalypse (unhealthy communication patterns); and whether or not you give each other the "benefit of the doubt" and make successful repair attempts.
The Meaning System: whether or not you support each other in your individual life dreams, and share the same values.
Trust and Commitment
Using this theory as a framework, your Gottman therapist will help you to discover your relationship's strengths and challenges and then guide you in strengthening your relationship.
