Gottman Method Counselling in EC3V
Brieanne Doyle
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
London EC3V
As a high achiever you are used to success. You work hard, you enjoy work and you have meaningful relationships, but something is missing. You've tried all manner of ways to fill this gap - working more, working harder, prioritising your personal life, your health, your relationships - but it never quite fits. You wonder how you can achieve at work, but not in other areas of your life? Will it always be this exhausting? What if you could ditch the hustle and find a different way to show up in your life, your work, your relationships?
As a high achiever you are used to success. You work hard, you enjoy work and you have meaningful relationships, but something is missing. You've tried all manner of ways to fill this gap - working more, working harder, prioritising your personal life, your health, your relationships - but it never quite fits. You wonder how you can achieve at work, but not in other areas of your life? Will it always be this exhausting? What if you could ditch the hustle and find a different way to show up in your life, your work, your relationships?
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Gottman Method Counsellors
How does the Gottman method work?
One of the core doctrines of the Gottman method is that negative emotions hurt relationships about five times more than positive emotions help them. Thus, couples require five times more positive interactions than negative interactions with each other. The therapist will guide clients on how to improve communication and understanding of each other to manage conflict and have their emotional needs met. The therapist will also advise couples on how to repair relations with each other when conflict arises, and therefore avoid lasting damage.
Is the Gottman method evidence-based?
Yes, this method is an evidence-based approach to couples therapy. The method is based on more than 40 years of research by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, the psychologists who developed the method. The Gottmans analysed decades of data to draw conclusions about what types of interactions are likely to lead to specific results, and which interventions are most likely to lead to success. Studies have found that this approach leads to improvements in relationship satisfaction, intimacy, communication skills, and a lower rate of divorce.
How long does the Gottman method take?
The duration of treatment depends on the specific challenges clients face. Sessions are typically 60 to 90 minutes long, and an average course of treatment is around 10 sessions. In some cases, such as for couples dealing with a critical problem, the therapist will suggest an intensive course of treatment, with daily sessions over the first two to four days. Treatment is complete when the couple is satisfied and has met the goals they’ve set, and when the therapist believes they have the skills to continue on their own.
Is the Gottman method effective?
Through the Gottman method, couples can achieve changes that are real and sustainable. This treatment has been used for more than 40 years; the method is supported by empirical research, including randomised controlled trials that have demonstrated effectiveness in improving relationship outcomes for couples. Like any talk therapy, success or failure depends in large part on how committed the clients are to making positive changes and working toward results.