The Gottman Method of couple therapy is firmly grounded in research on couple relationships. It is an integrative approach that incorporates elements of many different theories and therapy types (Gottman & Gottman, 2009). Underlying this therapy, and supported by decades of research, is the Sound Relationship House Theory. This theory outlines the seven building blocks that Dr. John Gottman and Dr. Julie Schwartz Gottman believe are the essential components of a sound relationship. Out of this theory, the Gottmans have developed assessments and interventions that helping professionals can use with couples to guide them toward better friendship, intimacy, positive affect, constructive ways of dealing with conflict, and the creation of shared meaning, which are all parts of the Sound Relationship House Theory.

For this Discussion, you concentrate not on treatment planning and specific interventions from the Gottman Method, but how it is different, as a whole, from the therapies and theories you have explored in this course. You also examine the unique opportunities that this method presents for integration.

By Day 4

Post an explanation of how the Gottman Method of couple therapy and its underlying Sound Relationship House Theory differs from the therapies and theories you have studied thus far. Then, describe one quality or principle of the Gottman Method that presents opportunities for integration into your main theoretical orientation in your future practice. Be specific and explain.

Required Readings

Gurman, A. S., Lebow, J. L., Snyder, D. K. (2015). Clinical handbook of couple therapy. New York, NY: The Guilford Press.
Chapter 2, “Cognitive Behavioral Couple Therapy”
Chapter 3, “Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy”
Chapter 5, “Gottman Couple Therapy”

Gottman, J. M., & Driver, J. L. (2005). Dysfunctional marital conflict and everyday marital interaction. Journal of Divorce & Remarriage, 43(3/4), 63–77.

Gottman, J. (2017). Couples. Psychotherapy Networker Magazine, 41(1), 35-37.

Platt, L. F., & Scheitle, C. P. (2017). Is marriage counseling perceived as scientific? Examining the views of US adults. The Family Journal, 25(3), 239-246.

Document: Treatment Plan Template (Word document)

Required Media

Gottman, J. M., & Gottman, J. S. (Producers). (2009a). Gottman couples therapy: A new research-based approach: Our research methods [Video file].

Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 10 minutes.

Accessible playerCredit: Provided by Gottman Institute

Gottman, J. M., & Gottman, J. S. (Producers). (2009a). Gottman couples therapy: A new research-based approach: The sound relationship house [Video file].

Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 30 minutes.

Accessible playerCredit: Provided by Gottman Institute

Psychotherapy.net. (Producer). (2002a). Cognitive-behavioral child therapy [Video file]. United States: Author.

Psychotherapy.net. (Producer). (2000). Couples therapy for addictions: A cognitive-behavioral approach [Video file]. United States: Author.