Frequently Asked Questions 

Q. Will John Gottman personally be conducting the workshop?
A. Drs. John and Julie Gottman are the presenters for the couples workshops in Seattle, WA.

Q. We do not live in Washington but we would like to attend a Couples Workshop. Are workshops offered in other states?
A. Yes! Certified Gottman Couples Workshop Leaders* offer workshops for couples across the United States and Canada. Please be sure to check workshop locations and presenters for workshops close to your area.

Q. Can we attend the workshop even if we aren’t married?
A. Yes! Couples workshops are open to ALL couples - married and unmarried, straight or gay.

Q. Can I come to the workshop alone if I can’t convince my partner to attend?
A. Sorry, no. Our workshops are specifically designed to be interactive and experiential for couples only.

Q. How can I convince my partner to attend a workshop/go to counseling?
A. Each couple is different and we are unable to provide specific advice about how to convince your partner to attend a workshop or seek counseling. However, many individuals have found that a good place to start is by sharing Dr. Gottman’s book, The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work, with their partners.

Q. I’d love to come to your workshop, but my partner is a private person and is not comfortable sharing in a group setting.
A. Though the lecture part of the workshop is done in a large group, all workshop exercises are performed with your partner only, and at no time are you asked to interact with other couples. There is no small/large group work, and no mandatory sharing or public disclosure. We utilize several rooms in order to provide enough space for all couples to work privately on their relationship, implementing the new skills and techniques being taught.  Our Certified Gottman Therapists are available to work one-on-one with couples who desire assistance.

Q. How many couples attend the workshop?
A. The number of couples at the workshop varies, depending on several factors. We average between 100-150 couples per workshop in Seattle, WA. Local workshops by Certified Gottman Couples Workshop Leaders*  may offer smaller group sizes. 

Q. Are we appropriate for your workshop if we don’t have any really huge problems?
A. Yes! Couples who attend our workshop tend to fall into two categories: enhancement and repair. We applaud couples who are wise enough to attend the workshop for enhancement purposes. Feedback from both enhancement and repair couples indicates that the copules workshop is very beneficial.

Q. Would it make sense for us to attend your workshop if we are already separated or in the process of divorce?
A. While each situation is unique, we do have many couples attend the workshop who are separated or have begun divorce proceedings. These couples continue to report that the workshop was very helpful to them. Our staff will discuss the specifics of your situation with you during the registration process.

Q. Should we read The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work before attending?
A. The workshop is self-contained; no pre-reading is required. Some couples report that reading The Seven Principles enhanced their workshop experience by providing a foundation in the research concepts and applications.

Q. Do you provide childcare?
A. No, we do not provide childcare options.

*Certified Gottman Couples Workshop Leaders are Certified Gottman Therapists who have been specifically trained by The Gottman Institute to present couples workshops. All workshop leaders use The Art and Science of Love curriculum designed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman. These workshops are offered independent of The Gottman Institute.