Training & Certification FAQ 
Monday, July 12, 2010Training
Q. What training options do you offer?
We offer three levels of training: Level 1: Bridging the Couple Chasm, Level 2: Assessment, Intervention and Co-Morbidities, and Level 3: Practicum Workshop.
Level 1 and Level 2 are offered as live workshops with Drs. John and Julie Gottman, with Certified Gottman Therapists, as well as via home study courses. Level 3 is only offered live in Seattle, WA.
For a list of upcoming workshops, click HERE.
Q. If I purchase the Level 1 and Level 2 home study sets, do I have to attend the live trainings as well?
No. If you purchase and complete the Level 1 and Level 2 home study sets, you do not need to attend the live trainings. We believe attendees get more out of the live trainings, but we know that it’s not always possible to attend live trainings.
Q. Can I get CE credits?
Yes. The Gottman Institute is proud to partner with CMI Education Institute, Inc. as our continuing education provider. To learn more about how to get CE credits for our products, go to http://www.gottman.com/61834/CE-Products.html
Q. How many CE credits can I get? Level 1: Bridging the Couple Chasm Home study course - 11 CE
Level 2: Assessment, Intervention and Co-Morbidities Home study course – 21 CE
Level 3: Certification Practicum - 20 CE
The Art & Science of Love: A Weekend Workshop for Couples (LIVE workshop, Seattle location only) – 12 CE
The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work (Book) - 10 CE
Making Relationships Work (DVD or mp3) - 1.5 CE
Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child (Book) - 7 CE
Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child (DVD or mp3) - 1.5 CE
Therapy Sessions - Live - 6 CE
Therapy Sessions - Demonstration - 6.5 CE
Q. I purchased a home study set. How do I get CE credit? In order to receive CE credit for a home study course, you must submit the Assessment of Knowledge located at the back of the Clinician’s Manual to our continuing education provider, CMI Education Institute. For more information, go to
http://www.gottman.com/57324/a3269/Training-FAQs/Continuing-Education-Information.htmlQ. May I share my DVDs with my colleagues? Yes. Clinicians who share DVDs must purchase their own clinician’s manuals, meet the training pre-requisites, and submit the Assessment of Knowledge at the back of the manual to our continuing education provider, CMI Education Institute.
Certification
Q: How do I get Certified?
The Gottman Institute has developed standards and procedures for becoming a Certified Gottman Therapist. A Certified Gottman Therapist is an individual who has completed all levels of the certification program and whose expertise in Gottman Method Couples Therapy is recognized by The Gottman Institute. This program includes completion of the following steps:
Level 1: Bridging the Couple Chasm
A two-day professional training workshop, with films from their clinical office, presented by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, either in person or as a DVD home study program. Also presented by senior Certified Gottman Therapists.
Level 2: Assessment, Intervention & Co-Morbidities
A four-day interactive training workshop presented by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, either in person or as a DVD home study program. Also presented by senior Certified Gottman Therapists. Pre-requisite: Completion of the Level 1 home study or attendance at a Live Level 1 workshop.
Level 3: Practicum Workshop
Part A: Level 3 Live Workshop: Attend a three-day advanced, personalized, and interactive clinical training workshop presented by Drs. John and Julie Gottman. This training is offered live only. Pre-requisites: Level 1 and 2 Training and criteria per Level 3 Application packet. It IS possible to complete Level 1 and Level 2 as a DVD home study and then attend Level 3. Clinicians now have the option to attend the Level 3 Workshop only, or continue to Parts B and C to complete Certification.
Part B: Certification Consultation: Complete a minimum of 8 individual sessions or 12 group sessions of consultation(in person or via phone) with a
Senior Certified Gottman Therapist and Consultant.
Part C: Post-Consultation Video Review: Submission of videos for review by a Senior Certified Gottman Therapist. Videos must demonstrate mastery of 4 specified Gottman Method Interventions.
Q. What are the qualifications for becoming a Certified Gottman Therapist?
Anyone may complete Level 1 and Level 2 training. To attend the Level 3 workshop, a clinician must:
- Have completed the Level 1 and 2 training by either home study or attendance at a live workshop
- Have a Master’s or Doctoral degree in a mental health-related field or be currently enrolled in at least a master's program in mental health-related field
To enter the Certification Track, you must meet all of the following requirements:
- Have completed the Level 1 and 2 training by either home study or attendance at a live workshop
- Have completed the Level 3 training by attending a live workshop
- Have a Master’s or Doctoral degree in a mental health-related field
- Have current licensure or certification in a mental health-related field
- Have a minimum of 1000 hours post-degree therapy experience
Q. How long does it take to become certified?
After you attend Level 3 training, it can take anywhere from 4 months to 2 years to get certified. Before Level 3 training, you must complete Level 1 and Level 2; these can both be done via home study, so how long it takes to complete them is up to you.
Q. How much does it cost to become certified?
The total cost depends on a few factors: whether you complete Level 1 and Level 2 live or via home study, whether you do group or individual consultation, and how many consultation sessions you need. Fees to complete all three levels of workshops range from $2,250 to $3,400. Individual consultation rates are $140 per session; group consultation rates vary.
Q. Do I have to tape my clients?
In order to become certified, you must videotape your clients. It is important that we see your work with couples, but we also believe that using video can be a powerful tool in your practice. We can provide you with video release forms and can help you with ways to reassure your couples’ safety and privacy. We also have tips for setting up video equipment. Please email us if you have questions.
Q. How can I lead a Gottman Couples’ Workshop in my area?
Once you become a Certified Gottman Therapist, you may choose to complete further training to lead the Art & Science of Love workshops in your area. Email us for more information at training@gottman.com.