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Individual and Couples Counselling in Calgary

Writer's pictureRovena Magidin

Gottman Couples Therapy


The Gottman Method For Couples

​Gottman's Therapy for Couples is one of the most known, loved and most researched approaches to Couples Counselling. It's very practical, non judgemental and inclusive to all. I probably use some of Dr. Gottman's tools with most of my couples.





So, what is The Gottman Method?

Gottman Couples Therapy is an evidence-based approach to couples counselling proven to improve your relationship.

This approach is based on Dr John Gottman's 40+ years of research with thousands of couples. It is a scientific and empirically-validated approach to helping couples resolve conflicts and achieve greater connection and intimacy. Couples learn practical skills to improve the friendship in their relationships and help them manage conflict in a positive way.

John Gottman is profiled in Malcolm Gladwell's bestseller Blink for his ability to predict divorce with 94% accuracy after watching a couple have a conversation for just a few minutes.

Dr. John Gottman was recognized by Psychotherapy Networker, a professional journal, as one of the ten most influential psychologists of the past 25 years.

The goals of the Gottman Method include:

  • Increasing closeness and friendship behaviours

  • Addressing conflict productively

  • Building a life of shared meaning together

Gottman Method therapy aims to increase respect, affection, and closeness, break through and resolve conflict, generate greater understandings, and to keep conflict discussions calm.

How Rovena uses the Gottman Method to help you build a stronger relationship:

  • We start with an comprehensive assessment and then create an individualized roadmap, or a plan that will help you create a fulfilling, supportive, beautiful relationship

  • After this, you and your partner will fill out an online evaluation separately that will help identify the strengths and the weak points (or problem areas) of your relationship.

  • Next, I may have one-on-one sessions with each partner as needed. This is an opportunity to discuss things with me alone, and will help to ensure I hear your concerns and intentions.

  • Based on the results of the evaluation and our individual sessions, we co-create a plan on how to move forward.

  • Using this plan, we will have sessions together. You’ll learn the tools and the skills you need to handle conflicts, develop deeper compassion and understanding, improve intimacy, and create a meaningful life together.

  • The intention of the Gottman Method is to empower you with tools so, by the end of our work, you feel confident that you can discuss anything and find solutions together. You’ll be well on your way to becoming a relationship master (and not relationship Disaster, as Dr. Gottman calls it)!

Results of the Gottman Method for couples

  • Increased affection and closeness

  • Increased appreciation and respect

  • More fulfilling friendship and intimacy

  • Greater understanding in your relationship

  • Will help you build a life of shared meaning together

  • Manage conflict in a positive way and overcome gridlock

  • Build love maps and create rituals of connection

  • Improved communication skills - everyone feels heard and understood

  • Identify your relationship-specific strengths and how to build on them

  • Create an emotional bank account that you can draw on in times of stress

  • Help heal relationship injuries and resentments

  • Stronger emotional intelligence



If you want to explore if Gottman's Therapy is right for you, book your free consultation here. If you have questions, please reach out as well. I’d be happy to talk to you and answer any questions you may have.


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