The final step in your journey toward becoming a Certified Gottman Therapist.
Please see below for more information on the Certification Track program and a link to the application.
This is it — the culmination of your training, demonstrated proficiency of the Gottman Method, and recognition as an expert in your field.
The Certification Track is the final step in your journey toward becoming a career couples therapist. You will demonstrate the skill of helping couples create greater meaning and connection in their relationships, and you will expand and reinforce your understanding of Gottman Method Couples Therapy, building off of everything you’ve learned through your training and clinical work to date.
Learn more about the Certification Track through the information below and by joining The Gottman Institute for regular question and answer sessions. You can submit questions to training@gottman.com before the events too!
Upcoming Q&A’s:
The Certification Track is a rigorous 2-year program for licensed mental health professionals. This program is a largely self-led, independent program with support and resources provided by The Gottman Institute and Certified Gottman Therapist Consultants.
Please note that there are no continuing education hours available for the Certification Track program.
When you start the Certification Track, you will be matched with a Certified Gottman Therapist Consultant who will coach you through the certification process and help you implement Gottman Method Couples Therapy successfully in your practice.
The main goal of the Certification Track is to become a Certified Gottman Therapist. To do so, once you and your consultant agree on your readiness, Certification Candidates are asked to submit and pass four (4) Gottman Method intervention video segments for review.
There will also be ample opportunity to ask questions and receive input about all phases of working with couples, from assessment and treatment planning through selecting and implementing appropriate interventions for each client’s unique needs.
Four (4) Gottman Method Interventions reviewed for the Certification Track:
Certification Candidates will need to have a deep grasp and understanding of the Gottman Method, and be able to successfully implement Gottman Method interventions into their working practice. It is essential to come to consultation sessions with video examples of the Gottman Method work you do with your clients to show your consultant and receive feedback.
The Gottman Institute recommends a full couples caseload of at least five (5) couples, all willing to be video-recorded before entering the program, to be best prepared.
You can either request a Consultant or be assigned one when you enter the Certification Track. Your consultant will guide you in applying Gottman Method Couples Therapy with couples in your practice. We highly encourage you to look through our list of consultants below and reach out to them in advance to determine if they would be a good match.
You can start working with one of the Certification Track’s Consultants before joining the program as well!
These policies, terms, and conditions were included in your application and are subject to change without notice
Check your preparedness for the Certification by completing the linked assessment of knowledge.
Administrative Fee: One-time fee of $1,225 USD when your application is accepted for the Certification Track. The Gottman Institute does not offer payment plan options.
This fee covers enrollment in the Certification Track, access to a HIPAA-compliant file-sharing system, access to program resources, and eligibility to join an exclusive Facebook group.
Consultation Fees: These will vary depending on the number of sessions you require and the modality (individual or group). Reach out to Consultants before entering the program to ask about their prices.
We do not have a minimum number of consultation sessions required. On average, it takes Certification Candidates fifteen (15) consultation sessions prior to their first video submission.
Your intervention segments will be evaluated by an authorized video reviewer:
The Certification Track is a two (2) year program. Extensions are only available if you retake Level 3 Training. We recommend:
While you may submit your application at any time, Certification Track applications are processed quarterly.
All application materials must be submitted through the online portal on or before the application deadline date, including the online application and the letters of recommendation from professional references submitted on your behalf.
Quarterly Application Deadlines:
If you are an internationally-based mental health professional interested in joining the Certification Track, please review the document below.
Becoming a Certified Gottman Therapist (CGT) is the main goal of entering and completing the Certification Track. There are many benefits to becoming a CGT, and many opportunities available to those who reach the pinnacle of Gottman Method learning. After completing the certification process, you will:
Please see the FAQ below or the Gottman Help Center for questions or to submit a request for assistance.
If you are interested in attending an Information Session with the Certification Track Program Manager, please email training@gottman.com.
No, this information will be requested once you are accepted into the Certification Track and are ready for Video Review.
Don Cole, DMin, Clinical Director at The Gottman Institute, recommends having at least 5 couples clients that you are working with regularly before entering the program. The more couples that you have, the better!
You will be asked to provide an Assessment Summary, along with 100 Gottman Method Hours documentation and a Treatment Plan, when submitting for video review. This is a requirement, at minimum, for the couples included in your submitted intervention segments.
The Gottman Institute recommends using the Relationship Checkup through Gottman Connect, but you may also complete the assessment by hand.
We highly recommend reaching out to our Consultants directly to see what type of consultation sessions they provide, how much they charge per session, what their availability is like, and to see if you would be a good fit.
Consultants may be reached through the Gottman Referral Network or on their personal websites.
You can also start consultation before entering the program, and these sessions will count towards those needed for video review.
Two (2) letters of recommendation are required. Please have them sent to training@gottman.com.
The Certification Candidate Q&As are exclusive events for individuals currently enrolled in the Certification Track.
Hosted by the program manager, a video reviewer, and a consultant, these Q&As are an opportunity for Candidates to ask their Gottman Method and video review questions. Topics include:
The Certification Track is a two (2) year program without the option to take a leave of absence. Extensions are available by retaking Level 3 Training to add two (2) years to the program.
Our training program does not include formal licensure but is intended to complement your education, professional training, and experience. You must also ensure that you meet the requirements set by the governing body of your state/country that allows you to provide mental health services to your community legally.
