Gottman Method Couples Therapy in Edmonton
Learn About Gottman Method
What is Gottman Method?
The Gottman Method is an evidence-based approach to couples therapy developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman. Based on over four decades of research with thousands of couples, this method helps partners build stronger, more resilient relationships by deepening emotional connection, improving communication, and resolving conflict effectively.
At its heart, the Gottman Method combines therapeutic techniques with practical relationship tools to enhance friendship, intimacy, and shared meaning — while also helping couples address gridlocked issues and break harmful cycles of negativity or disconnection.
This approach is structured, skills-focused, and highly personalized, making it one of the most respected and widely used forms of couples therapy in the world.
How Does the Gottman Method Work?
The Gottman Method begins with a thorough assessment of your relationship’s strengths and challenges. Based on this understanding, your therapist helps you and your partner build the Sound Relationship House — a core model that includes key components of lasting partnership:
Core Components of the Sound Relationship House:
Build Love Maps: Deepen your understanding of each other’s inner world — dreams, stressors, values, and joys.
Share Fondness and Admiration: Reinforce a culture of appreciation instead of criticism.
Turn Toward Instead of Away: Recognize and respond to bids for attention, affection, or support — even in small moments.
Manage Conflict: Learn how to approach disagreements without escalating. The goal isn’t to eliminate conflict, but to fight fair and resolve gridlocked issues respectfully.
Make Life Dreams Come True: Support each other’s goals and values through mutual understanding and compromise.
Create Shared Meaning: Strengthen the rituals, roles, goals, and beliefs that give your relationship purpose.
Trust and Commitment: Nurture the security and loyalty that allow your relationship to thrive long-term.
Therapy sessions are a mix of open dialogue, guided exercises, and skill-building. Whether you’re dealing with high conflict, disconnection, betrayal, or simply wanting to grow closer, the Gottman Method provides a research-backed path forward.
What Are the Benefits of the Gottman Method?
Couples often begin therapy feeling stuck, unheard, or disconnected. The Gottman Method offers a framework to move beyond frustration and toward mutual understanding and emotional safety.
Key benefits include:
Better communication: Learn to express yourself clearly and listen without becoming defensive or shutting down.
Deeper emotional connection: Strengthen your friendship and intimacy through small daily rituals and meaningful conversations.
Conflict resolution skills: Break repetitive arguments and manage disagreement without blame or stonewalling.
Healing from betrayal or distance: Rebuild trust and security after breaches or periods of emotional withdrawal.
Stronger shared goals: Reconnect over the long-term dreams, values, and experiences that matter most to you both.
Tools that last a lifetime: The techniques you learn in therapy aren’t just for crisis moments — they’re designed to support your relationship for the long haul.
What Can I Expect in the Gottman Method?
Gottman Method therapy usually begins with a comprehensive assessment phase, followed by ongoing sessions focused on specific areas of growth.
The process typically includes:
Joint intake session: You and your partner meet with your therapist to discuss your relationship history and current concerns.
Individual interviews: Each partner meets privately with the therapist to share their unique perspective.
Online or paper-based relationship questionnaires: These help identify strengths, stress points, and patterns in your relationship.
Feedback session: Your therapist explains the results of the assessment and outlines a customized therapy plan.
Ongoing sessions: Each session includes targeted interventions based on your goals — such as improving communication, managing conflict, or increasing emotional closeness.
Sessions can include real-time coaching, guided dialogue, emotion regulation tools, and homework between meetings to help reinforce skills.
Couples may attend therapy weekly, bi-weekly, or on an intensive retreat basis depending on needs and availability.
Our Approach
At Crossroads Psychological & Wellness, We use the Gottman Method to help couples at all stages of their relationship — whether dating, engaged, married, parenting, or navigating separation and reconciliation.
At our clinic, couples therapy is:
Collaborative: We work with both partners equally and neutrally to create a space of mutual respect.
Non-blaming: Our goal is not to determine who’s “right” or “wrong,” but to understand each partner’s experience and shift unhealthy patterns together.
Strengths-based: Even in conflict, most couples still share a foundation of care. We help you build on what’s already working.
Inclusive: We welcome couples of all orientations, backgrounds, and relationship styles.
Whether you’re seeking to rebuild trust, improve your emotional connection, or simply learn better ways to communicate, the Gottman Method offers a clear and proven path forward — one that can help you not only stay together but grow stronger together.
