Blog
Turning Toward Bids: The Small Moves That Build Big Connection
In relationships, small moments matter most. Learn what bids for connection are, why turning toward (and enthusiastically turning toward) them builds emotional safety and intimacy, and how to strengthen your relationship one moment at a time with Gottman Method couples therapy.
Stonewalling: When You Shut Down to Stay Safe—and How to Self-Soothe Instead
When conversations get overwhelming, shutting down can feel like the only option. This post explores why stonewalling happens and how couples can use self-soothing to break the silence and reconnect.
Defensiveness: Why “It’s Not My Fault” Might Be Making Things Worse
Defensiveness keeps couples stuck in conflict and feeling unheard. This post explores how to recognize defensiveness and use responsibility instead to change the tone of your communication.
Contempt: The Most Dangerous Horseman and How to Build Appreciation and Speak from Within
Contempt shows up as sarcasm, eye rolls, and name-calling—but underneath is often pain and resentment. This post offers practical ways to shift contempt into appreciation and reconnection.
Criticism: When Complaints Turn into Attacks—and How to Start Up Gently
Criticism is a common but harmful conflict habit that erodes connection. Learn what it sounds like, how it starts, and how to shift toward healthier communication using a gentle start-up.
The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse: How Conflict Goes Wrong
The Four Horsemen—criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling—can derail even the strongest relationships. Learn what they are, why they matter, and how to shift toward healing connection.
What to Expect in the First Sessions of Gottman Therapy
Starting Gottman therapy doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. This post explains exactly what to expect in the first few sessions—so you can move from confusion to clarity and start rebuilding connection with confidence.
Bringing Baby Home: Strengthening Your Relationship as You Grow Your Family
Welcoming a baby is a beautiful but challenging transition for couples. Learn how the Bringing Baby Home program, led by Certified Gottman Therapist Teresa Prince, CGT, helps parents protect their relationship and create a shared family vision.
Building a Stronger Relationship Through Friendship: Gottman’s Sound Relationship House
Friendship is the key to lasting love. Learn how love maps, admiration, and emotional bids strengthen your relationship and keep your connection alive.
The State Of Our Union: A Weekly Conversation To Strengthen Your Relationship
Keep your relationship strong with the State of Our Union—a simple, weekly check-in to foster connection, appreciation, and healthy communication.
The Courage to Demand More From Your Marriage: Embracing Unresolvable Conflicts
Explore the strength of embracing unresolvable conflicts in marriage with guidance from Drs. John and Julie Gottman. Dive into the transformative power of demanding more from your relationship for a deeper, more satisfying union. Learn how empathy, understanding, and repair can turn differences into bonds.
Embracing the Gottman-Rapoport Exercise in Couples Therapy
Explore the transformative power of the Gottman-Rapoport Principle in couples therapy, a structured approach designed to enhance communication, deepen empathy, and resolve conflicts with understanding and respect. Discover effective communication techniques that empower couples to navigate differences, foster emotional safety, and build a stronger, more connected relationship.
Navigating Relationships with the Art of Compromise
Explore the transformative power of the Gottmans' Art of Compromise to strengthen your relationships with fair and balanced solutions that reflect both partners' needs. Learn the skill of empathetic negotiation to build lasting trust and deeper connections without losing your sense of self.
Nurturing Connection: The Power of Slowing Down & Adding Stabilizing Rituals in Your Relationship
Explore effective strategies for nurturing deeper connections within your relationship through our latest blog on "Slowing Down & Stabilizing Rituals." Learn how embracing mindful communication and establishing meaningful rituals can transform your relationship, promoting understanding and resilience in facing emotional challenges together.
Improving Understanding Through The Assumption of Similarity
Explore the transformative power of understanding and empathy in relationships through our latest blog, where we delve into how the assumption of similarity, as taught by Dr. John Gottman, can bridge the gaps between partners, fostering deeper connections and healing. Learn practical strategies for reflecting on shared traits and navigating conflicts with compassion, providing a roadmap to enriching your relationships with mutual respect and love.
Navigating Unresolvable Conflicts in Marriage: A Guide to Sustaining Love and Understanding
Embark on a transformative journey with experienced therapists trained in the Gottman Method to renew and strengthen the bonds of marriage through empathetic understanding and strategic communication. Discover the tools and support needed to navigate complex marital challenges, fostering connection, empathy, and a resilient partnership grounded in respect and mutual growth.
Why Understanding Precedes Persuasion in Relationship Problem-Solving
When we prioritize understanding over persuasion, we foster stronger emotional connections, mutual respect, and promote successful conflict resolution.
The Silent Barrier: Understanding Stonewalling in Relationships
Discover the complexities of stonewalling in relationships with our expert insights. Learn about its impact on communication, signs to recognize it, and practical strategies for grounding and staying engaged.
Understanding Contempt in Relationships
Explore the transformative approach to overcoming contempt in relationships where empathy and empowerment foster healing. Embrace the journey to a stronger bond.
Overcoming Defensiveness by Accepting Responsibility
Explore the transformative power of accepting responsibility in relationships. Learn how to replace defensiveness with understanding and foster productive conversations, promoting connection, respect, and enduring companionship.