The Gottman Method

50 mins | $225
90 mins | $297

What to expect from The Gottman Method:

The Gottman Method begins with a series of four assessment sessions. The assessment stage in the Gottman Method involves a thorough exploration of various aspects of the couple's relationship. This stage is crucial for the therapists to understand the unique dynamics, strengths, and challenges within the partnership. Here are the key components typically involved in the assessment stage:

1. Initial Intake:

   • Couples meet with the therapist for an initial intake session where they discuss their history, relationship concerns, and goals.

2. Questionnaires and Interviews:

   • Couples may be asked to complete questionnaires that assess different aspects of their relationship, including communication styles, areas of conflict, and emotional connection.

   • Therapists may conduct individual interviews with each partner to understand their perspectives, expectations, and personal history.

3. Observation:

   • Therapists often observe how couples interact during sessions, paying attention to communication patterns, emotional expressions, and nonverbal cues.

4. Assessment Tools:

   • The therapists may use specific Gottman Method assessment tools, such as the Relationship Checkup, to quantitatively measure various aspects of the relationship.

5. Identifying Relationship Patterns:

   • The assessment aims to identify recurring patterns in the couple's interactions, including communication styles, conflict management strategies, and ways of expressing emotions.

6. Building a Relationship Map:

   • The therapists work with the couple to create a "relationship map" that highlights key events, turning points, and significant moments in their shared history.

7. Setting Goals:

   • Collaboratively, therapists and couples establish therapeutic goals based on the assessment findings, focusing on areas that require improvement and areas where the couple already excels.

8. Feedback and Recommendations:

   • Therapists provide feedback to the couple based on the assessment, highlighting strengths and areas for growth. They may also offer initial recommendations for interventions and exercises tailored to the couple's needs.

The assessment stage lays the foundation for the therapeutic process, allowing therapists to tailor their approach to the specific dynamics of the couple's relationship. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the couple's strengths and challenges, informing the development of a targeted treatment plan within the framework of the Gottman Method.

Number of sessions:

The number of sessions in the Gottman Method can vary based on the unique needs and progress of each couple. Typically, couples may engage in anywhere from 8 to 20 sessions, but this can be adjusted based on factors such as the severity of the issues, the couple's level of commitment to the process, and the pace at which they make progress.


Disclaimer: Results cannot be guaranteed. As with other therapy services offered, no warranty or guarantee is made explicit or implied. As with any psychotherapy, unpleasant emotions, discomfort, distress and other reactions/responses may occur.

Important Note: During the assessment phase of therapy, the therapist will be assessing the couple to work out whether it’s a suitable fit for ongoing therapy based on a number of factors. Depending on what’s discovered during the assessment phase, it may become contra-indicated to continue with couples therapy. If this is the case, the therapist will let the couple know during the feedback session, and suggestions will be made for a plan moving forward instead of couples therapy.

Emotionally Focussed Couples Therapy

75 mins | $297

What to expect from Emotionally Focussed Therapy:

After the initial intake appointment together, the therapist will meet with both partners separately to conduct individual interviews to discover goals, personal history and suitability for the EFT method. After the individual sessions, both partners will come back together for a feedback session and the commencement of therapeutic work.

The initial stage of EFT sets the foundation for the therapeutic process by building understanding, trust, and emotional connection. It establishes a roadmap for the couple's journey toward creating a more secure and satisfying relationship. As the therapy progresses, subsequent stages involve deeper exploration of emotions, restructuring of interactions, and solidifying positive changes.

1. Assessment and Alliance Building:

   • The therapist and clients collaboratively explore the current issues and concerns in the relationship. The therapist aims to build a strong therapeutic alliance and create a safe and supportive environment.

2. Identifying Relationship Patterns:

   • The therapist helps the couple identify negative interaction patterns that contribute to distress and disconnection. This involves understanding how each partner responds to emotional cues and triggers.

3. Exploring Emotional Experiences:

   • EFT places a strong emphasis on emotions and their role in relationships. The therapist encourages partners to express and explore their emotional experiences, helping them connect with and understand their own and their partner's feelings.

4. Attachment Exploration:

   • EFT is rooted in attachment theory, which focuses on the human need for emotional bonds. Therapists explore attachment histories and how early attachment experiences may influence current relationship dynamics.

5. Setting Goals:

   • Together, the therapist and the couple establish therapeutic goals based on the identified patterns and emotional experiences. Goals often include creating a more secure emotional bond and improving communication.

6. Introducing Interventions:

   • Therapists use specific interventions to restructure negative patterns and foster secure emotional connections. These interventions often involve changing the way partners communicate and respond to each other emotionally.

7. Promoting Acceptance and Validation:

   • EFT emphasizes the importance of acceptance and validation within the therapeutic process. The therapist works to create an atmosphere where partners feel heard, understood, and accepted.

8. Consolidation:

   • As progress is made, the therapist and clients consolidate gains and reinforce positive changes. This involves integrating new ways of relating and communicating into daily interactions.

It's important to note that whilst EFT is a structured and systematic approach, the specific interventions used may vary based on the unique needs of each couple.

Number of sessions:

The number of sessions required for Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) can vary based on factors such as the specific issues the couple is facing, the severity of the challenges, and the pace at which progress is made. Typically, EFT is a longer-term therapy compared to some other approaches, and many couples experience positive changes within a range of 12-20 sessions.

Disclaimer: Results cannot be guaranteed. As with other therapy services offered, no warranty or guarantee is made explicit or implied. As with any psychotherapy, unpleasant emotions, discomfort, distress and other reactions/responses may occur.

Important Note: During the assessment phase of therapy, the therapist will be assessing the couple to work out whether it’s a suitable fit for ongoing therapy based on a number of factors. Depending on what’s discovered during the assessment phase, it may become contra-indicated to continue with couples therapy. If this is the case, the therapist will let the couple know during the feedback session, and suggestions will be made for a plan moving forward instead of couples therapy.