What Is the Gottman Method?
Relationships require care, intention, and the right tools to thrive. The Gottman Method is an evidence-based approach to couples therapy developed by psychologists Drs. John and Julie Gottman.
Based on more than 40 years of research with thousands of couples, the Gottmans were able to determine what made couples “Masters” in relationships and what made them “Disasters”.
The Masters…
- Prioritize positivity, mutual respect, and emotional connection, creating a supportive and nurturing environment.
The Disasters…
- Focus on negativity, criticism, and disconnection, leading to a cycle of conflict and dissatisfaction.
At Rocky Mountain Relational Therapy, our goal is to help you become Relationship Masters.
The Gottman Method has consistently proven to be a highly effective approach to couples therapy. Most couples who attend this kind of therapy experience a significant increase in their relationship satisfaction and intimacy.1
Working with a Gottman Method-trained therapist will allow you and your partner to:
- Improve communication
- Resolve conflict
- Deepen emotional connection
- Build shared meaning
How the Gottman Method Works and Who It Can Help
The Gottman Method supports couples at all stages of their relationship—from newly committed partners to those who have been together for decades. At our practice in Arvada, we use this method to help couples identify unhelpful patterns, improve their communication, and strengthen their emotional connection.
The therapy process begins with a thorough assessment. This includes a joint session, individual interviews, and optional online questionnaires provided by the Gottman Institute. The therapist will observe how partners engage in a conflict discussion to better understand their dynamic. This comprehensive assessment helps us develop a customized treatment plan based on each couple’s unique goals.
During therapy, couples engage in structured exercises designed to enhance intimacy, rebuild trust, and resolve disagreements in a constructive way. Clients learn tools for:
- Strengthening friendship and emotional intimacy
- Managing conflict without escalating
- Communicating needs and emotions clearly
- Repairing past hurts and misunderstandings
- Creating shared meaning and future goals
For couples recovering from infidelity or betrayal, we use the Gottmans’ three-phase model of relationship healing: Atonement, Attunement, and Attachment. This structured process supports rebuilding trust, processing emotional pain, and reconnecting with one another after a significant rupture.
What makes the Gottman Method especially effective is its combination of empirical research and accessible tools. Couples not only gain deep insight into their relationship dynamics but also learn concrete skills they can apply outside of sessions to build a healthier, more satisfying partnership.
Our History with the Gottman Method
At Rocky Mountain Relational Therapy in Arvada, our couples therapists are trained in the Gottman Method and have completed Level 1 and Level 2 training through the Gottman Institute. We value this approach for its solid research foundation and its ability to offer clear, practical tools for lasting relationship improvement.
We chose to incorporate the Gottman Method into our work because it aligns with our values of evidence-based care, collaboration, and deep respect for each couple’s unique journey. This modality allows us to help couples move from frustration and disconnection to understanding, cooperation, and renewed intimacy.
While the Gottman Method offers a strong framework, we also integrate other therapeutic perspectives to meet each couple’s specific needs and cultural context. Our Arvada therapists are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all relationship structures, identities, and backgrounds.
Therapists who Specialize in Gottman Method Couples Therapy:
References
Davoodvandi, M., Navabi Nejad, S., & Farzad, V. (2018). Examining the effectiveness of Gottman couple therapy on improving marital adjustment and couples’ intimacy. Iranian Journal of Psychiatry, 13(2), 135–141. https://doi.org/10.18502/ijps.v13i2.1180
Ready to Rebuild Your Connection?
If you’re looking for a proven, structured approach to improving your relationship, we’re here to help. Meet our therapists and schedule your free 15-minute consultation today.