Gottman Couples Therapy in Calgary
We offer Gottman Couples Therapy to help couples strengthen relationships, improve communication, and resolve conflict.
What is Gottman Couples Therapy?
The Gottman Method is based on over 40 years of research by Dr. John Gottman, a leading expert on relationships, and his wife Dr. Julie Schwartz Gottman. Through their extensive studies, they identified key behaviours and communication patterns that can predict whether a relationship will thrive or struggle.
“How does Gottman Therapy work?”
It focuses on understanding these patterns, teaching couples how to manage conflicts, improve emotional intimacy, and foster a healthier relationship dynamic. Gottman Couples Therapy is a scientifically based treatment that draws from decades of research on what makes relationships successful.
The Gottman Method focuses on identifying and addressing the four primary behaviours that predict relationship breakdown, often referred to as “The Four Horsemen” of the apocalypse: criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling.
By learning to recognize and replace these destructive patterns with healthier communication strategies, couples can build stronger and more supportive relationships.
How Does Gottman Couples Therapy Work?
Through evidence-based exercises, couples learn to improve communication, rebuild trust, and navigate challenges together.
The Gottman Method focuses on four core principles to strengthen relationships: building a solid friendship, managing conflict constructively, creating shared meaning, and enhancing intimacy. These principles help couples develop a deeper understanding and connection.
The structured approach ensures each partner feels heard and valued while fostering lasting relationship growth.
Building Love Maps
The first principle of the Gottman Method is creating a detailed understanding of each other’s inner worlds.
“What is a love map?”
A love map is a mental framework that helps partners understand each other’s values, dreams, fears, and preferences.
By building a deep, accurate knowledge of your partner’s world, you can increase emotional closeness and strengthen your connection.
Nurturing Fondness and Admiration
A strong relationship is rooted in mutual respect and affection.
“How do I rekindle admiration for my partner?”
Gottman Therapy teaches couples to focus on each other’s positive qualities and express appreciation regularly.
This creates a foundation of trust and affection, which can help combat negative patterns and encourage deeper emotional connection.
Turning Toward Each Other
In every relationship, there are moments when one partner seeks emotional support, affection, or understanding—this is called a “bid for connection.”
“How can we improve our emotional connection?”
The Gottman Method emphasizes the importance of turning toward each other in these moments, responding to bids for connection with attentiveness, empathy, and affection. This fosters emotional intimacy and strengthens the bond between partners.
Managing Conflict
Conflict is inevitable in any relationship, but the way couples handle it can make all the difference.
“How can we argue less and resolve conflicts better?”
Gottman Couples Therapy provides couples with tools to approach conflict in a healthier way, reducing the likelihood of escalation. Techniques such as “soft start-up,” de-escalating emotionally charged conversations, and using “I” statements help to create a more constructive dialogue and prevent misunderstandings.
Creating Shared Meaning
Couples often struggle when they feel disconnected in their shared goals, values, or visions for the future.
“How can we create a deeper sense of meaning in our relationship?”
The Gottman Method emphasizes the importance of creating shared meaning and purpose within the relationship. Couples work together to establish mutual goals, rituals of connection, and a common vision for their future, which strengthens the foundation of their relationship.
Who Can Benefit from Gottman Couples Therapy?
It provides tools to improve communication and deepen emotional intimacy, making it ideal for relationships at any stage.
Gottman Couples Therapy is designed for couples seeking to enhance their connection, rebuild trust, or navigate recurring conflicts. This approach is effective for addressing challenges such as infidelity, frequent arguments, parenting stress, or feeling disconnected. Couples gain practical strategies to foster understanding, rebuild closeness, and create a stronger partnership.
It is effective for a wide range of relationship concerns, including:
Communication Issues
Poor communication can lead to misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and emotional distance.
“How can Gottman Therapy help with communication?”
Gottman Couples Therapy provides tools to improve listening, understanding, and responding with empathy, allowing couples to communicate more effectively and reduce frustration.
Frequent Arguments
Frequent or unresolved conflicts can create emotional distress and weaken a relationship.
“Why do we argue so much?”
The Gottman Method helps couples learn to manage conflicts in a healthier way, reducing the frequency of arguments and fostering productive, solution-oriented discussions.
Loss of Intimacy
Emotional or physical intimacy can diminish over time due to busy schedules, stress, or unmet needs.
“How can we reconnect emotionally?”
Gottman Couples Therapy helps couples reignite their emotional and physical connection through practices that foster affection, respect, and appreciation.
Infidelity
Infidelity can create deep wounds in a relationship, often resulting in a loss of trust and emotional closeness.
“Can Gottman Therapy help after infidelity?”
Yes, Gottman Couples Therapy can help rebuild trust and improve communication, helping partners work through the trauma of infidelity and move forward in a healthier way.
Parenting Challenges
Parenting can put a strain on relationships, especially if there is disagreement about values, discipline, or time management.
“How can we parent together while staying connected as a couple?”
Gottman Therapy helps couples work together as a team, improving communication around parenting decisions and maintaining a strong partnership while raising children.
Pre-Marital Counseling
Couples who are planning to get married or enter a long-term commitment can benefit from Gottman Couples Therapy.
“How can Gottman Therapy help us before marriage?”
The Gottman Method helps couples prepare for marriage by identifying potential areas of conflict, improving communication, and establishing healthy patterns early in the relationship.
What to Expect in Gottman Couples Therapy
When you begin Gottman Couples Therapy at Solasta, your therapist will work with you and your partner to identify the key challenges in your relationship.
What Should We Expect From Our First Gottman Session?
Your therapist will begin by conducting an assessment of your relationship, discussing your goals for therapy, and exploring any areas of tension or conflict.
From there, your therapist will introduce the tools and techniques of the Gottman Method to help you strengthen your relationship.
Will We Be Given Assignments Between Sessions?
Yes, couples are often given assignments or exercises to complete between sessions, such as practicing specific communication techniques or engaging in acts of appreciation.
What if One Partner is Hesitant About Therapy?
While Gottman Couples Therapy is effective for most couples, it is important to note that therapy outcomes depend on both partners’ willingness to actively participate in the process.
It is common for one partner to be more invested in therapy than the other.
Your therapist will work with both partners to ensure that the therapy is a collaborative process, supporting each individual’s needs and goals.
Why Choose Solasta for Gottman Couples Therapy?
We are committed to helping couples in Calgary improve their relationships through Gottman Couples Therapy. Our therapists are trained in the Gottman Method and have extensive experience working with couples to strengthen their emotional bonds, improve communication, and resolve conflict in a healthy way. Whether you are facing specific challenges or simply want to strengthen your relationship, Gottman Couples Therapy offers practical tools for long-term success.
How Do I Know if Gottman Couples Therapy is Right for Us?
Gottman Therapy is ideal for couples who want to improve their relationship, whether they are facing communication difficulties, conflict, loss of intimacy, or other challenges.
If you’re looking for a research-backed, structured approach to strengthening your relationship, Gottman Couples Therapy may be the right choice for you.
Our compassionate and professional team is dedicated to helping you and your partner build a deeper, more satisfying connection.
Take the First Step Toward a Stronger Relationship
At Solasta Counselling in Calgary, we’re here to support you in building a healthier, more fulfilling relationship.
Calgary Counselling and Psychology Services
Our Calgary psychologists have a wide range of experience and expertise in understanding the unique needs of our clients and helping you reach your therapy goals.
CAP
All of our psychologists are registered with the College of Alberta Psychologist.
PAA
Many of our psychologists are members of the Psychology Association of Alberta.
CCPA
Many of our psychologists are members of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.
Therapists Specializing in Gottman Couples Therapy
We’re Located in Calgary, Alberta
We provide counselling and psychological services in-person in Calgary and online counselling throughout Alberta.
Suite 200, 1716 16 Ave NW, Calgary AB
*free parking behind the building
Our Calgary Office Space
Our thoughtfully designed counselling spaces are crafted to create a warm, welcoming environment where you can feel completely at ease.
Get Started With Solasta in Three Easy Steps
Find Your Therapist
Book Online
Choose a date and time that fits your schedule and receive instant confirmation of your appointment.
In-person or Online
Visit our welcoming Calgary office or meet with your therapist online from the comfort of your home.
FAQs
What types of therapy do you offer at Solasta Counselling?
At Solasta Counselling, we offer a wide range of evidence-based therapies tailored to your individual needs.
These include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), EMDR for trauma, Narrative Therapy, and Gottman Method Couples Therapy.
Each approach is designed to help address specific challenges, whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief, trauma, or other concerns.
How do I know if therapy is right for me?
Therapy can be helpful if you’re experiencing emotional or psychological challenges that affect your daily life, relationships, or well-being.
Common signs include persistent feelings of sadness or anxiety, difficulty coping with stress, or a desire for personal growth and self-discovery.
If you’re unsure, an initial consultation can help you explore your concerns and determine if therapy is a good fit for you.
What can I expect during my first session?
Your first session at Solasta Counselling will focus on understanding your unique situation and goals.
You’ll discuss your current challenges, personal history, and what you hope to achieve in therapy.
This session allows your therapist to tailor a treatment plan that suits your needs, while also giving you an opportunity to ask questions and build a comfortable, trusting relationship.
Do you offer virtual or in-person counselling sessions?
Yes, Solasta Counselling offers both virtual and in-person sessions to accommodate your preferences and needs.
Virtual therapy allows you to access support from the comfort of your home, while in-person sessions provide a private, welcoming environment at our Calgary location and throughout Alberta.
Both options ensure the same level of care and confidentiality.
How long does therapy usually take?
The length of therapy varies depending on your goals and the complexity of your concerns.
Some clients see improvement in just a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support.
Your therapist will work with you to set realistic expectations and adjust your treatment plan as you progress.
Is therapy confidential?
Yes, all sessions at Solasta Counselling are confidential.
We follow strict professional and legal guidelines to protect your privacy.
The only exceptions involve safety concerns, such as risks of harm to yourself or others, which your therapist will explain during your initial session.