What is theGottman Method
The Gottman Method is a structured, research-based approach to couples therapy developed by Dr John Gottman and Dr Julie Gottman. It grew out of decades of research observing how couples interact, and it focuses on what separates relationships that last from those that struggle. The approach is built around the Sound Relationship House, a model of friendship, trust, conflict management and shared meaning.
Brisbane Counselling Centre has provided a home for experienced psychologists and counsellors in Brisbane’s CBD since 1989. Some practitioners in attendance at the Centre offer couples therapy informed by the Gottman Method face-to-face on Wickham Terrace, Spring Hill, behind Central Station, and by telehealth.
Written and clinically reviewed by Natascha Madden, Registered Psychologist (AHPRA reg. PSY0000953827), Brisbane Counselling Centre. Last reviewed: September 2026
Can the Gottman method help my relationship?
Couples come to Gottman therapy at every stage, from those who feel disconnected to those working through a serious breach of trust. It can help with:
- Repeated arguments and poor communication
- Feeling like housemates rather than partners
- Rebuilding trust after an affair or betrayal
- Differences over parenting, money, intimacy, or family
- Adjusting to a new baby, a move or another major life change
- Building a stronger friendship and shared sense of purpose
How Gottman couples therapy works
Therapy follows three phases, so you know what to expect from the start.
1. Assessment – The first phase takes about five hours in total. It includes a joint session of about 90 minutes, an individual session of about an hour with each partner, and a feedback and goal-setting session of about an hour. You each complete the Gottman Relationship Checkup online before the individual sessions.
2. Intervention – Sessions of about 90 minutes, weekly at first and then fortnightly as things improve, use targeted exercises to strengthen friendship, manage conflict and build shared meaning, guided by your assessment results.
3. Relapse prevention – Once you have made progress, regular email check-ins for around six months help you keep the changes going.
The Gottman relationship checkup
The Relationship Checkup is an online questionnaire that each partner completes separately. It is purchased through the Gottman website, and your practitioner reviews the results with you. It maps the strengths in your relationship and the areas that need attention, so therapy starts with a clear picture and does not spend the first sessions gathering background.
Rebuilding trust after an affair
The Gottman Method includes a specific approach for affairs, known as the Trust Revival Method, which works through three stages: atone, attune and attach. It has been studied in published research, including a randomised controlled trial. If an affair is what has brought you in, see our page on recovering from an affair.
Is Gottman therapy right for us?
Gottman therapy works best when both partners are willing to take part and practise between sessions. It is not designed as a crisis service. If you feel unsafe in your relationship, or there is family or domestic violence, joint therapy may not be appropriate. Please speak with our reception team or call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 for confidential support. Individual sessions can be a safer place to start.
Practitioners trained in the Gottman Method
Bina Shah, a practitioner in attendance at the Centre, has completed Level 3 training in the Gottman Method.
Anthony Edwards is also trained in the Gottman Method, however Anthony practices more from a Gottman informed couples therapy, rather than following the process.
Our reception team can tell you which practitioners are currently available and help you choose.
Book Gottman couples therapy in Brisbane
Call our reception team on 07 3831 4452 or send an enquiry form through. Our Centre is on Level 7, 87 Wickham Terrace, Spring Hill, with appointments Monday to Friday 7.30am to 5.30pm and Saturday 8.30am to 5.00pm. See our couples and marriage counselling page for other ways we can help, and our fees and rebates page for session costs.
Frequentlyasked questions
What is the Gottman method?
How does Gottman therapy work?
What is the Gottman Relationship Checkup?
How effective is the Gottman Method?
How often are sessions and how long does therapy take?
Is Gottman therapy a crisis service?
What if my partner does not want to attend?
Can the Gottman Method help after an affair?
Can I claim Medicare for Gottman couples therapy?
Is Gottman therapy available by telehealth?
Want to know more about Gottman therapy?We can help.
If you have any questions about the Gottman method or if you’d like to engage in this therapeutic treatment, please contact Brisbane Counselling Centre. The psychologists and counsellors are available to help you move forward and actualise the kind of relationship you want to live in.
