# Gottman Method Couples Therapy: Building Stronger Bonds
> Learn the Gottman Method for couples therapy, including the Sound Relationship House and the Four Horsemen of Conflict for healthier communication.

Tags: couples-therapy, gottman-method, relationship-advice, psychology, counseling, communication-skills, mental-health
## Gottman Couples Therapy Overview
* **Presenters:** Eliana Stern, Professor Rothbart (April 13, 2026).
* **Definition:** An evidence-based approach developed by John and Julie Gottman using 40+ years of research on thousands of couples.

## Core Theory: Sound Relationship House
* **Layers of Stability:** Love Maps, Fondness & Admiration, Turning Toward, Positive Perspective, Managing Conflict, Making Life Dreams Come True, and Creating Shared Meaning.

## The Four Horsemen of Conflict
* **Criticism:** Attacking character.
* **Contempt:** Mockery and disrespect.
* **Defensiveness:** Deflecting blame.
* **Stonewalling:** Emotional shutdown.

## Assessment and Intervention
* **Process:** Involves observation, joint/individual interviews, and self-report questionnaires.
* **Interventions:** Gentle start-ups, repair attempts, Love Maps practice, and emotional attunement coaching.

## Insights for Counselors
* **Goals:** Improve communication, manage conflict, increase intimacy, and ensure long-term stability.
* **Challenges:** Partner disengagement, flooding, neutrality, and cultural differences.
* **Strengths:** Strong scientific foundation and practical, immediate tools.
* **Critiques:** Highly structured nature and less focus on individual deep trauma.
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