our Approach
Gottman’s Couples Therapy is grounded in over four decades of research by Drs. John and Julie Gottman on what makes relationships thrive or struggle. This evidence-based approach offers couples a structured way to understand their relationship patterns, rebuild trust, and strengthen emotional connection.
Rather than focusing solely on communication techniques, it explores deeper layers such as friendship, emotional safety, and shared meaning. Through guided sessions, couples learn to de-escalate tension, resolve recurring conflicts, and nurture a sense of teamwork and closeness. Whether you feel distant or are rebuilding after hurt, this approach helps you reconnect with empathy, care, and renewed commitment.
Feel stuck in recurring conflicts that never reach resolution.
Struggle with communication that often turns defensive or critical.
Experience emotional distance or a loss of intimacy.
Want to rebuild trust after betrayal or broken agreements.
Feel more like roommates than romantic partners.
Long to strengthen your friendship and emotional safety.
Hope to create a relationship that feels supportive, secure, and lasting.
Desire tools to handle conflict calmly and repair effectively.
Want to nurture a connection that feels fulfilling and enduring.
• Personalized referral plan with a therapist match guarantee
• Highly vetted therapists who are real, warm, and relatable
• A reputable clinic that has supported over 2,000 clients across BC
• Virtual counselling anywhere in BC — evenings and weekends available
• Holistic, collaborative care designed around your unique needs
• A dedicated clinic concierge to support you every step of the way
If you have any questions for us prior to booking an appointment or being matched with a therapist, please fill out this contact form and our clinic concierge will get back to you during business hours (Monday- Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm PST).
We look forward to supporting you!
604-418-8827
hello@gatherandground.ca
Meet members of our team who work with this approach.
Gottman Method couples therapy is an evidence-based form of relationship counselling developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman. It helps couples strengthen friendship, manage conflict, and build intimacy using proven strategies backed by over 40 years of research. The Gottmans are key leaders in the field of relationship work.
The Gottman Method works by combining structured assessments with practical tools. Couples learn to reduce negative communication patterns (the “Four Horsemen”), increase positive interactions, and build a strong foundation known as the “Sound Relationship House.” Our Gottman Therapists at Gather & Ground will guide partners through exercises that improve connection, trust, and long-term relationship satisfaction.
This approach is effective for communication breakdowns, ongoing conflict, infidelity recovery, parenting stress, financial disagreements, or feelings of emotional disconnection. In Vancouver and across BC, many couples use the Gottman Method to rebuild trust, strengthen intimacy, and reconnect with one another - including our relationship specialized counselling practice Gather & Ground Wellness!
Any couple can benefit—whether dating, engaged, married, or in a long-term partnership. It is especially effective for couples in BC who feel stuck in recurring conflicts, want to heal from a betrayal, or wish to deepen their emotional bond. Individuals who like direct and specific care will benefit from this.
Yes. The Gottman Method is one of the most researched approaches to couples counselling, with proven success in improving communication, reducing conflict, and increasing relationship satisfaction. Many couples from Gather & Ground have reported lasting positive changes after completing therapy.
The number of sessions varies depending on your goals. Some couples benefit from short-term therapy (about 10–12 sessions), while others choose longer-term support to address deeper issues. Your Gather & Ground therapist will work with you to set a pace and structure that fits your individual needs.
Many extended health plans in British Columbia cover sessions with a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), Canadian Certified Counsellors (CCC), and Registered Social Workers (RSW). It’s best to confirm directly with your provider. Our Vancouver clinic issues detailed receipts to make the reimbursement process simple and stress-free.
Unlike general couples counselling, the Gottman Method is based on decades of scientific research. It provides couples with specific, research-tested tools rather than only open discussion. Gather & Ground Gottman therapists use this structured and practical approach as it one of the most effective methods for improving relationships worldwide.
Couples often notice more respectful communication, fewer escalated arguments, and a stronger sense of friendship and intimacy. Our clients have reported feeling more resilient, trusting, and confident in navigating challenges together. Research consistently shows that the Gottman Method improves long-term relationship satisfaction and overall relational health.
Sessions usually last 50–90 minutes. They often begin with a relationship assessment to identify strengths and challenges. Gottman Therapists can incorporate these skills in different ways however common practices are guided exercises, such as stress-reducing conversations, conflict de-escalation strategies, and intimacy-building activities Our therapists will help you create patterns that last outside the therapy room.
Yes. Our counselling clinic is located in Vancouver and offers Gottman Method couples therapy. We provide secure online/virtual sessions, making it accessible for couples anywhere in British Columbia—including Victoria, Kelowna, Kamloops, and smaller BC communities. Our goal is to remove barriers to support and care.
Search for counsellors who list Gottman Method training as part of their credentials. At our Vancouver clinic, several of our therapists are trained in the Gottman Method and offer online sessions, making it easy to access support across BC.
