The Gottman Method was developed by Drs. John Gottman and Julie Schwartz Gottman in the 1980s. Grounded in scientific research, it is a pioneering form of therapy that enables couples to reach a deeper level of understanding, awareness of their own and their partner’s feelings and, most importantly, true empathy for those feelings. This is achieved by using therapy and exercises to identify and disarm the defenses that stand in the way of open communication and authentic bonding. The end result is greater intimacy, growth and connection.
Through 40 years of research and working with thousands of couples, Dr. John Gottman identified what he calls the Four Horsemen—the harbingers of doom in a relationship that can be addressed and turned around. These negative communication styles are criticism, contempt, defensiveness and stonewalling.