Online Gottman Method Couples Counselling

When stress or disconnection occurs in a relationship, it can feel like you’re always going in circles, arguing about the same issues, or feeling misunderstood. You might struggle with how to communicate effectively or find yourself emotionally distant from your partner. Does this sound familiar? The Gottman Method offers practical tools to break these patterns and deepen emotional intimacy, making it easier to navigate challenges together.

The Gottman Method is a research-based approach to relationship therapy developed by Drs. John and Julie Schwartz Gottman, grounded in over 40 years of research and clinical practice. Gottman’s research on what makes relationships last led to the development of this structured, science-backed method. By studying thousands of couples over decades, the Gottmans identified key behaviors that predict relationship success or failure with over 90% accuracy. The Gottman Method is designed to help couples improve their communication, resolve conflict, and strengthen their emotional connection.

Through Gottman’s evidence-based approach, couples gain insights into their relationship dynamics and develop healthier, more respectful ways of relating to one another. If you're ready to re-establish trust, enhance your emotional connection, and build a stronger foundation for your partnership, Gottman Method therapy could be the solution for you.

At Deep Sea Psychology, we provide online Gottman Method couples therapy, so couples in Ontario, Alberta, and BC can get the support they need from the comfort of their own home. No matter where you are in your relationship, Gottman therapy can help you build a more solid foundation of trust, emotional safety, and love.​

Reach out to book a consultation or appointment.
* indicates required
Which video-call or phone service are you interested in?
When do you prefer to schedule sessions?
Direct-Billing

Who Can Benefit from the Gottman Method?

The Gottman Method is effective for all types of relationships—whether you’re newly engaged or in a long-term marriage. The Gottman Method can be a powerful tool for couples facing many different challenges, including:
​
  • Communication breakdowns
  • Conflict that feels unresolvable
  • Emotional disconnection or feeling distant
  • Lack of trust or infidelity
  • Parenting struggles
  • Blended family challenges
  • Sexual intimacy and relationship issues

The Gottman Method can benefit anyone in a romantic partnership—regardless of age, sexual orientation, or how long you’ve been together. You don’t have to be in a crisis to benefit from Gottman therapy. It’s ideal for couples who want to improve their relationship and take proactive steps toward greater love and happiness.

​Whether you're experiencing ongoing tension, or just want to make your relationship stronger, Gottman Method therapy can provide the framework for positive change. It is also a great fit for couples looking to enhance their emotional bond, not just work through existing problems. Whether you want to enhance intimacy, improve communication, or simply feel heard by your partner, Gottman therapy provides actionable steps to get you where you want to be

How Does the Gottman Method Work?

The Gottman Method involves a structured, science-backed approach designed to improve communication, strengthen relationships, and resolve conflict in a way that is respectful and empathetic. Here's how it works:
​
  1. Assessment of Relationship Dynamics
    In the first stage, you and your partner will undergo an assessment where your therapist evaluates the strengths and challenges in your relationship. This may include surveys and questionnaires about your relationship’s current state.
  2. Building Sound Relationship Foundations
    The Gottman Method focuses on the Sound Relationship House, which includes building friendship, nurturing admiration and respect, and creating shared meaning. These elements foster intimacy, trust, and emotional connection.
  3. Conflict Management
    One of the core components of the Gottman Method is helping couples learn how to handle conflict constructively. Rather than avoiding issues, you’ll learn techniques to manage conflict in a healthy way, reducing negativity and promoting problem-solving.
  4. Strengthening Communication
    The method also emphasizes enhancing communication skills, including the use of "I" statements, active listening, and creating a "bids for connection" system. These skills help couples express their needs and desires in a way that is both clear and compassionate.
  5. Enhancing Intimacy
    The final component of Gottman Method therapy is to deepen emotional and physical intimacy. This involves cultivating closeness, emotional safety, and appreciation for each other’s presence.

Successful long-term relationships are created through small words, small gestures, and small acts.
​
– Dr. John Gottman

What to Expect During an Online Gottman Method Therapy Session

The Gottman Method is built around creating a strong and compassionate relationship foundation, with the goal of bringing couples closer together while reducing unnecessary conflict. Here’s what you can expect from Gottman Method therapy sessions:
​
  • Structured, Practical Tools: Your therapist will provide you with specific tools and exercises to practice outside of sessions. These can include communication strategies, stress-reduction techniques, and conflict-resolution tools.
  • A Safe, Non-Judgmental Space: The Gottman Method encourages open and honest communication, and your therapist will provide a supportive and empathetic environment for both partners to express their feelings.
  • Actionable Strategies: Rather than focusing solely on past issues, the Gottman Method prioritizes actionable, forward-looking strategies that will help you feel empowered in your relationship.
  • Balanced Attention: In Gottman therapy, the therapist works with both partners to ensure each person’s perspective is heard and validated. It’s not about assigning blame—it’s about understanding one another and developing a mutual vision for the future.

The Benefits of Gottman Method Couples Therapy

The Gottman Method focuses on building a stronger, healthier relationship by understanding the key elements that lead to long-term success, and preventing negative patterns that cause strain. Couples who engage in Gottman Method therapy often experience:
  • Improved communication skills
  • Increased emotional intimacy
  • More effective conflict resolution
  • Deeper connection and understanding
  • Renewed trust and respect
  • A clearer sense of shared values and goals
  • Stronger, more resilient relationship foundations

The Gottman Method supports you in strengthening the foundation of your relationship by deepening your emotional understanding of one another. This includes improving your ability to share fondness, admiration, and appreciation--building a healthier friendship. Learning healthy ways to discuss disagreements, reducing emotional flooding, and creating a calmer, helps you create a more supportive way to handle disputes. This often involves softening startup to avoid triggering defensiveness. The Gottman Method also helps couples create shared meaning. This focuses on developing rituals, shared goals, and dreams to help couples connect on a deeper level. When partners have a shared sense of purpose and direction, they can better weather life’s challenges. You can also expect to learn effective ways of managing stress in your relationship by identifying how external stressors (e.g., work, parenting, financial stress) affect your relationship and developing healthy coping strategies to work together as a team.

Book a Gottman Method Session Today

If you're looking to transform your relationship and deepen your emotional connection, the Gottman Method is a scientifically validated approach that can help. Our experienced Gottman-certified therapists are here to support you every step of the way. We offer online sessions for couples across Alberta, Ontario, and BC.

​Ready to get started? Contact us today to book your initial consultation or appointment and take the first step toward a healthier, happier relationship.

Related Online Therapy Services

"Friendship fuels the flames of romance because it offers the best protection against feeling adversarial toward your spouse"

​- Dr. John Gottman

Gottman Method FAQs

how long will it take to see results from gottman method therapy?
Results vary depending on your relationship and the issues you’re facing, but Gottman Method therapy is designed to create noticeable changes in a few sessions. You may start feeling more connected, heard, and understood even after just one session. However, for deeper, lasting change, most couples find that 12-20 sessions are effective in addressing long-standing issues.
Can Gottman Method therapy help with infidelity?
Yes. One of the strengths of the Gottman Method is its ability to help couples repair after betrayal and infidelity. The therapy helps partners rebuild trust, open up emotionally, and rebuild their relationship in a healthy, supportive way. This process requires time, honesty, and patience but can lead to strong recovery and a renewed sense of commitment.
is gottman method suitable for couples who aren't in a crisis, but want to improve their relationship?
Absolutely. Gottman Method therapy is highly effective for all stages of a relationship, whether you are experiencing challenges or simply want to enhance the bond you already share. It’s perfect for couples who want to enhance communication, increase intimacy, or prevent future issues.
is gottman method effective for couples of all sexual orientations & gender identities?
Yes! The Gottman Method is based on universal principles of human relationships, and the approach is completely inclusive. Whether you’re in a same-sex relationship, have a non-traditional family structure, or identify as trans or non-binary, the techniques and strategies taught through the Gottman Method are applicable to all relationships.
can we do gottman method therapy if one partner doesn't want to participate?
While the Gottman Method is designed to work best when both partners are committed, it is possible to make progress if only one partner is willing to engage in therapy. Often, the willing partner will gain insights and tools to improve communication and may be able to model positive behaviors that can encourage the other partner to become more involved over time.
how is gottman method therapy different from other types of couples therapy?
The Gottman Method is unique in its scientific approach, based on decades of research with real couples and focuses on practical, evidence-based tools. It emphasizes building a solid foundation of friendship and trust before addressing major issues, which makes it a highly effective long-term solution.