Gottman Method Couples Therapy in Ottawa & Westboro
Virtually Across Ontario

When your relationship feels more like roommates than partners, when small disagreements escalate into big fights, or when you’re wondering if you can reconnect after years of distance, the Gottman Method offers a research-backed path forward. This approach gives you concrete tools to strengthen friendship, manage conflict constructively, and build the relationship you both want – whether you’re struggling or simply want to deepen your connection.

Our Registered Psychotherapists at Therapy with Empathy bring the Gottman Method to clients in Ottawa’s Westboro neighborhood and across Ontario through virtual sessions. We help couples assess their relationship dynamics, identify patterns that erode connection, and develop practical skills to create lasting positive change.

The Gottman Method emerged from over 40 years of research by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, who studied thousands of couples to identify what makes relationships succeed or fail. They discovered that successful couples aren’t conflict-free – they’ve simply learned specific ways of interacting that protect their bond during disagreements. Their research identified predictable patterns (like criticism, defensiveness, contempt, and stonewalling) that predict relationship breakdown if left unchecked.

Unlike couples therapy that focuses primarily on emotions or communication alone, the Gottman Method integrates assessment, education, and skill-building based on what actually works in healthy relationships. You’ll learn about the “Sound Relationship House” – a framework covering everything from building friendship and intimacy to managing conflict and creating shared meaning. This isn’t abstract theory; it’s practical guidance backed by decades of data.

What sets the Gottman Method apart is its emphasis on strengthening your friendship and positive interactions, not just fixing problems. Research shows that successful couples maintain a 5:1 ratio of positive to negative interactions. You’ll work on turning toward each other’s bids for connection, expressing appreciation, managing perpetual problems (issues that never fully resolve), and building rituals of connection that keep you close through life’s ups and downs.

Who Is the Gottman Method For?

The Gottman Method can be particularly helpful if you:

• Want a research-based approach with proven effectiveness
• Notice patterns of criticism, contempt, defensiveness, or withdrawal
• Feel like you’re drifting apart or losing the friendship in your relationship
• Struggle with the same recurring conflicts that never get resolved
• Want to prevent problems before they become serious
• Are recovering from infidelity or breach of trust
• Feel gridlocked on major decisions or perpetual disagreements
• Need practical tools and exercises you can use immediately
• Want to strengthen an already good relationship

Ready to Build a Stronger Relationship?

Book your free 15-minute consultation to explore whether the Gottman Method fits your needs. We’ll discuss your relationship goals, explain how Gottman therapy works, and answer any questions about getting started.

Therapy with Empathy
Westboro, Ottawa | Virtual across Ontario
Bilingual services available (English/French)