Certification FAQ 
Wednesday, April 7, 2010Q: How do I get Certified?
The Gottman Institute has also developed standards and procedures for becoming a Certified Gottman Therapist. A Certified Gottman Therapist is an individual who has completed 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 I: Bridging the Couple Chasm, a two-day professional workshop (formerly- Level I Marital Therapy: A Research Based Approach) by Dr. John Gottman and Dr. Julie Schwartz Gottman, either in person or on DVD/videotape, or by a senior Certified Gottman Therapist.
- Level II: Assessment & Intervention, a four-day professional workshop led by Dr. John Gottman and Dr. Julie Schwartz Gottman, either in person or on DVD/videotape, or by a senior Certified Gottman Therapist. PRE-REQUISITE – attendance at a Level I workshop or completion of the Level I home-study course.
- Level III: Certification Practicum, a four-day professional workshop led by Dr. Julie Schwartz Gottman and Dr. John Gottman. PRE-REQUISITE – attendance at a Level I and Level II workshop or completion of the Level I and Level II home-study course.
- Certification Consultation: At least 8 individual sessions or 12 group sessions of consultation with an assigned Certified Gottman Therapist Consultant.
- Tape Review: Submission of DVD/video tapes for review by a Senior Certified Gottman Therapist. DVDs/video tapes must demonstrate mastery of 6 specified Gottman Interventions.
Q. What are the qualifications for becoming a Certified Gottman Therapist?
Anyone may complete Level I and Level II training. To attend Level II and enter the Certification Track, you must meet all of the following requirements:
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 completed 100 hours couples’ therapy (any method)
Have a minimum of 3 years (5 preferred) post-graduate experience
Complete Level I and Level II training
Q. How long does it take to get certified?
After you attend Level III training, it can take anywhere from 4 months to 2 years to get Certified. Before Level III training, you must complete Level I and Level II; those can both be done via home study, so how long those take is up to you.
Q. How much does it cost to get Certified?
The total cost depends on a few factors: whether you complete Level I and Level II live or via home study, whether you do group or individual consultation, and how many consultation sessions you need. Not counting travel or shipping costs, certification can cost anywhere from $3,300 to $5,100 or more.
Q. Do I have to tape my clients?
In order to get 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 of the videos’ 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, training@gottman.com