The Gottman Institute

'Gottman Method Couples Therapy

Year Founded: 1996

Model of Therapy: Gottman Method Couples Therapy

The Gottman Institute is dedicated to combining wisdom from over four decades of research and clinical practice to support and strengthen relationships. It brings the knowledge of science to therapists and the insight of therapists to science. This link between research and practice reflects the collaboration of John and Julie Gottman, whose combined experience is extensive and incomparable.

Combining the knowledge and wisdom of more than forty years of research and clinical practice, Gottman Method Couples Therapy helps couples break through barriers to achieve greater understanding, connection, and intimacy in their relationships. Through research-based interventions and exercises, it is a structured, goal-oriented, approach to therapy. Intervention strategies are based upon empirical data from Dr. Gottman’s study of more than 3,000 couples. By tracking what real couples do, and comparing the interactions of couples who stay together to those couples that end up separated or divorced, John Gottman has discovered factors that can reliably predict with over 90% accuracy which relationships will succeed and which will fail if left untreated.  

Based on this research, John and Julie Gottman have developed The Sound Relationship House theory, the seven building blocks needed for lasting, thriving romantic relationships. 

As a model, it strives to assist couples in achieving a deeper sense of understanding, awareness, empathy, and connection within their relationships that ultimately leads to heightened intimacy, interpersonal growth, and friendship.

Actual therapy sessions are experiential and focused on emotional communication. Couples are guided by specific research-tested blueprints for making conflict constructive, building friendship and intimacy, building the couple's shared meaning system, and establishing or rebuilding trust and commitment. By combining therapeutic interventions with practical exercises, this type of therapy helps couples identify and address the natural defenses that hinder effective communication and bonding.

Gottman Method Couples Therapy has been tested and shown to greatly improve relationships, including those of very distressed couples, those transitioning to parenthood, and those experiencing minor domestic violence. A version of Gottman Method Couples Therapy has also proven effective for couples suffering from traumatic effects of poverty. Gottman Method Couples therapy is taught worldwide, including in Europe, Asia, Australia, the Middle East and throughout the Americas.

Clinical trainings in Gottman Method Couples Therapy: 

  • Level 1 Training
  • Level 2 Training
  • Level 3 Training
  • Certification 

Specialty trainings 

  • Treating Affairs and Trauma
  • Couples and Addiction Recovery
  • Seven Principles Leader Training 
  • Bringing Baby Home Educator Training

About the Founder(s)

  • 'Julie Gottman, PhD

    Julie Gottman, PhD

    A highly respected clinical psychologist, Julie Gottman is sought internationally by media and organizations as an expert advisor on marriage, domestic violence, couples in poverty, same-sex relationships, and treating affairs and trauma. She is the author or co-author of six books, including 10 Principles for Doing Effective Couples Therapy. 

  • 'John Gottman, PhD

    John Gottman, PhD

    World-renowned for his work on marital stability and divorce prediction, John Gottman has conducted 40 years of breakthrough research with thousands of couples. He is the author of over 200 published academic articles and author or co-author of more than 40 books, including The New York Times bestseller The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work.

  • 'Etana Kunovsky

    Etana Kunovsky

    Etana Kunovsky has served in a leadership role as co-founder since 1996. Her business vision and passion for John and Julie’s work has propelled The Gottman Institute into the establishment of an international presence with worldwide recognition. She has many years of experience in community and educational program development and, as an entrepreneur, has launched numerous companies around the world.

  • Founder / Lead Developer: Julie Gottman, PhD, John Gottman, PhD, and Etana Kunovsky
  • Address: 2101 4th Ave Suite 1750, Seattle, WA 98121
  • Phone: (888) 523-9042
  • Website: https://www.gottman.com/

Contact The Gottman Institute

Please complete the following form and your message will be emailed directly to the The Gottman Institute. We highly respect and safeguard your privacy and will never disclose your email address to anyone but the organization you are contacting.

I agree to the Terms and Conditions of Use* Please send me confirmation that the organization has received my message. Please send me monthly updates on helpful resources related to therapy and counseling. I understand that my privacy will be respected and my contact information will not be shared with anyone other than the organization I am contacting.     * Indicates required field
GoodTherapy uses cookies to personalize content and ads to provide better services for our users and to analyze our traffic. By continuing to use this site you consent to our cookies.