In Person in Nanaimo and Virtual Across British Columbia
Gottman Couples Therapy
Gottman Couples Therapy is an evidence-based approach designed to help couples better understand their relationship patterns and strengthen connection over time. It focuses on communication, emotional awareness, and practical tools for navigating conflict and repair.
This approach can be helpful for couples who feel stuck in recurring disagreements, are experiencing distance or tension, or want to build a stronger foundation in their relationship. Gottman therapy offers structure while still leaving room for emotional complexity and individual experience.
At The Nest, Gottman-informed therapy is offered thoughtfully and flexibly, with attention to each partner’s perspective and the broader context of the relationship.
Counselling is offered in person in Nanaimo and virtually across British Columbia.
How Gottman Couples Therapy may help
Couples seek Gottman Couples Therapy for many reasons, including:
Communication breakdowns or recurring conflict
Difficulty resolving disagreements
Emotional distance or feeling misunderstood
Navigating stress, parenting, or life transitions
Strengthening trust and emotional connection
Support for communication and repair
Support that helps couples slow down reactive patterns and better understand what is happening during moments of conflict. Therapy focuses on building practical skills for communication and repair while also supporting emotional awareness and mutual respect. Sessions are paced with care, helping couples feel more confident and connected over time.
FAQs
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Gottman tends to be more assessment-driven and skills-based, often starting with structured questionnaires and using specific tools and exercises, as opposed to more attachment or emotion focused therapies.
Our therapists can help identify what therapy type will be most beneficial for you during your free 20 minute consult.
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Criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling. These are the four communication patterns identified as strong predictors of relationship breakdown in Gottman’s research. In Gottman therapy these are assessed in communication and antidotes are offered for each.
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Yes, it's built on longitudinal studies of couples over decades, including the ability to predict relationship outcomes with notable accuracy based on observed interaction patterns.