Gottman Couples Therapy & Marriage Counselling

“Some people leave a marriage literally, by divorcing. Others do so by leading parallel lives together – John M. Gottman”

Gottman Couples Therapy is designed by the Gottman Psychologists, Drs John and Julia Gottman. This method has been developed from over 40 years of research spanning over 3000 couples. It is by far one of the ever increasingly popular marriage counselling option that is built on the most extensive psychological study on marital stability to date.

Who is this for?

Couples experiencing relationship distress and wishing to stabilise their relationship
Couples wanting to re-design and rebuild a more satisfying and healthy relationship again

How will this help me?

The Gottman Couples Method provides effective way for couples in distress to gain awareness and learn how to stabilise their relationship. It provides a range of skills learning and interventions to elevate distressed or disengaged couples from their gridlock issues to build a satisfying relationship based on shared understanding and strong emotional connection. This approach helps couples to increase closeness and friendship behaviours, while addressing conflict productively and building shared dreams together.

What will the process involve?

The Gottman method consists of 3 phases as per the following:

Phase 1 Assessment

A comprehensive evidence-based relationship health assessment is conducted to help you gain a better understanding of the wellbeing of your relationship. This includes a total of 4 – 5 hours:

At the end of this assessment, you will be provided with a range of options that will best meet your relationship goals. These options may include, but not limited to, ongoing therapy sessions with Lin either face-to-face or via Zoom, referral to other relationship therapists, and/or attending other relationship building workshop.

Phase 2 – Therapy

If you decide to proceed with couples therapy, you will have the option to undertake either:

Intensive Therapy Option – You will be scheduled for a 2 full day intensive therapeutic sessions (9am to 5pm) generally one week apart, and two (2) 2 hours sessions scheduled 2 weeks and/or a month apart

Standard Therapy Option - You will be scheduled for 2 half days therapeutic sessions (1pm – 4pm) within the same week, and two (2) 2 hours session scheduled 2 weeks and a month apart

Focus of the Therapy

The aim of these sessions is to help you learn how to move out of escalated conflict, repair unresolve hurts through a healthy communication style and move towards a relationship that feels comfortable, connected and attuned. Some of the skills you will be learning include:

Build friendship and supportive behaviours
Manage conflict and overcome gridlock
Express fondness and admiration
Accept influence
Create shared meaning and build a satisfying life

Phase 3 – Follow up & Relapse Prevention

At this point, couples have learnt useful skills and strategies and are working on their relationship effectively. This phase includes monthly check-in for the first few months, with the interval extending to 3 monthly and 6 monthly over time. At the end of the first 12 months post therapy, couples are also encouraged to undertake another re-test to review the progress of their relationship work.

Cost Estimates:

The assessment phase (4 – 5 hours) - $800

The intensive therapy phase (18 hours) – $2,800

Standard therapy phase (10 hours) - $2,000

Follow up/Subsequent sessions - $800 for 4 sessions or $250 per each

*All fees required to be paid upfront before the service commences.