Clinical Foundations in Gottman Method Couples Therapy

Learning Objectives

Gottman Method Couples Therapy – Level 1

1. Summarize the research that allows us to predict future relationship stability
2. Describe the seven levels of the Sound Relationship House theory
3. Conduct a couple’s therapy assessment using elements of the couple’s narrative, the Oral History Interview, written questionnaires, observations of conflict, and individual interviews
4. Describe two interventions to help strengthen a couple’s conflict management
5. Describe two interventions to enhance a couple’s friendship system
6. Describe two interventions to explore a couple’s system of shared meaning
7. Explain why physiological self-soothing is essential for a healthy relationship
8. Create a therapeutic contract with a couple, discuss and decide on goals and include a summary of the couples strengths and areas that need improvement
9. Describe the Philosophy of Therapy and including assumptions, overview of techniques, and goals of therapy
10. Describe the Rapoport Intervention and when to use it
11. Describe the process of therapy, including the structure of a session

Gottman Method Couples Therapy – Level 2

1. Explain the basics of observation, including why it’s important to recognize Emotions on the Human Face, Tension in the Voice, the Importance of Words, and the use of the SPAFF coding system
2. Describe the seven levels of the Sound Relationship House theory
3. Describe how to recognize Bids and Turning Towards
4. Explain the components of the first three Assessment sessions
5. Explain and demonstrate how to conduct an Oral History Interview
6. Explain and demonstrate how to conduct a Feedback Session, including how to formulate a Treatment Plan and how to present it to the couple using the Sound Relationship House model
7. Describe the use of the core assessments with couples, including the Locke-Wallace, Weiss-Cerretto, Gottman Sound Relationship House Questionnaires, Gottman 19 Areas Checklist, EAQ, SCL-90, Detour Scales, CAGE, and b-MAST
8. Explain and demonstrate the rules for Gentle Start Up
9. Develop interventions that couples can use as antidotes to the “Four Horsemen”
10. Prepare couples to physiologically soothe when flooded
11. Select and implement interventions to help deal with conflict
12. Apply different modes of changing the “Attack/Defend System” in a couples interaction
13. Assist couples to establish dialogue about their gridlocked conflicts
14. Instruct couples on how to work towards compromise on perpetual problems using the Two Oval method
15. Describe the five steps of processing a fight or a regrettable incident using the Aftermath of a Fight intervention
16. Use and describe the Stress-Reducing Conversation to minimize relapse
17. Select and implement interventions to help couples deepen their “Friendship System” by working on Fondness and Admiration
18. Select and implement interventions to help couples Build Shared Meaning with Rituals of Connection
19. Identify and formulate a plan for different co-morbidities common to couples using Gottman Method Couples Therapy Assessment and Intervention
20. Describe how to apply Gottman Method Couples Therapy to a couple who has experienced an affair
21. Describe when it is appropriate and inappropriate to use Gottman Method Couples Therapy with a couple dealing with substance abuse
22. Describe how to apply Gottman Method Couples Therapy to a couple experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
23. Describe the differences between situational and characterological domestic violence and when it is appropriate and inappropriate to use Gottman Method Couples Therapy with a couple dealing with domestic violence