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Gottman-Informed Therapy for Couples

Do you feel like your relationship is stuck in unhelpful communication patterns, with the same arguments or misunderstandings repeating themselves? Maybe conversations escalate quickly, leaving one of you feeling unheard and the other feeling overwhelmed.

Gottman-Informed Therapy provides couples with practical, research-backed tools to improve communication, manage conflict, and foster emotional connection. Based on decades of research by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, this approach is known for its accessible language and actionable strategies, helping couples understand their relationship dynamics and build healthier, more supportive patterns.

At Harlowe Counseling, we incorporate Gottman principles and terminology into our couples therapy sessions to make relationship dynamics easy to understand and work through. By using frameworks like the “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse” and the “Sound Relationship House,” we help couples identify areas for improvement and provide clear, practical steps to strengthen their bond.



What Is Gottman-Informed Therapy for Couples?

Gottman-Informed Therapy is designed to help couples understand the emotional dynamics of their relationship and improve how they communicate and connect. It’s particularly effective for couples experiencing stress, miscommunication, or conflict, especially during major life transitions like early parenthood.





At Harlowe Counseling, we use Gottman principles to support couples navigating:
  • Communication challenges, teaching you how to express yourself and truly listen to your partner.
  • Conflict resolution, helping you de-escalate arguments and find productive solutions.
  • Parenting stress, fostering teamwork and mutual support as you navigate new responsibilities.
  • Rebuilding intimacy, both emotional and physical, after periods of disconnection.
  • Balancing the mental load, addressing unequal responsibilities to create an equitable partnership.

How Does Gottman-Informed Therapy Work, and Who Can It Help?

How Gottman-Informed Therapy Can Help

Gottman-Informed Therapy provides practical tools and insights to help you and your partner better understand each other and create positive changes. Sessions may include:
  1. Identifying communication patterns, such as the “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse” (criticism, defensiveness, contempt, and stonewalling), and learning antidotes to these behaviors.
  2. Building the Sound Relationship House, a Gottman framework that focuses on trust, shared goals, and strengthening your friendship as the foundation of a healthy relationship.
  3. Improving conflict resolution skills, such as using “soft startups” to begin difficult conversations and repair techniques to rebuild connection after disagreements.
  4. Enhancing emotional intimacy, by learning how to “turn toward” each other’s bids for connection.
  5. Creating shared meaning, aligning your values, goals, and vision for your relationship and family.

What Happens in a Gottman-Informed Therapy Session?

For example, if one partner feels criticized and the other feels ignored, we might use the “Four Horsemen” framework to understand how these patterns develop and practice antidotes like appreciation and taking responsibility to rebuild trust and connection.

At Harlowe Counseling, we’ve seen how Gottman principles can transform relationships. The research-backed terminology and tools make complex dynamics easy to understand and address, empowering couples to navigate challenges with clarity and confidence.

We specialize in supporting couples during life transitions, such as becoming parents, where clear communication and teamwork are essential. By combining Gottman principles with other approaches, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), we tailor sessions to meet your unique needs as a couple.

Whether you’re rebuilding trust, navigating conflict, or strengthening your partnership, Gottman-Informed Therapy offers a compassionate and effective way forward.




















Why We Use Gottman Principles at Harlowe Counseling

Ready to Build a Stronger Connection?

Gottman-Informed Therapy can help you improve communication, navigate conflict, and deepen your connection with your partner.

Schedule a free consultation with Harlowe Counseling to explore how we can support your relationship. There’s no obligation—just a chance to see if we’re the right fit for your needs.